Dr. Yousaf Riaz

Dr. Yousaf Riaz has championed the sustainable management of Pakistan's natural resources through pioneering work in integrated farming, rural development, and critical water reclamation and conservation.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to national food and water security, he was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award in 2015.

From his earliest education, Dr. Yousaf's parents granted him complete autonomy to choose his field of study and pursue his chosen profession.

Building on his foundational degree, an M.Sc. in Economics from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, he pursued a two-year professional degree in apiculture (beekeeping) from a German institute and agro-based cottage industries to diversify his knowledge into practically applying the science of economics in natural resource management and agricultural development.

His dedication to applied economics is demonstrated by training over 1,600 farmers across rural Pakistan, empowering them to access lucrative export markets in the Middle East for their honey and agricultural goods. This on-the-ground experience informed his subsequent research, culminating in a PhD in Environmental Economics.

After successfully demonstrating his bio-remediation and integrated farming concept at NARC in 2008, Dr. Yousaf's expertise was formally recognized. The following year, under the auspices of the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, he founded the National Institute of Bio-remediation (NIB). As its founding Director, he was responsible for its operational launch, including the appointment of 87 scientific and support staff, and for steering its core mission: conducting research to enhance bio-remediation applications.

Executive Director, KDP

While conducting training programs, Dr. Riaz witnessed firsthand the severe impact of water pollution on rural communities. Determined to find a solution, he pioneered a cost-effective bioremediation system using local aquatic plants, microbial consortia, and bio-construction techniques. After consulting with national and international R&D institutions, he successfully demonstrated this innovative concept in 1997-98. This breakthrough led to a partnership with UNICEF, through which he developed five model villages based on his "Integrated Sanitation & Farming System" (ISFS), transforming wastewater into a resource.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz's professional journey started in the fascinating world of honey bees, studying the intricacies of one of nature's most socialized animals.

Dr. Riaz got a chance to spend a glorious time of his youth in a society where rights, obligations, and responsibilities are performed at their best; the bee community has outstanding equity and equality in practice and optimum utilization of resources in all walks of life.

He is also the author of the book Sustainability through Optimum Utilization of Existing Resources, which reflects his lifelong commitment to guiding society toward responsible stewardship, economic resilience, and environmental care.

At the National Institute of Bio-remediation (NIB), extensive research was undertaken to advance bio-remediation applications. The institute provided a dynamic platform where more than 200 MS and 20 PhD scholars conducted their research using its state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facilities. Building on this academic and scientific foundation, over 150 large- and small-scale bio-remediation projects were successfully implemented across corporate, development, and public sectors, making a tangible impact on wastewater treatment and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.

In his role as an Ambassador for the Blue Community, Dr. Yousaf Riaz champions the core principles of this Swiss-based international initiative, which works globally to protect water as a public trust and promote strategies for its sustainable conservation.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz's expertise in Bio-remediation has been demonstrated through high-impact projects, most notably at the renowned Rose & Jasmine Garden in Islamabad. There, he designed and executed a successful Bio-remediation initiative that received significant acclaim. His contributions were formally acknowledged by the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), alongside dignitaries, politicians, and diplomats, highlighting the project's national and international importance.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz's expertise is best exemplified by the Rose & Jasmine Bio-remediation Garden in Islamabad—a project of such national importance that it was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain. This landmark initiative received widespread acclaim from the CDA leadership, diplomats, and government officials.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz is a distinguished professional whose career is dedicated to the innovative and optimal use of natural and human resources for societal betterment. His expertise is particularly evident in the critical field of water management.

A significant contribution to this field is his authored book, "The Responsibility Ignored: Water and Wastewater Economy of Pakistan." This work provides a crucial historical overview of Pakistan's water situation spanning several decades, analyzing the economic and infrastructural challenges surrounding water and wastewater.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was conferred a Presidential Award by the then-President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, on October 14, 2015. This prestigious honor is a testament to the significant and positive impact of his work at a national level.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz is a distinguished professional recognized for his innovative and impactful career. His work is characterized by a dedicated focus on harnessing both natural and human resources to their fullest potential for the betterment of society.

Bio-remediation Projects Inaugrations & Briefings

The foundational milestone in Dr. Yousaf Riaz's career was the establishment of the Bio-remediation Institute in Lahore. Honoring the legacy of former Prime Minister Ms. Benazir Bhutto, the institute was inaugurated on January 10, 2010, by the President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. This institution stands as a national testament to Dr. Riaz's vision and early pioneering work in the field of bioremediation.

The inauguration of the Bio-remediation Institute catalyzed high-level policy discussions. Following its launch, Dr. Riaz was invited to brief the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, on its potential. The briefing focused on developing a comprehensive national project.

Following the successful replication of his nature-based bioremediation model across Pakistan, Dr. Riaz played a key role in introducing and promoting this sustainable concept on the international stage.

His pioneering work was formally presented to member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), showcasing Pakistan's leadership in innovative environmental solutions.

Representing the State of Pakistan

Building on his international advocacy within the SAARC and OIC blocs as a representative of the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Dr. Yousaf Riaz extended his influence as a global speaker, traveling worldwide to share his discoveries. His presentations focused on the paradigm of maximizing the utilization of local natural resources to manage water scarcity and rehabilitate degraded soil fertility, offering practical, sustainable solutions derived from his extensive research and field projects.

Istanbol, Turkey

Colombo, Srilanka

Synthesizing a lifetime of academic learning, professional achievements, and earned experiences, Dr. Yousaf Riaz has dedicated himself to the holistic betterment of the village of Khushpur. His approach involves mobilizing experienced individuals and forging strategic consortia among church-based organizations, national and international NGOs, and institutional donors. Through these inclusive, collaborative efforts, he aims to restore the socio-economic and spiritual prosperity of the community, applying his renowned principles of sustainable resource management at the most fundamental and human level.

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