H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Conservation Breeding Centre, Lal Sohanra, situated 65 km east of Bahawalpur in the Cholistan Desert, is a flagship project of Houbara Foundation International Pakistan established in March 2015. Characterized by a unique biodiversity environment, it serves as a natural habitat for Chinkara Gazelles, Blackbucks, and Blue Bulls, along with several other species—some of which have emerged from the brink of extinction and adopted this as their new abode. With minimal human signature that is unavoidable to ensure safety and nurturing of flora and fauna, CBC is a 15x11 km secured enclosure with 24x Watch Towers manned round-the-clock, augmented by day & night patrolling within and outside the fence to check illegal hunting and poaching. The species sustain on the organic vegetation/shrubs available within; however, only water points called ‘tobas’ are recharged on required basis in extreme weather to preclude drought-like conditions.
Pakistan is blessed with unique ecological systems. It is our responsibility to safeguard our flora, fauna and the total environment for our future generations.
Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed (Retd) SI, SI (M)
President: Houbara Foundation International Pakistan
Vice President Emeritus WWF, Pakistan
MISSION
Safeguard the unique flora and fauna of Cholistan Desert, promoting conservation to protect declining Chinkara and Blackbuck populations and maintain ecological balance.
AIM
To protect and conserve the desert ecosystem, including native plant species, wildlife, and their habitats.
OBJECTIVES
Conservation
- Promote conservation of Chinkara and Black Bucks through captive breeding in a semi-wild environment.
- Establish and maintain habitat for all species in the Centre.
- Promote sustainable resource use to prevent habitat degradation.
- Prevent poaching and illegal intrusions.
- Monitor and control predation.
Research & Education
- Provide a suitable environment for research in desert ecology.
- Enable students to develop practical skills.
- Offer educational modules for schools, universities, and the public.
Community Awareness
- Engage local communities to raise awareness through sustainable resource management.
- Provide employment opportunities related to Centre management.
- Incentivise ownership of conservation initiatives.
Researh & Administration
CBC serves as a vast composite resource on Houbara, Chinkara, Blackbuck species and botanical research of Desert flora & fauna for students ex- CUVAS, IUB and freelance Conservationists. The Research Centre is equipped with advanced laboratory tools to perform autopsy and other procedures under guidance of HFIP Veterinary Officers.
The Security segment comprises 75x Guards under Retd Officers and JCOs who man the 24x Watch Towers apart from carrying out regular day/night patrolling to prevent intrusions and poaching. They are complemented by an Inspector and 9x Watchers from Punjab Wildlife Deptt to prosecute the culprits.
Other requisite man-power (approximately 70 – 80) is recruited from amongst the locals to develop ownership and create conservation awareness. Regular periodic Medical and Veterinary camps are organized by Houbara Foundation around the periphery to treat locals and their livestock by HFIP & Local Tehsil Administration Doctors and Paramedical Staff.