RAWALPINDI - Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority (Land Acquisition & Resettlement) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for research studies on environment, wildlife, forestry and range management for Diamer Bhasha.Prof Dr Irfan Ul-Haque, Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR and Dr Raheal Ahmad Siddiqui, General Manager (LA&R) WAPDA signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations. The purpose of this MoU is to establish an effective collaboration and establishment of joint research cooperation by providing technical, financial and other collaboration support for protecting environment and natural resource conservation in achieving the goals of mega project (Diamer Basha Dam Project) for best public interest.This MoU is intended to conduct research in Diamer Basha Dam Project area in the fields of Ecological Conservation, Afforestation and Natural Resource Management for Diamer Basha Dam Project Area through M.Phil and PhD students of Faculty of Forestry, Range Management & Wildlife, PMAS-AAUR.Under the MoU, both organizations will work jointly to enhance and strengthen closer cooperation in protecting natural resource base of Diamer Basha Dam Project area. Under the MoU, it is also mentioned that the research to be undertaken by students/scholars of PMAS-AAUR would be on topics coveringEnvironment, forestry, Rangeland and Wildlife, Socio-Economic (Livelihood) for the watersheds of Diamer Basha Dam Project (Diamer District and Kohistan District).The PMAS-AAUR would submit research reports/thesis and publications toWAPDA on pre arranged timeframe. The outcome of research studies would lead to sustainable conservation of natural resources including forests and rangelands around the Basha Dam Project area.