I am Manzoor Qureshi, a conservation biologist and natural resource management practitioner with over twenty years of experience working at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience in the fragile mountain ecosystems of the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram. My work reflects a core principle aligned with Confluence 2026: lasting solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises must emerge from the integration of local knowledge, community leadership, and scientific evidence.
These mountain landscapes are global ecological assets yet frontline climate zones, where glacier retreat, water scarcity, rangeland degradation, and biodiversity loss directly threaten livelihoods. Communities here contribute least to global emissions but face disproportionate impacts. Addressing this imbalance between vulnerability and voice has been central to my professional journey.
With academic training in Wildlife and professional experience with organizations such as ISLT, WWF, IUCN, and projects supported by UNDP, IFAD, SDC, JICA, and the Government of Pakistan, I have worked across scales, from high-altitude field conservation to policy-relevant program design. I currently serve as Program Manager for Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP).
My career began with Snow Leopard conservation, revealing the deep interdependence between wildlife, pastoral livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Recently I am leading integrated, community driven initiatives focusing on sustainable resource governance, alternative livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. I seek to engage with Confluence 2026 to share grounded mountain perspectives, learn from global peers, and contribute to reimagining just, regenerative, and inclusive pathways for people and nature.
I am Manzoor Qureshi, a conservation biologist and natural resource management practitioner with over twenty years of experience working at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience in the fragile mountain ecosystems of the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram. My work reflects a core principle aligned with Confluence 2026: lasting solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises must emerge from the integration of local knowledge, community leadership, and scientific evidence.
These mountain landscapes are global ecological assets yet frontline climate zones, where glacier retreat, water scarcity, rangeland degradation, and biodiversity loss directly threaten livelihoods. Communities here contribute least to global emissions but face disproportionate impacts. Addressing this imbalance between vulnerability and voice has been central to my professional journey.
With academic training in Wildlife and professional experience with organizations such as ISLT, WWF, IUCN, and projects supported by UNDP, IFAD, SDC, JICA, and the Government of Pakistan, I have worked across scales, from high-altitude field conservation to policy-relevant program design. I currently serve as Program Manager for Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP).
My career began with Snow Leopard conservation, revealing the deep interdependence between wildlife, pastoral livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Recently I am leading integrated, community driven initiatives focusing on sustainable resource governance, alternative livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. I seek to engage with Confluence 2026 to share grounded mountain perspectives, learn from global peers, and contribute to reimagining just, regenerative, and inclusive pathways for people and nature.
I seek to attend Confluence 2026 because it represents a meaningful convergence of knowledge, practice, and leadership required to address the accelerating challenges facing fragile mountain ecosystems. As a conservation professional with over two decades of experience in participatory conservation and sustainable development in high mountain regions, my work has consistently focused on integrating community needs with the scientific imperatives of biodiversity conservation.
Mountain landscapes are on the frontline of climate change. Rising temperatures, glacier retreat, altered hydrology, ecosystem degradation, and increasing disaster risks are directly threatening both biodiversity and the resilience of mountain communities. Confluence 2026 offers a timely opportunity to deepen my understanding of innovative, cross-sectoral approaches to climate adaptation, ecosystem-based management, and community-led resilience.
I view the Confluence 26 as a space to strengthen my leadership capacity, refine adaptive management skills, and learn from diverse global experiences that bridge science, policy, and grassroots action. The emphasis on collaboration and shared learning aligns strongly with my professional approach, where conservation succeeds only when communities are active stewards of their natural resources.
Equally important, I bring practical, field-based experience from complex mountain systems where traditional knowledge, participatory governance, and scientific conservation must work in harmony. I look forward to contributing these perspectives to the collective learning at Confluence 2026 and, in return, translating the insights, tools, and networks gained into tangible actions that enhance biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in mountain communities where I work.
I seek to attend Confluence 2026 because it represents a meaningful convergence of knowledge, practice, and leadership required to address the accelerating challenges facing fragile mountain ecosystems. As a conservation professional with over two decades of experience in participatory conservation and sustainable development in high mountain regions, my work has consistently focused on integrating community needs with the scientific imperatives of biodiversity conservation.
Mountain landscapes are on the frontline of climate change. Rising temperatures, glacier retreat, altered hydrology, ecosystem degradation, and increasing disaster risks are directly threatening both biodiversity and the resilience of mountain communities. Confluence 2026 offers a timely opportunity to deepen my understanding of innovative, cross-sectoral approaches to climate adaptation, ecosystem-based management, and community-led resilience.
I view the Confluence 26 as a space to strengthen my leadership capacity, refine adaptive management skills, and learn from diverse global experiences that bridge science, policy, and grassroots action. The emphasis on collaboration and shared learning aligns strongly with my professional approach, where conservation succeeds only when communities are active stewards of their natural resources.
Equally important, I bring practical, field-based experience from complex mountain systems where traditional knowledge, participatory governance, and scientific conservation must work in harmony. I look forward to contributing these perspectives to the collective learning at Confluence 2026 and, in return, translating the insights, tools, and networks gained into tangible actions that enhance biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in mountain communities where I work.
Once I will be accepted in the training, I will be very happy and excited to be with the other participants from different walks of lives and ready to share my experience with them. I am anticipating to share my knowledge and experience through PowerPoint presentation enlightening the general work I am doing as forest law enforcement in the field to protect natural resources. This will showcase my duties and roles in a larger perspective of my experiences. I will be able to show field pictures and how they are connected to my real duty on the ground. I am also hoping to organize group discussion with other participants to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in our areas of work. This will give me the opportunity to interact with my colleagues and share my knowledge with them. I also be open for an interview panel question session with other participants to ask some questions where they have interest in my area of work. This will give an opportunity to illustrate my in-depth experience in my area of work and also will give the participant s time to share their experience on the same.
Once I will be accepted in the training, I will be very happy and excited to be with the other participants from different walks of lives and ready to share my experience with them. I am anticipating to share my knowledge and experience through PowerPoint presentation enlightening the general work I am doing as forest law enforcement in the field to protect natural resources. This will showcase my duties and roles in a larger perspective of my experiences. I will be able to show field pictures and how they are connected to my real duty on the ground. I am also hoping to organize group discussion with other participants to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in our areas of work. This will give me the opportunity to interact with my colleagues and share my knowledge with them. I also be open for an interview panel question session with other participants to ask some questions where they have interest in my area of work. This will give an opportunity to illustrate my in-depth experience in my area of work and also will give the participant s time to share their experience on the same.
I intend to apply the learning from Confluence 2026 both professionally and personally to strengthen my effectiveness as a conservation practitioner working in fragile mountain ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Professionally, the knowledge and best practices gained from Confluence 2026 will enhance my strategic decision-making in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience programming. I will apply improved management and coordination approaches to reduce duplication of efforts among stakeholders, strengthen institutional collaboration, and design evidence-based interventions addressing ecosystem degradation, wildlife crime, and climate-induced risks. The skills acquired in data analysis and knowledge management will be used to develop organized, up-to-date databases for biodiversity monitoring, forest and wildlife crime reporting, and climate vulnerability assessments saving time, improving accuracy, and supporting adaptive management. I also plan to adopt clutter-free Confluence strategies to ensure that project information, lessons learned, and technical resources remain accessible and current across teams and partner institutions.
Personally, Confluence 2026 will help me refine my career development planning by setting clear, measurable goals aligned with both organizational priorities and global frameworks such as the SDGs. I will promote a culture of continuous learning by mentoring field staff, community rangers, and young professionals encouraging them to develop individual growth plans, strengthen communication skills, and document field-level innovations. I also plan to create regular forums for knowledge sharing, where teams can exchange success stories and lessons learned, fostering innovation, accountability, and collective problem-solving.
Overall, Confluence 2026 will enable me to translate knowledge into action for resilient communities and sustainable mountain ecosystems.
I intend to apply the learning from Confluence 2026 both professionally and personally to strengthen my effectiveness as a conservation practitioner working in fragile mountain ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Professionally, the knowledge and best practices gained from Confluence 2026 will enhance my strategic decision-making in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience programming. I will apply improved management and coordination approaches to reduce duplication of efforts among stakeholders, strengthen institutional collaboration, and design evidence-based interventions addressing ecosystem degradation, wildlife crime, and climate-induced risks. The skills acquired in data analysis and knowledge management will be used to develop organized, up-to-date databases for biodiversity monitoring, forest and wildlife crime reporting, and climate vulnerability assessments saving time, improving accuracy, and supporting adaptive management. I also plan to adopt clutter-free Confluence strategies to ensure that project information, lessons learned, and technical resources remain accessible and current across teams and partner institutions.
Personally, Confluence 2026 will help me refine my career development planning by setting clear, measurable goals aligned with both organizational priorities and global frameworks such as the SDGs. I will promote a culture of continuous learning by mentoring field staff, community rangers, and young professionals encouraging them to develop individual growth plans, strengthen communication skills, and document field-level innovations. I also plan to create regular forums for knowledge sharing, where teams can exchange success stories and lessons learned, fostering innovation, accountability, and collective problem-solving.
Overall, Confluence 2026 will enable me to translate knowledge into action for resilient communities and sustainable mountain ecosystems.
My motivation to attend Confluence 2026 is grounded in over two decades of professional experience in participatory conservation and sustainable natural resource management in the fragile mountain ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. My work focuses on balancing community livelihoods with the scientific importance of biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, where effective leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and institutional coordination are essential.
I bring strong international exposure and cross-cultural engagement to the Confluence learning environment. I was among 18 mid-career conservation professionals globally selected for a highly competitive, month-long fellowship at the Kinship Conservation Institute (KCI), Montana State University, in 2003, which strengthened my leadership capacity and ability to collaborate across cultures and disciplines. In 2018, I was invited by the Community Conservation Research Network to present my work on biodiversity conservation in Bunji, Gilgit-Baltistan, at an international forum in Halifax, Canada. In 2019, I presented “Trophy Hunting: A Tool for Conservation and a Sustainable Source of Income for Local Communities in Gilgit-Baltistan” at the 7th World Mountain Ungulate Conference in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
Through Confluence 2026, I aim to further strengthen my leadership, governance, and data-driven decision-making skills and expand my professional network. I will apply this learning to improve conservation planning, reduce institutional duplication, and scale climate-resilient, community-owned conservation models in Gilgit-Baltistan. The impact of my participation will extend beyond personal growth to measurable improvements in biodiversity outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and community resilience.
My motivation to attend Confluence 2026 is grounded in over two decades of professional experience in participatory conservation and sustainable natural resource management in the fragile mountain ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. My work focuses on balancing community livelihoods with the scientific importance of biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, where effective leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and institutional coordination are essential.
I bring strong international exposure and cross-cultural engagement to the Confluence learning environment. I was among 18 mid-career conservation professionals globally selected for a highly competitive, month-long fellowship at the Kinship Conservation Institute (KCI), Montana State University, in 2003, which strengthened my leadership capacity and ability to collaborate across cultures and disciplines. In 2018, I was invited by the Community Conservation Research Network to present my work on biodiversity conservation in Bunji, Gilgit-Baltistan, at an international forum in Halifax, Canada. In 2019, I presented “Trophy Hunting: A Tool for Conservation and a Sustainable Source of Income for Local Communities in Gilgit-Baltistan” at the 7th World Mountain Ungulate Conference in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
Through Confluence 2026, I aim to further strengthen my leadership, governance, and data-driven decision-making skills and expand my professional network. I will apply this learning to improve conservation planning, reduce institutional duplication, and scale climate-resilient, community-owned conservation models in Gilgit-Baltistan. The impact of my participation will extend beyond personal growth to measurable improvements in biodiversity outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and community resilience.