By: Shehneela Mazhar
Under our series #PUANEcoWarriors, meet our dedicated environmentalist Dr. Shahla Nazneen! She is recipient of exchange program named “Air Quality”. Having been a part of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Peshawar since 2008, Dr. Shahla’s dedication to her field has remained evident since the beginning. Armed with a PhD in Environmental Sciences, she not only educated but inspired. Her classroom was a platform where the seeds of change were sown, teaching courses on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Laws and Policies.
Yet, her endeavors went far beyond the walls of her classroom. With the conviction that awareness breeds action, she organized not one, but two conferences on Climate Change. Her expertise was a driving force, making her a sought-after resource person in PUAN, where she imparted valuable knowledge on technical training and climate change awareness. Under the banner of US AID, she led the charge on training related to Water Management and Climate Change.
Her commitment didn’t waver when it came to significant dates on the environmental calendar. Earth day, water day, biodiversity day, wetland day – each occasion was marked with meaningful events, testament to her dedication.
A prolific author and co-author of numerous publications both nationally and internationally, Dr. Shahla’s research was a reflection of her deep-rooted commitment. Her recent papers touched upon diverse topics, from glacier mass balance estimation using remote sensing and GIS technology to the impact of climate change on cropping patterns in the Himalayan foothills.
Beyond academia, her consultancy work ranged from Environment and Climate Change to WASH projects. The title of Green Youth Movement Focal person was more than a label – it was a mission. With fervor, she engaged her students in campaigns on climate change, solid waste management, eco-tourism, and water conservation.
Dr. Shahla’s journey didn’t stop at the boundaries of her beloved KP. Round Table conferences, workshops on environmental policies, and engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further showcased her unwavering commitment.
And so, Dr. Shahla Nazneen’s story continued to unfold, a tale of dedication, education, and unwavering commitment to the environment she loved.
