Islamabad: Nestle Pakistan has recently conducted a two-day training session in Naran, focusing on ecotourism and sustainable waste management as part of the Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Ecotourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TREK) program. This initiative is aimed at promoting a waste-free future and enhancing sustainability practices across the region.

According to Nestle Pakistan Limited, the training under the TREK initiative involved over 450 participants from the public and private sectors, including the hospitality industry, government, and civil society, across various locations such as Abbottabad, Swat, Galiyat, Chitral, Peshawar, Kumrat, and Naran. The sessions covered essential topics such as waste categorization, the importance of recycling, waste audits, basic food safety, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) compliance.

The Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Tashfeen Haider, highlighted the collaborative nature of the TREK program, which includes partnerships with Nestle Pakistan and the World Bank Group, aiming to bolster livelihood opportunities and address prevalent issues in the tourism sector such as waste management.

Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestle Pakistan, emphasized the role of the TREK initiative in advancing Nestle’s commitment to a waste-free future and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Nestle’s involvement in TREK includes launching a comprehensive awareness campaign on reducing, reusing, and recycling, and a stakeholder engagement plan to tackle waste, pollution, and wildlife destruction, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Nestle Pakistan is determined to ensure that its packaging, including plastics, does not contribute to landfill waste or pollution, aiming for a collaborative effort to sustain and rejuvenate the planet while supporting nutritious food systems for future generations.