Islamabad: In an important step towards enhancing sustainable tourism and preserving the environment, Nestle Pakistan has sought its clean project in Gilgit in Pastue (CGBP) to the remote area of Askole-Zero Point, located near the K2 base, the second highest mountain in the world. The initiative aims to manage and recycle 40,000 kilograms of annually created plastic waste in the region.
According to a statement issued by Nestle, as part of the expansion, Nestlé Pakistan donated the pressure and communication machine to the CAAAKORAM Central Park (CKNP), which will help to treat different types of plastic waste and paper. The device will pressure the waste collected to the Palat, which will then be transferred in the direction of the river course for recycling in cooperation with Gilgit-Baltistan Management Management (GBWMC).
Raja Nasser, Minister of Planning, praised the Gilgit government in Pentess, with the commitment of Nestle to environmental sustainability, saying: “We are happy with the efforts of Nestle for the future of waste-free in Askole, a fragile site near the Baltoro and Biafo-Gateways to the world.
“We are quick to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. Our vision is that none of our packages do not end in waste burials, pollutants, lakes, or rivers,” Jason Affans, CEO of Nestlé Pakistan, stressed the company’s environmental vision. He stressed the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving the solutions of sustainable waste management.
Sheikh Waqr Ahmed, head of corporate and sustainability affairs in Nestlé Pakistan, indicated that this initiative depends on the previous successes of the company under CGBP. “We previously installed three Paling machines in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu, as well as a sorting machine in partnership with EPA-GB and GBWMC. Over the past five years, these facilities have been able to manage more than 6800 tons of plastic packaging waste in the region.”
Nestle Pakistan has also installed 225 seats and more than 100 carpenter holders made of recycled plastic at 16 tourist hot points via Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Shigar and Kharmang. In addition, the company has distributed 15,000 reusable bags to enhance sustainable practices among local communities.
The delegate of Timistan, Kamal Khan, praised the expansion of the project to Askole-Zero Point and stressed the need for more public awareness to preserve the natural beauty of Gilgit in Pinch. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Sheyar, and God, Valhai, and senior officials from CKNP.
Askole, a small settlement in the Shigar area at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level, is a critical center for climbers heading to K2, Gasherbrum I and other major tops. The Nestlé initiative is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) – specifically goal 12: responsible consumption and production, and target 17: partnerships of goals – is the company’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices in the environmental sensitive areas.
