Islamabad - A delegation from AICS Islamabad has concluded a monitoring mission in the Gilgit-Baltistan Province. The delegation met with the communities of Minapin, Ghulkin, and Khunjerab, which are beneficiaries of the project "Global Assessment of the State of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Action in Northern Pakistan," carried out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They also inaugurated several sites restored for biodiversity protection and the promotion of eco-tourism. The partnership with IUCN is crucial for AICS Islamabad, and the project embodies the three principles of the Theory of Change guiding AICS strategy in the country: adapting to climate change risks, protecting cultural and natural heritage, and supporting the improvement of livelihoods in remote communities. The contribution of provincial authorities is essential for biodiversity protection and tourism promotion. During the four-day mission, the Provincial Tourism Minister and representatives from the Department of Forest, Parks, and Environment Protection accompanied the delegation. They provided feedback on the work done, demonstrating that the ownership of initiatives by institutional partners and beneficiary communities, along with the quality of execution by partner organizations, are key principles of the Italian intervention. (9colonne)