There is a need for a pragmatic approach by communities for sustainable conservation of biodiversity and wildlife resources to boost the productivity of the ecosystem in the country.This was stated by experts during a three-day conference on biodiversity by the Centre of Plant Biodiversity University at Bhara Gali in Abbottabad. The conference was organised with assistance from the Higher Education Commission.Dr Asad Ali, the chief coordinator of the conference and the director of the Botanical Garden in Nowshera, highlighted the significance of biodiversity and stressed on the active role of communities for conserving vegetation through collective initiatives. This, he said, was key for sustainable biodiversity conservation."Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, has an important role to play in our lives," he maintained. He pointed out how a large number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Moreover, greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all forms of life.Dr Ali said there was a need to protect biodiversity for our future generations by adopting practical measures. In this regards, the media, religious scholars and local government representatives have an important role in creating awareness amongst the public regarding the significance of biodiversity, wildlife and forests in our daily life.The sustainable use of biological resources, he explained, was still a challenge for the society as a whole and an integrated approach was required to tackle this challenge.Other speakers said the youth have an immense potential but require direction to play a constructive role. For this, academicians, parents and the society need to shoulder responsibility.The conservation of biological diversity ensures economic prosperity and ecological sustainability and is a tool to fight climate change, desertification and global warming, they said.Published in The Express Tribune, July 22, 2017.