PK0019 Pakistan: Conservation of Wetlands



Project Summary:

This project aims to conserve Pakistan's wetlands, many of which have already been lost to increasing human pressure, irrigation, and drainage projects. Pakistan's wetlands are a major wintering site for large populations of Palearctic waterfowl, and are an important habitat for a number of threatened species. They are also important to local people, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industries, important commercial and recreational fisheries, sediment traps, flood protection, and other essential functions.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 10Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 80 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 10 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 10
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 70
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

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Although predominantly arid and semi­arid, Pakistan has a wide variety of wetlands throughout the country, from coastal mangroves and mudflats on the Indus Delta, to the glacial lakes of the high Himalayas. Many of the natural lakes, marshes, and mangrove areas have already been lost or degraded through increasing human pressure, particularly from irrigation and drainage projects. Many new wetlands have been created in the form of reservoirs and overspills from irrigation canals. The wetlands of Sind, in the lower reaches of the Indus, have been particularly affected by dam construction and remain under threat from new schemes.

Pakistan was one of the first countries to sign the Convention on Wetlands (the Ramsar Convention), and in 1976 designated nine wetland sites to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Unfortunately research has since shown that a number of these wetlands do not meet the criteria for acceptance, and at least one (Kheshki) has been so degraded that it can no longer be considered even a wetland habitat. Two others (Drigh and Khabbaki) have suffered major ecological changes and have also lost their international importance. In contrast, there are a large number of presently unlisted wetlands which easily meet the criteria for listing as Ramsar sites.

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Pakistan's wetlands form a major staging and wintering area for large populations of Palearctic waterfowl, the so­called "Indus Flyway". Most of these birds come from breeding grounds in Russia, and either spend the winter in Pakistan or pass through en route to wintering grounds further south in India, Iran, or the Middle East. As well as supporting extremely large populations of wintering waterfowl, Pakistan's wetlands are important for a number of threatened species, such as marbled teal and white­headed duck, Dalmatian pelican, Indus dolphin, gharial, and marine turtle. Aside from these natural assets, Pakistan's wetlands are of great importance to local people, providing water for drinking, irrigation, industries, important commercial and recreational fisheries, sediment traps, flood protection, and other essential functions. The rapidly growing human population and the country's expanding economy are placing increasing pressure on natural and artificial wetlands; the situation is particularly acute in the Punjab Province. Specific threats include drainage, increased salinity and siltation from irrigation waters, the introduction of commercial fish species, pollution, hunting, and other forms of disturbance. There is therefore an urgent need to raise awareness of the socio­economic and natural values and functions of wetlands, and to develop a programme to integrate wildlife conservation with sustainable development on a network of wetlands throughout Pakistan. This project addresses these needs.

Project Objectives:

1. To set new priorities for wetland conservation in Pakistan.

2. To prepare management plans for all of the internationally important wetlands, for implementation by staff from appropriate agencies.

3. To develop information and education materials for different user groups.

4. To involve local communities at every stage of research, planning and management when surveying a wetland.

5. To establish a comprehensive database of the characteristics of important wetland sites.

6. To train stakeholders (local community, government personnel etc.) in mangroves conservation and plantation techniques.

PK0019.1: Conservation of Wetlands (Dec. 89 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

Project activities are divided into three phases: (a) the establishment of a wetland office and the training of a wetland officer; (b) the preparation of an action plan for the conservation and management of wetlands along the "Indus Flyway"; and (c) implementation of the action plan. Development and implementation of the programme will require close liaison with other national and international agencies.

Activity Objectives:

1. To establish a wetland office.

2. To better train and equip wetland managers.

3. To develop an action plan for wetland conservation.

4. To organize an international workshop in Pakistan.

5. To enhance the conservation of selected individual wetland sites.

6. To improve local awareness of wetland values.

7. To improve international liaison on matters related to wetlands conservation.

Activity Biomes:

Lake Systems; Marshes/Swamps.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Policy Development; Research and Monitoring.

Activity Species:

White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala); Marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris).

PK0022 Pakistan: Support for WWF­Pakistan's Environmental Education Programme

Project Summary:

Pakistan is an industrialized country with high population growth and increasingly stretched facilities. More and more pressure is being put on land use and forests and wetlands are being destroyed whilst pesticide and fertilizer usage is increasing. Waterlogging and salinity in rural community areas has become a serious problem. This project seeks to help educate people about these issues, and promote sustainable development by working through the country's local education system.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Pakistan is an industrialized country with a population growth rate of 3.2%. This is placing increasing pressure on municipal facilities in the rapidly expanding urban areas, and generating major problems in land use, destruction of forests and wetlands, pesticide and fertilizer usage, and waterlogging and salinity in rural community areas. There is an urgent need to educate the young about these issues and their impact on the daily lives of the Pakistani people, and to get across the idea of sustainable development early enough for it to have an effect on their development. This project therefore targets the education system in Pakistan.

Project Objectives:

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1. To expand WWF­Pakistan's environmental education programme in all four provinces, based on experience to date.

2. To develop audio­visual materials, leaflets, posters, and exhibit items on Pakistan's natural habitats and resources, in order to encourage their sustainable use.

3. To develop a network of Nature Clubs in selected schools in and around Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and Peshawar.

4. To raise interest in the environment among young people and to encourage schools to run projects on the environment.

5. To develop a series of comic books covering the various environmental issues of immediate and vital relevance to Pakistan, including deforestation, pesticides, river and air pollution, population pressure on limited natural resources and their sustainable use, etc., for distribution among schools in and around Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and Peshawar.

PK0022.1: Support for WWF­Pakistan's Environmental Education Programme (Dec. 90 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

Four education officers will be recruited for each province, to be trained by the senior education officer from Karachi, who has already received four weeks intensive training in England. The officers will contact selected public and private schools in their respective areas and work with groups of teachers from these schools, providing them with teaching materials. They will help each school set up a Nature Club for children, which will be the focal point for conservation activities. One person will be recruited in Lahore to produce a series of 12 comic books on critical conservation issues. Produced in the local language, the comics will then be distributed through the Nature Clubs. It is hoped that they will increase awareness of sustainable development and sustainable use of national resources.

Activity Objectives:

1. To publish community educational materials, posters, brochures, and resource materials.

2. To develop an elective environmental education (EE) course at university level.

3. To organize nationwide workshops for school teachers.

4. To train volunteers/extension workers so as to expand WWF­Pakistan's EE to remote areas.

5. To develop relevant material to be used in extension service.

6. To increase the number of awareness campaigns through the media of theatre, special events, seminars, and competitions throughout the country.

7. To develop a model community education project in the Zhob district to support WWF­Pakistan's ongoing sustainable development project there.

8. To hold a nationwide seminar on EE to promote awareness of critical issues at the national level.

9. To conduct community education workshops for volunteers and extension workers.

10. To promote the use of school grounds for EE.

11. To develop a series of short, informative videos on environmental themes pertaining to Pakistan.

12. To liaise with other non­governmental organizations and collaborate with them in EE and awareness.

Activity Methods:

Communications; Education; Institutional Support and Development; Training

PK0022.2: Animated Cartoons on Environmental Issues (Dec. 90 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

This is a spin-off from the successful WWF­Pakistan comic book "Mithoo Begum", published quarterly with 10,000 copies per issue. Animated cartoons on television will reach a much larger audience nationwide. WWF­Pakistan have established a team of professionals to set up the system and produce the programmes. The team consists of a leader and co-leader, each with several years of experience in computer graphics production, animation software, professional theatre, and cinematography, a graphic artist with expertise in using graphics and PC-based low­level animation software, three assistants, plus the support of a professional music composer.

Activity Objectives:

1. To develop in­house capability for computerized production of animated cartoons.

2. To produce 24 10-20 minute animated cartoon programmes on local environmental issues, to be used by Pakistani TV stations.

3. To set up banks/databases of images, sounds, film, music, and other data useful in the production of animated cartoons on computer.

PK0025 Pakistan: Environmental Data Resource Centre (EDRC)

Project Summary:

Under this project WWF-Pakistan maintains a systematic database of information, books, and audio-visuals on environmental issues, based in their Lahore office. The database assists WWF-Pakistan in their public awareness and information efforts.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 40Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 40 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 20 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

As WWF-Pakistan has expanded the scope of its activities, including numerous conservation and education projects, so there has been a growing need for accurate and relevant informational material. This has combined with a rapidly growing concern for, and awareness of, the environment in Pakistan. Hence the emergence of WWF-Pakistan's Environmental Data Resource Centre (EDRC), established under this project in 1992. The centre helps WWF-Pakistan to deal with requests for information/data on various general and topical environmental issues from individuals, organizations, government officials, researchers, students, and its own members, and in so doing helps to maintain the organization's reputation for scientific reliability.

Project Objectives:

1. To establish the core of a national EDRC at WWF-Pakistan's head office.

2. To publicize and encourage its use by professional researchers, wildlife and conservation departments, national policy-makers, non­governmental organizations, international organizations, and other interested individuals and parties.

3. To fill the critical gap created by the absence of an information centre at a time of growing environmental awareness.

PK0025.1: Environmental Data Resource Centre (EDRC) (Dec. 92 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

WWF-Pakistan's environmental awareness programme started at a steady pace, working in conjunction with several NGOs. Books and other materials on the environment and wildlife were gathered from various international agencies who kindly cooperated with WWF's effort to establish a respectable base of information on nature conservation and other environmental pursuits.

Activity Objectives:

1. To collect and update relevant information on the environment and wildlife.

2. To give assistance to people involved or interested in environmental research.

3. To increase awareness of environmental issues.

4. To circulate a newsletter to various national NGOs regarding WWF-Pakistan's environmental programme.

5. To collect various legal case summaries concerning environmental issues in Pakistan.

6. To catalogue any resolutions or objections raised in Pakistan's national and provincial assemblies concerning the environment.

7. To encourage the use of the data resource centre for environmental purposes.

Activity Methods:

Information Systems.

PK0026 Pakistan: Conservation of Migratory Birds in Chitral

Project Summary:

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This project aims to decrease the pressure on migratory birds in Chitral by reducing uncontrolled hunting and through a series of measures including education, publicity, and the formulation and implementation of legislation.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 50 Freshwater Ecosystems 50

Oceans and Coasts 0

Non-Priority Biomes 0Non-Biome Specific 0

Consumption & Pollution 0

EE & Capacity Building 20

Protected Areas 10

Species 30

Sustainable Resource Use 40

Treaties & Legislation 0

Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The district of Chitral is located in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), in the far north of Pakistan, and covers an area of 14,860 sq km. The hunting of birds in Chitral is a traditional sport, however this has become highly unsustainable with the increase in human population and the amount of people involved in the activity. Depending on the availability of resources and the age of the hunters, different groups of birds are targeted. These include ducks, doves, thrushes, and small birds such as sparrows. Falcons and Houbara bustards are trapped during migration in September and sold to falconers and hunters. Although hunting statistics for other birds are not yet available, it is known that more than 100,000 ducks are killed each year in Chitral. This project was initiated in 1993 to create an awareness and appreciation of birds and the valuable natural resource they provide, and to stop their uncontrolled killing.

Project Objectives:

1. To create public awareness regarding the wise use of migratory bird resources.

2. To reduce the current hunting pressure on migratory bird populations in general, and on endangered bird species in particular.

PK0026.1: Conservation of Migratory Birds in Chitral (Dec. 92 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

This activity focuses on: (a) educating hunters that they may form societies which impose self-restrictions on uncontrolled hunting; (b) creation of general awareness through lectures in schools, colleges and villages, articles in newspapers, radio talks, and display boards in prominent places; (c) meetings with local administrators and policy-makers for the formulation of better rules and regulations and their effective implementation; and (d) arranging workshops for the adoption of appropriate conservation measures.

Activity Objectives:

1. To secure the safety of an important flyway for migratory birds.

2. To increase public awareness of the need for conservation.

3. To protect falcons and other endangered species.

4. To identify more conservation areas in Chitral for future WWF activities.

Activity Biomes:

Marshes/Swamps.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Education; Species Management.

Activity Species:

Rock dove; Eastern rock dove; Grey heron (Ardea cinerea); Saker falcon (Falco cherrug); Spotted dove; Tickell's thrush; Mistle thrush; Blue rock thrush; Blue whistling thrush.

PK0029 Pakistan: Conservation of Chalghoza Forests Ecosystems, Suleiman

Project Summary:

This project proposes an integrated conservation and development programme for the tribal communities living in the Suleiman mountain range. The project will facilitate consensus building amongst the tribal communities on sustainable forestry and land­use practices. The project will also introduce alternative means of income generation, and will meet some of the development aspirations of these communities, such as the construction of a dirt road.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 90Consumption & Pollution 10
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 30
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 20
Non-Biome Specific 10 Sustainable Resource Use 40
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

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The Suleiman mountain range lies at the junction of three provincial boundaries of Pakistan: the Punjab, Balochistan, and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). A major portion of this mountain range lies in the tribal belt of NWFP and Balochistan provinces, whose political and administrative systems differ from those in the rest of Pakistan. The tribal areas constitute approximately 10% of the total land area of Pakistan. The tribal communities living in and around the Suleiman mountain range are called "Shiranis". Although there are several subtribes and branches of "Shiranis" in different valleys of the range, most of them have similar customs and traditions, and speak the same language, called "Pushto". Owing to past mismanagement and overuse, the biggest segment of the Suleiman range has lost its vegetation cover. However, one area, covering some 80 sq km, is still covered with several plant species. These include Olea and Acacia species on the lower elevations, and two pine species, "Pinus gerardiana" (known locally as "chalghoza") and "Pinus wallichiana", on higher elevations; the latter is confined to very small areas only. Although the exact area of "chalghoza" is not yet known, it is considered to be the biggest chunk of such forest found anywhere in Pakistan.

These forests are owned, to all practical use purposes, by more than 1,000 tribal families, with little interference from the government of Pakistan. The "chalghoza" forests produce edible seeds which are quite valuable and popular throughout Pakistan. During the seeding season (September to October), nearly 10,000 men, women and children collect "chalghoza" seeds and earn a reasonable amount of money from them. It has been estimated that some families make nearly CHF1,500 in the short seeding season, enough to meet the food costs of a small family for nearly one year. The dead and dry trees of this forest are the only source of fuel and timber in about 100 villages. The forests of the Suleiman range are the only remaining habitat of a wild goat ("Capra falconeri jerdone") which takes it local name, "Suleiman Markhor", from the mountain range. The species is highly endangered and may vanish if not protected. Over and above this, the presence of the forest, in otherwise totally barren surroundings, is a major source of groundwater which keeps several springs alive and freshwater streams running.

Unfortunately, the forests are now being cut down at a very fast rate, and for several reasons. Located in a tribal territory, the government can exercise little control over them. Opportunities for employment or earning income through other sources, e.g. farming, are non­existent, and trees are therefore cut and sold. There is a strong and influential gang of contractors who, by various means, buy forests, fell them and sell the timber. Some of the traditional tribal customs, festivals and ceremonies, especially marriages, cost a lot of money and since other sources of income are poorly tapped, the forests are overexploited. Tribal rivalries also bring about the destruction of forests; during conflicts the forests of the rival group are often destroyed.

There is no evidence of any conservation efforts on the part of the government or non­governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area. A sense of conservation seems to be totally lacking among the local tribal communities. A majority of the forest owners are illiterate and unaware of the value of their natural resources, so for them the present is more important than the future. Recently, because of the above and other factors, the cutting of forests has accelerated. According to one estimate, more than 30,000 trees were felled during 1991, the highest number of trees cut in the 10 preceding years. It has been estimated that if the clear-cutting of forests continues to accelerate at the same rate, the entire "chalghoza" forests of the Suleiman range could disappear within 10 years. If this happens, vast areas of top­soil will be washed away, taking with it hundreds of plant species and their dependent and associated fauna; and thousands of people will lose an important source of income, fuel, and timber. Springs and streams would dry up and floods would increase, resulting in the total devastation of the environment.

Aware of the negative impact of current forest cutting practices on present and future human generations in the Suleiman range, WWF-Pakistan has carried out studies on the feasibility of bringing an end to the deforestation. Results show that although it may take some time to induce positive changes in tribal attitudes, the goals should not be that difficult to achieve. The studies show that a good proportion of people in the valley may agree to stop cutting forests and killing wild animals if educated on the need for, and the benefits of, conservation. This could be done through effective communication and other means, including the granting of social and economic incentives. Similarly, significant changes could be achieved in the lifestyle and living standards of these people, should they assist in the sustainable and profitable use of their natural resources, as proposed by project. The benefits and successes of the project, once visible, would provide a highly motivating influence for tribal communities in the adjoining areas, as well as in the whole of the tribal belt of Pakistan. In this regard this project can be regarded as a pioneering one. If it succeeds it may bring new hopes for conservation not only in Pakistan, but also in Iran and Afghanistan.

Project Objectives:

1. To protect the forests of "Pinus gerardiana" and their associated biodiversity for the benefit of the local tribal communities who are dependent on these resources and environment.

2. To demonstrate the benefits of sustainable development and local empowerment for villagers in the area.

3. To establish a close, friendly, and cooperative working relationship between tribal communities and local government authorities in the interest of conservation and development of local societies.

4. To convince and eventually obtain the support and cooperation of forest-owning communities for protecting the "Pinus geradiana" forest ecosystem within the proposed project period, and to use the benefits obtained from this for motivating the forest owners in surrounding areas.

5. To educate and create awareness among the local tribal communities on the need for rational and sustainable use of their forests, wildlife, and rangeland resources.

6. To help local communities in creating alternate sources of fuel-wood and income through appropriate and profitable use of their agricultural and uncultivated land, and by adopting improved methods to enhance their income form the "chilghoza" seed business.

7. To devise appropriate methods for range management, improved agriculture, water development, and marketing of "chilghoza" seeds using available expertise, and to train local people in these techniques.

8. To enhance the interest of local government authorities in the project activities, and to involve them in the long-term sustainable development of the region.

PK0029.1: Conservation of Chalghoza Forests Ecosystems, Suleiman Range (Jul. 92 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

This activity is specifically targeted at protecting the "chilghoza" forests and their biodiversity for the benefit of the local community, and reducing the pressure on the forests by identifying the means and providing the incentives to improve the local economy.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest; Temperate Dry Evergreen Forest.

Activity Methods:

Agriculture Management; Community Conservation; Communications; Education; Forest Management; Species Management; Training.

Activity Species:

Markhor (Capra falconeri).

PK0030 Pakistan: WWF-Pakistan Environmental Officer

Project Summary:

Under this project, the WWF Pakistan Environmental Officer will address actions that reduce pollution and the wasteful consumption of energy and other resources. The officer will be the principal officer working on environmental protection/policy for WWF in Pakistan and will be based in Lahore.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 33Consumption & Pollution 50
Freshwater Ecosystems 33 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 34 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 40
Treaties & Legislation 10
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

In 1990 WWF redefined its Mission to include "promoting action to reduce pollution and the wasteful exploitation and consumption of resources and energy". As a first step towards this goal in Pakistan, an environmental officer was appointed to launch and coordinate WWF's environmental efforts in Pakistan, promoting sensible environmental management through international and national efforts. This project covers the expenses of employing the officer, and provides the necessary support services through WWF-Pakistan.

The officer will collect basic data on water pollution, air pollution (industrial and traffic related), and toxic wastes. Workshops will help to identify water and air pollution issues in Pakistan, and to obtain recommendations from experts as to how to address them. Priority geographical areas will be identified for studies on pollution levels and their effects on biodiversity, atmosphere, and coastal and inland water bodies; proposals for these studies will be developed in traffic, industrial air, and water pollution. Two workshops on environmental audits and environmental impact assessments (EIA) will be organized for the technical experts from industry and other development­related organizations. A small guide book on the environment of Pakistan will be developed and produced for the media, and a forum of non­governmental organizations (NGOs) will be established to coordinate activities on pollution, as well as to obtain support for WWF activities in this area. Wherever possible, model systems will be established, with collaboration from progressive agriculturists/industrialists or citizens. The project will establish a dialogue with government agencies and industry representatives, with a view to influencing government policy and industry actions in the area of pollution control and reduction. Promotional material will be developed and produced for education and awareness purposes.

Project Objectives:

1. To help coordinate the development and implementation in Pakistan of the third element of WWF's Mission, and to act as liaison between WWF International's Resource Consumption & Pollution Unit in Gland and officers in Pakistan.

2. To carry out a review of environmental pollution problems in Pakistan, prioritize areas for WWF action and develop a programme of activities relating to environmental quality in the region. Special attention should be paid to coastal and wetland pollution, atmospheric pollution, and toxins.

3. To provide technical expertise to WWF-Pakistan in order to develop effective activities on pollution, and to comment on such things as pollution legislation, energy policy, and EIAs.

4. To help build a network of NGOs working on pollution issues in Pakistan, and seek opportunities for WWF support to the activities of these NGOs and, where appropriate, develop joint activities.

PK0030.1: WWF-Pakistan Environmental Officer (Aug. 93 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

1. To establish WWF-Pakistan as an authority on pollution issues in Pakistan.

2. To fill the gaps that exist in pollution field research for use in lobbying, policy work, and public awareness purposes.

3. To develop local expertise in the field of environmental auditing and EIA techniques.

4. To develop models in pollution control for the government, citizens, and other agencies to follow.

5. To develop informative, educational materials on pollution issues in order to create a general awareness among the public.

6. To promote action to reduce pollution, wasteful exploitation and consumption of resources and energy to a minimum.

Activity Biomes:

Open Oceans and Seas; River Systems; Agricultural Land.

Activity Methods:

Institutional Support and Development; Lobbying; Policy Development; Programme / Project Development; Treaties.

PK0032 Pakistan: Sustainable Resource Use in Bar Valley and Adjoining Areas

Project Summary:

In 1990 WWF­Pakistan initiated conservation efforts to protect the endangered Himalayan ibex and other natural resources in the Bar Valley (Nagar subdivision), located in northern Pakistan. These efforts were designed first to increase the ibex population through a voluntary ban on illegal hunting, allow a sustainable harvest of the population, and facilitate promotion of ecotourism in the area. Revenue generated from these activities went towards the development of the Bar Valley community. By 1994 the Ibex population had increased to 1,000 and WWF recommended the government to allow controlled hunting in the area. Three licenses for trophy hunting were sold in 1995, part of the funds raised going for development and conservation in the area. In order to replicate this "model" project in four other areas, it is essential that the Bar Valley experience is documented and monitored. WWF therefore intends, under this project, to facilitate ongoing activities in ecotourism, environmental education, linkages with other organizations, and new conservation interventions, while at the same time undertaking feasibility studies in the other four replication sites so as to effectively incorporate the lessons learnt in the Bar Valley.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 70Consumption & Pollution 15
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 EE & Capacity Building 25
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 30
Non-Biome Specific 10 Sustainable Resource Use 30
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

WWF's Bar Valley project was initiated in 1990 for the protection of its natural resources, in particular the Himalayan ibex, brown bear, and snow leopard. Large-scale hunting of ibex to meet food requirements, especially during the winter, had reduced the ibex population in the valley to threatened proportions, while snow leopards were also declining as a result of poisons being used to keep them from preying on domestic goats and sheep. At the suggestion of WWF and local community leaders, local villagers agreed to stop hunting and killing all wildlife, provided they were compensated for the loss of their food source. Subsequently, through the effective wardening efforts of the local communities, the ibex population increased significantly. Snow leopard, brown bear and other wildlife of the area were afforded protection in the same way.

To help preserve the natural vegetation of the area, WWF­Pakistan also persuaded the local villagers to replace goats with less harmful grazing animals such as sheep. To further this, the community were introduced to the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP). Now, communities in adjoining valleys have also stopped wildlife hunting of their own accord, in the hope of implementing a sustainable development programme along the same lines as that in the Bar Valley. These communities approached WWF and presented written resolutions declaring their intended cooperation with similar programme in their areas. Therefore, WWF intends to continue this project and seek to replicate it in four more sites of the Northern Areas province, in those communities who have requested such assistance.

To undertake this challenge and long-term commitment, WWF has to strengthen its resources, both human and infrastructural, in the Northern Areas. While financing this initiative through its own resources from the recent PSD21 component, WWF-Pakistan is looking for donors to finance its partially funded Gilgit Conservation Centre. Once established, this centre would indicate a permanence in the area to the communities and provide a base for WWF's work to help initiate new economic incentives in the Bar Valley and adjoining areas. This in turn will help reduce pressures on the natural resources and serve to improve the quality of life. An initial participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach will look into the feasibility of replicating the Bar Valley model. The equipment costs and professional fees required for this will be provided by the project funding.

Project Objectives:

1. To promote sustainable use of natural resources as a means of achieving social and environmental benefits.

2. To broaden the range of community needs addressed.

3. To link isolated project initiatives and widen the geographical coverage of sustainable development projects.

4. To replicate or spread promising cross-sectoral initiatives.

5. To promote a supporting framework of laws and policies to enable rapid adoption of community-led initiatives.

PK0032.1: Sustainable Resource Use in Bar Valley and Adjoining Areas (Jul. 91 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

1. To protect and conserve a minimum of four sites of biodiversity importance in northern Pakistan, with the major focus on floral and faunal species of special biological and economic importance.

2. To facilitate the introduction of new economic incentives in the Bar Valley and to improve present economic activities with respect to the protection and sustainable use of natural resources, sensitivity, and preservation of cultural heritage and other cross-sectoral needs. The overall effect would be to improve the quality of human life and build capacity.

3. To create environmental and conservation awareness.

4. To provide training opportunities for local as well foreign students, so as to document and analyse the biodiversity of the new replication sites.

5. To facilitate development of the Bar valley as a potential site for ecotourism.

6. To document the Bar Valley experience in terms of its impact and design to serve as a model for future replication.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems; Temperate Woodland.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Ecotourism Development; Institutional Support and Development; Research and Monitoring; Species Management; Training.

Activity Species:

Himalayan ibex.

PK0032.2: Partnership for Sustainable Development Programme (Jul. 91 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Research and Monitoring; Species Management.

Activity Species:

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia); Himalayan ibex.

PK0040 Pakistan: Support Strategy for Protected Area Network in Pakistan

Project Summary:

This project provides support to selected protected areas in Pakistan to prevent and/or mitigate pre­ and post­establishment problems and disputes with local communities.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 30Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 100
Non-Priority Biomes 70 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Over nine per cent of Pakistan's land surface falls under protected area (PA) systems, in the form of 11 National Parks, 83 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and 86 Game Reserves. However, due to various known or obscure cirmcumstances, few PAs are even near to achieving the conservation of nature and natural resources. In several cases, serious disputes and conflicts have developed between local communities and government, sometimes regarding the establishment of PAs themselves. In many cases these conflicts have resulted in even more rapid destruction of habitat and threatened species by local people, in attempts to eliminate the very reasons for the establishment of the PAs. Since there has been no effort in the past to identify the root cause of these problems, there has been no progress to resolve them. This project attempts to determine the pre­ and post­establishment problems and complications of individual PAs, and to identify ways and means to help strengthen their management and maintain them as representative examples of their ecosystems.

Through a comprehensive document on individual PAs in Pakistan, including conservation and management strategies, WWF­Pakistan will be in a better position to follow up with concerned wildlife departments, so that the objectives of establishing PAs can be achieved without the problems experienced to date. Since the document will also identify the nature and kind of support that is required to maintain the ecological character of the various PAs, research organizations, individual researchers, receivers of WWF grants, and donor agencies will all be encouraged to provide the support needed in relevant areas.

Project Objectives:

1. To evolve conservation and management strategies for Pakistan's protected areas.

2. To produce a consolidated document on Pakistan's protected areas, after ascertaining the following information:

a) the major objective in establishing the PA;

b) the procedure adopted;

c) previous and current local uses and rights;

d) pre­ and post­establishment complications, if any;

e) the management system and its impacts on the state of the natural resources;

f) major bottlenecks, in cases of non­achievement;

g) recommendations to strengthen conservation and management in individual PAs.

3. To train a minimum of 50 people by involving them in various project activities for varying lengths of time.

PK0040.1: Support Strategy for Protected Area Network in Pakistan (Jul. 94 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

The main thrust of the project's activity is to create and manage PAs in accordance with the needs of their ecological and biological characteristics, and for the social and economic benefits of the people living around them.

Activity Objectives:

1. To review the current management status and problems of PAs.

2. To identify steps to maintain their ecological character.

3. To develop criteria for the establishment of future PAs.

Activity Biomes:

Open Oceans and Seas; Tropical Moist Forest; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.

Activity Methods:

Research and Monitoring; Protected Area Management.

Activity Species:

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia); Wild cat (Felis silvestris).

PK0042 Pakistan: Development of a Management Plan for Lal Sohanra National Park

Project Summary:

Under this project a team of experts in park management, forestry, wildlife, ecology, wetland management, and socio­economics will survey the Lal Sohanra National Park and develop a management plan on the basis of their findings. After discussion in a workshop, the management plan will be sent to the government for approval.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 100
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

The Lal Sohanra National Park (NP), also a Biosphere Reserve, is located about 32km east of Bahawalpur City in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. It was declared a NP in 1972 by the government and covers a total area of 51,368ha. Within this area are 1,935ha of wetlands, 8,500ha of man­made Indian rosewood plantations, 3,240ha of recently planted eucalyptus, and 38,600ha consisting of arid vegetation. The park has 25 bird species, 25 mammal species, 16 waterfowl species, 15 species of reptiles, and 23 fish species. The climate is arid, subtropical, and continental with very hot summers and mild winters. Annual rainfall is 150­200mm and the relative humidity ranges from 25­75%. The average minimum temperature in January is 15°C and the main maximum in June is 37°C, with extremes of between 1°C and 49°C recorded. The natural plant communities in the park include thorn and tamarisk forests, and suaeda ("Salsola scrib"). Introduced plant communities of "Dalbergia sissoo" and "Eucalyptus camaldulensis" also exist. The NP's significant fauna consists of chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, hyaena, caracal, wolf, common fox, and jackal. Black buck have almost been exterminated but the species is now being bred in captivity and reintroduced into the park. Birds include black partridge, gray partridge, peafowl, Houbara bustard, common quail, and a large number of Anatidae. Numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish species have also been recorded.

Current management practices are replacing original unique plant communities with exotic plants, which is leading to the loss of rare species such as caracal, and fencing the entire park area to keep out local people and their livestock. Since 1982, 3,240ha of indigenous desert flora have been replaced by eucalyptus, causing great damage to the natural plant communities. Punjab Forest Department is responsible for the park's management. Under the Punjab Wildlife Protection Act 1974, hunting, shooting, trapping, and killing of wild animals is prohibited. In early 1970 the wetland areas held 10,000-30,000 waterfowl. In 1990 only 3,770 birds were counted, and in 1992 this had fallen to 1,800. Marbled teal, formerly a regular visitor to the park's wetlands, has not been seen in recent times. A new management plan is urgently needed to replace the present damaging activities with well-considered conservation action.

Project Objectives:

1. To develop and implement a management plan for Lal Sohanra National Park for the conservation of the park's biological diversity.

PK0042.1: Development of a Management Plan for Lal Sohanra National Park (Jul. 94 - Jun. 95)

Activity Background:

Under this activity, an expert team will generate a management plan for Lal Sohandra National Park. The project team will collect field data, review all relevant literature, consult the local communities, and prepare the draft plan. On-site project staff will assist these activities.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Desert; Lake Systems.

Activity Methods:

Protected Area Management; Research and Monitoring; Species Management.

PK0047 Pakistan: Surveys, Management Planning and Proposals for Azad Kashmir

Project Summary:

The high altitudinal range and the variety of edaphic (soil) and climatic conditions in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, have produced a rich species diversity, both of flora and fauna. Uncontrolled cutting of forests and removal of vegetation are resulting in fast declining populations of many species. To save representative examples of flora and fauna from extinction, the government of Azad Kashmir has declared nine protected areas (PAs). However, certain flaws in the legislation and administrative set­up mean that forest logging is still going on in the protected areas and is damaging their ecological character. Moreover, there a number of sites outside the PAs which could be included in the PA network. This project aims to carry out an inventory of individual PAs, identify key problems, and suggest ways and means to preserve their natural characters.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 90Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 100
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 10 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is spread over an area of 13,297 sq km and lies within the lower Himalayan ranges. The different ecological zones, geographical conditions, and latitudinal variations have led to a great variety of vegetation occurring in Azad Kashmir. This includes high alpine pastures and scrub, subalpine forests, moist temperate forests, subtropical pine forests, and dry subtropical broadleaved forests in the lower hills and plains. All these major forest types are associated with a large number of shrubs and ground vegetation. Because of this variety of flora, Azad Kashmir harbours a variety of animal fauna, especially mammals and birds. Important among them are snow leopard, common leopard, leopard cat, grey langur, brown bear, black bear, grey goral, musk deer, Himalayan ibex, and markhor. Among the important birds species are the snow partridge, grey partridge, common quail, western horned tragopan, Himalayan monal pheasant, Kaleej pheasant, Koklass pheasant, and Chir pheasant.

In order to ensure the scientific management of this forest wealth, Azad Kashmir has a Forest Department, while the protection of wildlife is the responsibility of a Wildlife Division. The management and conservation of wildlife has been approached through the creation of protected areas (PAs), which include nine game reserves covering 49,700ha in district Muzaffar Abad, 1,000ha in Poonch, and 450ha in Mirpur. The administrative authority for the PAs is the Forest Department, which means that forests within the PAs are exploited according to forest working plans. Since such plans focus entirely on the exploitation of timber and do not take into account the habitats or conservation needs of the associated wildlife species, their implementation is a major cause of disturbance and habitat loss. So far the potential negative impacts have not been quantified for the main reason that protected areas were declared without any baseline surveys or data. It is therefore difficult to judge any differences in wildlife populations before and after establishment of the protected areas.

The government of Azad Jammu Kashmir has realized that the state's floral and faunal wealth is declining and that they must take action to prevent further declines and local extinctions of species. Lacking the necessary expertise in Kashmir, the government approached WWF­Pakistan for assistance. As a result, this project will begin with comprehensive surveys to determine the current status of all the protected areas. Simultaneously, existing legislation will be reviewed to see if wildlife (in particularly within PAs) has been provided with sufficient legal protection and whether there is an effective organization which can manage protected areas and their species on a scientific basis. The project will therefore propose improvements to existing structures. A project coordinator and hired consultants will work with government officials and other knowledgeable people to formulate a realistic strategy to improve upon the present situation. The project also aims to identify other potential sites for inclusion in the PA network.

One such possible site is Mangla reservoir, which supports a large number of migratory water fowl during the autumn and spring migration periods. With the reduction of several natural wetlands in some parts of Pakistan, the importance of man­made reservoirs is increasing. However, without legal protection status and lacking scientifically sound management, such reservoirs can play no significant role in the overall protection of migratory species. In addition to appointing qualified and experienced people to undertake surveys and collect other necessary information, young graduates will be associated with the teams to train them in survey and field research techniques.

Project Objectives:

1. To evaluate the current status of floral and faunal resources of the existing protected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

2. To assess the validity and effectiveness of the existing legislation and organizational set-up to improve and maintain the natural biodiversity of protected areas.

3. To identify new sites and assess their feasibility for inclusion in the protected areas network of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

PK0047.1: Surveys, Management Planning and Proposals for Azad Kashmir (Jul. 95 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

1. To survey all the Game Reserves of Azad Kashmir to find out:

a) the current status of key animals and bird species;

b) existing and potential problems for their sustained existence and safe propagation in the natural environment;

c) the adequacy of existing legislation to provide protection for the biodiversity resources of protected areas;

d) the amendments required in the legislation to cover the legal deficiencies and management constraints in relation to the conservation of the biodiversity in the protected areas.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Moist Forest.

Activity Methods:

Research and Monitoring.

Activity Species:

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia); Common leopard (Panthera pardus); Leopard cat (Felis bengalensis); Grey langur (Presbytis entellus); Brown bear (Ursus arctos); Black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus); Grey goral (Naemorhedus goral); Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus); Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex); Markhor (Capra falconeri); Snow partridge; Grey partridge; Common quail; western horned tragopan; Himalayan monal pheasant; Kaleej pheasant; Koklass pheasant; Chir pheasant.

(Concept) PK0048 Pakistan: Wetland Education Centre, Sandspit

Project Summary:

The Sandspit Wetland Education Centre will provide opportunities to bring people and wetlands and their wildlife close together, to educate on wetland ecology, and raise public awareness about the issues arising from the many human uses of wetlands. Pakistan's mangroves are the sixth-largest mangrove system in the world. Due to overexploitation mainly for fuel and fodder, they are disappearing very fast. Increasing pollution by urban growth and industrial expansion are also leading to the loss and degradation of mangroves.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 100 EE & Capacity Building 75
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 25
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Mangroves play an important role in building up and extending coastal soil through the accumulation of coastal sediments and in protecting shores from excessive erosion. However, ongoing reclamation, drainage, urbanization, industrial expansion, and pollution continue to take a toll on mangroves and much needs to be done to prevent further loss. Establishment of a Wetland Education Centre can play a vital role in the generation of awareness about the values of mangroves. Sandspit is the selected site for the centre. It is a famous coastal resort and also a breeding habitat of the endangered green turtle. The area supports a wide variety of birds. But the unchecked flow of industrial and municipal waste in the area is posing a serious threat to the habitat. About 150,000 people from Karachi and all over the country visit the coastal area each month to picnic and bathe.

WWF-Pakistan intend to furnish the centre with firsthand information on the importance of wetlands, mangroves, and waterfowl and their ecological and socio­economic role. Large numbers of students are expected to visit and use the centre's training and research facilities. It will also provide an opportunity to work with the local community for the conservation and management of mangroves. Two education officers - one man and one woman - will be appointed and will receive initial training from WWF-Pakistan's wetland and education officers. The Wetland Education Centre will bring people close to wetlands and their wildlife and enable them to learn about wetland ecology and the issues arising from the many human uses of wetlands. Moreover, such a centre will be uniquely placed to address land and species research and management where these relate to the human use of wetlands, and particularly to the interface between wetland habitats and their human visitors, as well as the concept of wise use.

Project Objectives:

1. To develop an area as a model to maintain and increase the diversity of wildlife and habitat.

2. To promote the use of mangrove forest for educational purposes by students and the general public.

3. To liaise with the local community and encourage them in mangrove conservation.

4. To provide training and research facilities in wetland management techniques.

5. To promote scientific research into mangroves.

6. To develop special education and awareness programmes for local communities.

PK0048.1: Wetland Education Centre, Sandspit (Jul. 95 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

Stretching south-east from Karachi to the Indian border and covering some 300,000ha, of which 200,000ha are mangroves, the Sandspit area is a vast complex of river channels, creeks, mangrove swamps and intertidal mudflats stretching 150km to the outer edge of the delta. The Sandspit zone's wetland communities include sandy coastal areas and mangrove forests associated with the main channels, saltmarshes and brackish swamps. The mangroves have fish and shrimp nurseries, and are ideal for educational studies and research. The Sandspit Wetland Education Centre is an education, research, and recreation facility based on wetlands, focusing particularly on the valuable wetlands of Sandspit. The centre is well situated to serve the whole wetland complex. It will be owned and operated by WWF­Pakistan, in particular the Karachi Regional Office and experts of the conservation/wetlands department. It is intended that the centre will be open every day throughout the year, with no entry fees at the outset.

With the assistance of the education department of WWF, the centre will promote the aims of environmental education by: accepting educational groups for fieldwork activities within the centre and its environs; assisting in planning environmental programmes and field trips; in­service training; assisting students to gain firsthand experience of a natural environment; assisting children/visitors to acquire an understanding and an awareness of the functioning of natural systems; assisting people to gain insight into the effects of modifying natural systems; assisting people to appreciate the need for and methods involved with managing environmental resources.

Visitor facilities: The education centre will have a display area; a 50-seat lecture hall with audio­visual facilities; a laboratory equipped with a full range of educational materialas for indoor and outdoor activities; a library, which will also serve as a sales outlet for posters, greeting cards, souvenirs, etc.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Marshes/Swamps.

Activity Methods:

Education.

(Concept) PK0049 Pakistan: Creation of Protected Areas in the Coastal Areas of Thatta and Badin

Project Summary:

The Indus Delta and its surrounding estuarine area in Sindh province, Pakistan, is one of the most important coastal wetlands in the country. These water bodies support countless migratory waterfowl and a variety of resident fauna, however the actual potential is still unknown. The proposed investigation aims to preserve the wetland ecosystem and to declare it as a protected area. An international workshop, to be held at Thatta/Karachi, will assess the area's natural resources and formulate recommendations for the creation of a protected area.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 100 Protected Areas 50
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 25
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 25
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

The Indus Delta and its surrounding estuarine area in Sindh province, Pakistan, is one of the most important coastal wetlands in the region. Rising population and growing demand for food self-sufficiency is increasing pressure upon these resources. There is a stretch of marshy coast and mudflats which has been identified by the Sindh Wildlife Department as a potential site for a protected area (PA) and they have approached WWF­Pakistan's for assistance. The area is known to be a breeding ground for flamingos and a staging ground for pelicans, cranes, storks, and many other species of waterfowl. The area is also notable as a migratory route for waterfowl - the Indus "Flyway". Providing protection to this area will ensure its retention as an outstanding ecosystem in which the sustainable use of its natural resources, as well as future research, can be pursued.

Project Objectives:

1. To conduct a general survey of the marshland and mudflat areas along the coast.

2. To propose the boundaries for the creation of a protected area.

3. To identify specific problems in the proposed area and to propose possible solutions to these problems, taking into consideration the needs of local people.

4. To propose appropriate measures to control the transport of pollutants through drainage canals.

PK0049.1: Creation of Protected Areas in the Coastal Areas of Thatta and Badin (Jun. 96 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Littoral Zones; Marshes/Swamps; Mudflats; River Systems.

Activity Methods:

Protected Area Establishment; Protected Area Management; Research and Monitoring.

(Concept) PK0050 Pakistan: Community­Based Management and Conservation Models

-­ Snow Leopards

Project Summary:

The snow leopard is endangered throughout its 12 range states in Asia. The main reasons for this are grazier activities, trade in its fur, and fragmentation of its habitat. Although legal protection is afforded to snow leopards in several countries, its populations are in decline. Pakistan is one of the most important range countries for snow leopard where legal protection exists. However, the leopard's precarious position is no different to other countries, which indicates that more practical and target-oriented actions are required. Experience has shown that the snow leopard can be protected provided graziers are motivated to cooperate. This project proposes to identify various mountain ranges with snow leopards and establish conservation models for replication within and outside Pakistan.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 20Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 30
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 10
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 40
Non-Biome Specific 80 Sustainable Resource Use 20
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a charismatic species of mountain ecosystems. Because of its beautiful fur and predatory nature, it is hunted in large numbers by both fur traders and graziers. This fact, combined with fragmentation in its natural range, has reduced snow leopard populations to the point of approaching extinction throughout its range states, including Pakistan. Although there have been many proposals and plans to protect snow leopards, in particular from graziers, there is as yet no working model and the conflict continues. WWF­Pakistan has been working with grazier communities for the conservation of various wildlife species for some time. This association has revealed that graziers can be motivated to help protect snow leopard, provided they are helped to overcome the current incidences of disease and mortality in their livestock. Future cooperation may also exist by providing assistance in their pasture development. This project proposes to develop conservation models in the Karakoram mountain range, the Hindukush mountain range, and the Himalayas, involving local grazier communities for the beneficial co­existence of livestock and snow leopard. Since snow leopard habitat in the different mountain ranges covers a variety of human cultures, the experience gained will be of help to other range states in protecting leopards. Moreover, the project will also help the rural poor to enhance and sustain their income sources from their traditional practices. Other beneficiaries will be several prey species of snow leopards, some of which are also endangered.

Project Objectives:

1. To identify and test various ways and means for the co­existence of livestock and snow leopard.

2. To develop conservation models that will help snow leopards to survive the current threats from grazier communities and fur traders.

3. To help grazier communities in remote rural areas to enhance and sustain their income from their traditional practices.

4. To help government agencies to implement CITES.

PK0050.1: Development of Community­Based Management and Conservation (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Research and Monitoring; Species Management.

Activity Species:

Snow leopard (Pantera uncia).

(Concept) PK0051 Pakistan: Conservation of Communal Scrub Forest and Biodiversity in Representative Areas

Project Summary:

Scrub forests, in addition to being a major source of fuelwood for thousands of villages in all four provinces of Pakistan, in particular Punjab, provide a natural habitat to an important ungulate, the urial - a wild sheep - and many species of birds. More than 30 medicinal plants are associated with these forests. These communal forests are being cut at a high rate and there is now a large area devoid of any forest cover. With positive results obtained over a 12-month pilot project on community involvement with scrub forest, WWF-Pakistan proposes to extend and replicate it in at least six other sites. The project will contain a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach to conservation, with specific components relating to women and the environment; establishment of protected areas and nurseries for reforestation purposes; use of educational resource material for local communities; introduction of alternate technologies; and general surveys of biodiversity in the remaining forest cover, e.g. of indigenous plant species, as well as mapping the distribution and abundance of the urial.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 100Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 15
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 10
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 15
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 60
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Scrub forests are the second-largest forest ecosystem type in Pakistan, covering some 648,000ha. They occur in foothills and low mountains in almost all provinces. These forests, comprising mostly "Olea cuspidata" and "Acacia" spp., are the major source of fuelwood throughout Pakistan and also support thousands of livestock. From a biodiversity point of view, scrub forest are home to various ungulates, in particular the urial (Ovis orientalis) and a variety of birds, especially partridges. More than 30 medicinal plants have also been reported from scrubs which are being used by local communities for the treatment of various diseases. Since these forests have tremendous importance for watershed protection, their commercial exploitation is not allowed in government-owned forests. However, communal forests are subjected to heavy cutting and grazing pressure and almost 40% of the old range is now totally degraded and devoid of natural flora and fauna. The remaining forests are also losing their ecological character quite rapidly and may vanish altogether if corrective measure are not adopted.

One way to approach their protection is the establishment of demonstration projects in representative areas, in which communities are trained to manage their communal forests in a sustainable way. The Eco­Resource Survey, completed in 1993 by WWF­Pakistan, highlighted the conservation needs of scrub forests. WWF­Pakistan has already implemented a one­year pilot project in the scrub zone, involving people from five villages. Within 12 months, these communities had agreed not only to give full protection against felling to about 15% of their forests, but had also initiated efforts to replenish depleted sites. Based on the success and results of this pilot project, it is proposed to develop the project as a model and extend it to a minimum of six other sites, representing different local cultures and traditions, in various parts of the country. The project will help not only to protect biodiversity resources in selected areas, but will also motivate communities in surrounding areas, through a comprehensive education programme, to conserve their forests as an integral part of their local environment and economy.

Project Objectives:

1. To test various approaches of community involvement/PRA for the protection and sustainable use of communal scrub forest, e.g. through the introduction of alternate technologies and educational resource material, establishment of nurseries and protected areas, and an awareness programme focused on women.

2. To protect the biodiversity of scrub forest in general, and in specific sites.

PK0051.1: Conservation of Communal Scrub Forest and Biodiversity in Representative Areas (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems; Temperate Woodland.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Education; Forest Management; Protected Area Establishment; Research and Monitoring; Species Management; Wildlife Trade Monitoring.

Activity Species:

Urial (Ovis orientalis).

(Concept) PK0052 Pakistan: Conservation and Management of Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest Ecosystem

Project Summary:

Moist temperate forests, chiefly characterized by extensive growth of conifers, are one of the nine major types of forest in Pakistan. The major threats to these forests are: large-scale cutting for timber and fuelwood, livestock grazing, and clearance of land for agriculture, ultimately leading to erosion. This project will address these issues by establishing fuelwood plantations, restocking deforested lands through a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach, environmental education, and the introduction of alternative income-generation activities.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 100Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 30
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 30
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 20
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Pakistan has nine different types of forest ecosystems, including moist temperate forests. These forests are chiefly characterized by extensive growth of conifers. Such formations extend along the entire length of the outer ranges of the Himalayas, between subtropical pine and subalpine forests, at an elevation of 1,350-3,050m; they vary markedly in different parts of the country. In Punjab, coniferous forests are administered by the Forest Department (29,000ha) and by the Murree Kahuta Development Authority (43,000ha). The main species of these forests are kail (Pinus wallichiana), deodar (Cedrus deodara), spruce (Picea smithiana), and fir (Abies pindrow). Among broadleaved trees, oak species (e.g. Quercus incanna, Q. dilatata, Q. semicarpifolia) occur as the commonest associate. Numerous temperate forest deciduous tree and shrub species are also to be found. A large number of important medicinal plants occur in this zone, sizeable quantities of which are commercially harvested. These valuable forests constitute the only source of softwood in Punjab province, and timber from them is used for furniture and construction. Ever increasing population pressure is causing immense harm to these forests. Local people have rights of free grazing and free acquisition of trees for construction, repairs and burial purposes. This has taken a heavy toll of trees because the forest area has remained unchanged while the population of rights holders has increased manifold. Under this project an attempt will be made to conserve the existing forests in some areas, and initiate tree plantation campaigns with the participation of the Forest Department and the local community, to restock deforested patches .

Project Objectives:

1. To reduce the use of natural resources by establishing fuelwood plantations on the periphery of existing agricultural lands, with local community participation.

2. To identify sites for the establishment of protected areas.

3. To initiate tree plantation campaigns with the participation of the Forest Department and the local community.

4. To create awareness among local people about the importance of their natural resources.

PK0052.1: Conservation and Management of Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems; Temperate Rainforest.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Education; Forest Management; Protected Area Establishment; Research and Monitoring.

(Concept) PK0053 Pakistan: Luton and Peshawar Initiative for Sustainability (LAPIS)

Project Summary:

LAPIS is an international educational project arising from a partnership between WWF­UK, WWF-Pakistan and Bedfordshire County Council in UK. Its essential theme is learning for sustainability and it aims to link communities, schools, local authorities and universities in Luton (UK) and Peshawar (Pakistan) through the local "Agenda 21" process. The focus of the work in Luton has been on areas of the town with a high Asian population. Funding for the start of the project was provided by WWF­UK and Bedfordshire County council. This has enabled links to be established between Luton and Peshawar; training of teachers and community workers to understand sustainable development; development and trial of teaching resources on transport, food and health; and establishment of three working groups to cover issues of particular relevance to women, youth, and communities. Other working groups have begun developing neighbourhood plans to improve the environment and quality of life of communities in inner Luton. At the same time, work is beginning in Peshawar to develop a similar process of support to teachers and community-led planning.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 20
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 70
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 10
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

"Agenda 21" - the global agenda for the 21st century - emphasizes the need to learn more about the ways in which environmental and social problems can be resolved through cooperation and consensus. Working at a local level, this involves encouraging cooperation between educationalists, community workers, and policy-makers to help develop understanding and practical responses to these problems. An initiative based on this theme has been undertaken in Luton (UK) and Peshawar (Pakistan). The Luton chapter of the project began in September 1995 and aims to be completed by February 1997. It is a partnership between WWF­UK, Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire County Council, and WWF­Pakistan. Funds are being sought in Pakistan for the Peshawar activity. The parallel work began in 1995 and will lead to the exchange of information, experiences, and people during 1996. This will enable participants in Luton and Peshawar to develop better understanding of the similarities and differences between the two countries in addressing sustainable development. Central to this coordination will be the management of the linking process between the two localities. This entails building on contacts made during the feasibility study by establishing regular and effective communication between the initiative in Peshawar and that in Luton. The project will also encourage different sectors in both locations to start building their own links and ensure the long-term sustainability and continuation of the projects and their eventual ownership by those participating in it.

Project Objectives:

1. To build capacity through a network of key workers and individuals to encourage cross­sectoral working towards sustainability.

2. To support research and project development within these networks.

3. To build partnerships and links locally and internationally.

4. To disseminate information and materials relating to the project.

5. To enable community, schools, and key institutions in Luton and Peshawar to participate in actions leading to sustainable development in the light of both local and international perspectives.

6. To develop a transferable model of education for sustainability that encompasses local and international consideration, featuring key elements of community participation, formal education, and local authority planning for "Agenda 21".

7. To support the production of educational material that can inform, record, and disseminate the understanding gained through the project, and that will catalyse and contribute to similar initiatives elsewhere in the world.

PK0053.1: Luton and Peshawar Initiative for Sustainability (LAPIS) (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Communications; Education; Ethics; Information Systems; Institutional Support and Development; Policy Development; Training.

(Concept) PK0054 Pakistan: Scientific Research for Implementation of Khunjerab NP Management Plan

Project Summary:

WWF­Pakistan has developed a management plan for Khunjerab National Park after a long process of negotiation between the government administration and local communities to resolve a long-standing conflict over the grazing rights in park. The plan includes scientific studies to obtain crucial information for the management of the park's resources. This project proposes to undertake such studies, to identify conflicts between the traditional use of selected park areas and critical park resources, and to recommend solutions to determine the current status of endangered species within the park; to identify and develop the education needs and materials for various audience groups; to test various plant species to replenish depleted park sites; to determine the impacts of grazing and identify remedial measures on selected pastures; to determine the current use of the park by groups of people other than graziers, for recreational and other purposes, and their present and potential impacts on the overall park resources.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 100
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

Khunjerab National Park was established in 1975 to protect Marcopolo sheep in their historical habitat on the borders between Pakistan and China. Other species (e.g. snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass, and brown bear) have since also became priority candidates for protection. However, owing to conflicts over the traditional use of range lands and pastures within the park, and lack of appropriate institutions and funding facilities to manage the park on a scientific basis, the original objectives of the park's creation have not be achieved. Surveys of endangered species have revealed that the park's resources are under tremendous pressure from various sources and may vanish altogether if corrective measures are not adopted in time. Although the answer lies in the development and the implementation of a management plan for the whole park, existing conflicts between grazier communities and park and civil administration has precluded such action.

In view of the seriousness of the situation and the increasing destruction of park resources, WWF­Pakistan volunteered to resolve the conflicts. As an outcome of WWF's efforts an agreement was reached between the parties concerned which allowed people to continue to use less critical range areas but also held them responsible for the protection of wildlife in the park. Accordingly, WWF­Pakistan drew up a management plan which was formally presented to government agencies in June 1994 and received approval in principle. Although the management plan has yet to be circulated to concerned agencies by the federal government, several research elements of the plan need immediate implementation. This project proposes to undertake some of the selected, management-oriented studies, to be carried out by local and foreign scientist and students.

Project Objectives:

1. To obtain, as part of the implementation of the management plan, social and ecological information for use in the management of Khunjerab National Park.

2. To train young scientists/students in the art and methodologies of collecting field data.

3. To develop linkages between students of various universities, both within and outside Pakistan, for undertaking joint research and field projects.

4. To encourage representatives of local communities to participate in scientific studies of the park, and to provide opportunities for them to learn about some of the critical problems and requirements of the park.

PK0054.1: Scientific Research for Implementation of Khunjerab NP Management Plan (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Mixed Mountain Systems.

Activity Methods:

Agriculture Management; Community Conservation; Information Systems; Institutional Support and Development; Protected Area Management; Policy Development; Research and Monitoring; Species Management; Training.

(Concept) PK0055 Pakistan: Integrated Pest Management and Transfer of Technology

- Farm Level

Project Summary:

The project will provide practical and environmentally sound Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and improved crop production technology through on­site training to 1,200 farmers and 60 field extension workers, using field oriented methods. The training presents an opportunity to introduce new methodologies into the farmer training system, while illustrating the potential of farmers to implement better crop production with efficient fertilizer application and IPM methods. Seven areas representing the dominant agro­ecosystems, mainly with irrigated cotton­wheat, irrigated rice­wheat, irrigated fruits­vegetables, and irrigated mixed cropping systems, will be covered within the framework of the project. Universities, NGOs, and agriculture research and extension organizations will be involved to develop curriculum and provide technical advice. Opportunities will be exploited through exchange study tours with IPM trainers and policy-makers in the region. Health and environmental impact studies will be carried out to monitor effects on human health, wildlife including birds, natural enemies of crop pests, and soil microbes.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 33
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 34
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 33
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Agriculture in Pakistan, as the backbone of the country's economy, is the single largest sector contributing one­third to national income and employing 52% of the labour force. A wide range of pests (insects, diseases, and weeds) are the major constraints to achieving higher yields of crops. Pakistan is blessed with diverse agro­ecology, capable of successfully growing almost all types of crops. However, these conditions are also subjected to various types of pest ravages. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has estimated 33 million tons of food-grain losses due to pests in storage. In Pakistan, on the basis of 50% loss (insect 20%, weeds 15%, diseases 5%, and rodents 10%), the economic loss to crops value is around 120 billion rupees; unforseen pest losses are estimated at twice this figure.

Increasing population demands in Pakistan commensurate to increases in food production. The use of agro­chemicals is predominant and an inevitable component of pest management. However, the side-effects attributed to the use of these chemicals are the destruction of natural biotic balance, suppression of bio­control agents, insect resurgence, pesticide resistance, and danger to pollinators, soil, and aquatic wildlife. The toxicity of pesticides is affecting the whole food-chain, air, water, and plants. Their indiscriminate use is also producing signs of serious human ailments, the most common being cancer, liver diseases, and hypertension, along with respiratory problems. With the latest knowledge and technology, it is possible to minimize these losses by applying pesticides systematically as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) has successfully experimented with IPM techniques at the ground level. Based on these successes, WWF­Pakistan feels that a large-scale IPM project is now needed. Furthermore, "Agenda 21" specifically states (Chapter 14, Section I) that Integrated Pest Management training should be made available to farmers.

To sustain growth in Pakistan's agricultural sector and to obviate the risk of highly toxic/persistent pesticides, it is essential that the use of these pesticides should be minimized by developing and transferring Integrated Pest Management technology, including use of natural enemies (predators and parasites) of pests, crop resistant varieties, crop rotations, modifying cultural practices, adopting practical quarantine measures, and exercising mechanical methods for pest management. This will also include judicial and specific uses of pesticides which, as well as being necessary to an effective pest management programme, will save billions of rupees spent on their indiscriminate use.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To build Pakistan's human resource capacity to set crop production and pest management on a new path of sustainable agriculture, while ensuring the profitability of farmers and the integration of international and national agricultural movements.

Specific objectives:

2. To provide IPM field training to approximately 1,200 farmers in their own communities by working through community organizations where they exist.

3. To strengthen institutional infrastructure and provide linkages to ongoing IPM-related programmes, research institutions, and universities, and to carry out IPM field training through curriculum development.

4. To provide long-term national and provincial support for IPM and farmer training. To promote university policies related to graduate and post­graduate education for IPM-related activities.

5. To implement occupational health and environmental impact analyses of IPM training. Findings and recommendations of these studies will be incorporated in training and policy development activities during the initial and second phases.

6. To disseminate IPM information through electronic media and press.

PK0055.1: Integrated Pest Management and Transfer of Technology - Farm Level (Jun. 96 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Agricultural Land.

Activity Methods:

Agriculture Management; Communications; Education; Institutional Support and Development; Training.

(Concept) PK0056 Pakistan: Geographical Information System (GIS), EDRC

Project Summary:

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is an important tool for environmental planners and natural resource managers and others, used to store, retrieve, interpret, and represent biological and socio­economic data in graphic forms. It allows the manipulation of information, e.g. on population, vegetation changes, livestock and different market surveys, which can be integrated with existing topographic, climate, soil, geologic, and hydrologic information systems.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 60Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 EE & Capacity Building 40
Oceans and Coasts 20 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 20
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 20
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

A biogeographically representative and effectively managed network of protected areas (PAs) is an important means of ensuring biodiversity conservation. Until now in Pakistan there has not been sufficient data available on biodiversity and the environment. By utilizing remote sensing data and GIS techniques it will be possible to evaluate issues of biodiversity in Pakistan and to help ecodevelopment plans for ecologically important areas. Such diagnostic studies support measures which can be taken to improve environment-related developmental activities. WWF­Pakistan therefore intends to develop geographical information databases for forest resources and PAs, so that the requisite spatial information becomes available to resource managers and planners for natural resource management and environment protection.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide information about the status of particular biodiversity regions.

2. To monitor and predict changes in the habitats.

3. To provide spatial and ecological profiles relating to biodiversity "hotspots".

4. To provide baseline data on species and genetic diversity.

5. To provide graphics and answers to complex questions in conservation planning.

PK0056.1: Geographical Information System (GIS), EDRC (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Information Systems; Institutional Support and Development; Research and Monitoring.

(Concept) PK0057 Pakistan: Conservation and Management of Crane Species and their Crucial Staging Areas

Project Summary:

Hunting of cranes is a popular sport in certain parts of Pakistan. Although cranes are generally trapped alive, they are also shot and eaten. Live trapping of cranes accounts for some 7,000-8,000 birds each year. Because of the high hunting pressures, the Siberian crane is now extinct in Pakistan. The population sizes of other crane species, such as Eurasian and Demoiselle cranes, are also in steady decline. To counter this trend, WWF­Pakistan organized a crane conservation workshop in October 1995, the outcome of which, based on the recommendation of experienced and knowledgeable hunters and professionals, is a proposed project for the conservation and management of crane species and their crucial staging areas.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 50 EE & Capacity Building 20
Oceans and Coasts 10 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 60
Non-Biome Specific 40 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

Four crane species occur in Pakistan. One, the Siberian crane, declined from about 1,000 in 1965 to zero in 1994, while there are reportedly a dozen remaining sarus cranes. According to various reports, the populations of Eurasian and demoiselle cranes are also declining steadily. The major reasons for this sad situation are: uncontrolled and excessive hunting on major flyways in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Balochistan provinces; lack of information, and inappropriate management and protection of known staging areas and wetland ecosystems; lack of proper training on breeding and caring techniques of captive cranes; lack of conservation-oriented rules and regulations; and lack of cooperation on the part of hunters to protect cranes from excessive hunting. A conservative 7,000-8,000 cranes are trapped alive each year in just one province, while about 12,000 cranes are held in captivity.

Realizing that common and demoiselle cranes may also disappear from the central flyway, which passes through Afghanistan and Pakistan, WWF­Pakistan organized a workshop in collaboration with the National Avian Research Centre, Abu Dhabi and the NWFP Wildlife Department, with the financial assistance of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Representatives and key hunters from important hunting areas attended and the problems of crane conservation were discussed. The results and recommendations of the workshop revealed that hunting of cranes could be minimized to a rational level provided hunters are educated on the need for conservation and involved in major decisions regarding management and conservation of cranes. It was further suggested that since the protected area network is insufficient to meet the conservation needs of cranes, this should be developed, improved, and maintained on a scientific basis. In order to implement the recommendations (to protect cranes from possible extinction and secure the central flyway for several other migratory species), this project proposes to adopt a multisectoral approach: e.g. hunters will specify the limits of currently unlimited bags, will initiate studies to identify important flyways, corridors, and staging areas for various species, and will suggest measures to protect them. The project will also develop appropriate education materials to address crane issues (wild as well as captive animals) and arrange a training programme, especially for women, on the breeding and caring techniques of cranes.

Project Objectives:

1. To organize hunters of NWFP to reduce crane hunting pressure and protect crane staging areas.

2. To identify and map major flyways and important staging areas of cranes in Pakistan and suggest measures for their protection.

3. To develop appropriate education materials for various audiences, including schoolchildren, hunters and their families, and the general public.

4. To arrange training programme for hunters, especially women, on caring methods and techniques that would help captive cranes to breed successfully, and chicks to survive common diseases.

5. To collaborate with wildlife departments to amend existing hunting rules and to make them conservation-oriented rather than revenue-oriented.

PK0057.1: Conservation and Management of Crane Species (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Lake Systems; Marshes/Swamps; River Systems.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Education; Lobbying; Protected Area Establishment; Policy Development; Research and Monitoring; Species Management; Training.

(Concept) PK0059 Pakistan: Environmental Education Programme for Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Project Summary:

This project will initiate an environmental awareness programme in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Activity based initiatives will be undertaken as a result of consultative workshops involving a spectrum of representation from the local community to high level government decision-makers. This area­specific focused approach will be complemented by a more general awareness and publicity programme involving schools, religious institutes, and the general public.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0
Species 0Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir possess rich natural resources ranging from wetlands to pristine moist temperate forests. Its people still have a tradition of respecting their natural resources and thus are likely to be responsive to well-intentioned conservation initiatives from a reputable organization like WWF. Relevant government officials have also shown interest in collaborating with WWF. The purpose of this project is to take advantage of these positive circumstances and to improve awareness about conservation in general and about local issues in particular. In the long term, such an initiative will contribute towards achieving a balance between issues such as development, conservation of natural resources, and local traditions.

The project will start by holding a series of workshops in six areas selected for the value of ecosystem they represent. Participants will be representative of current societal issues, ranging from local community traditional elders to senior government officials. The outcome of these workshops will be activity-based programmes for selected communities, to help them learn more about their natural resources, as well as small improvement projects on the ground to give people a sense of achievement by making the results visible; e.g. the involvement of schools in establishing nurseries, building irrigation channels through self­help, or carrying out basic scientific research for the purpose of information dissemination through pamphlets and publications. General awareness drives involving distribution of stickers, calendars, and posters will also be undertaken to provide a complementary umbrella to the specific activities. The latter will be made possible through access to a mobile van with complete publicity accessories. These activities will be followed by a review phase to analyse the pros and cons of this approach, and provide guidance to future, more specific education conservation projects with direct focus on specific natural resources.

Project Objectives:

1. To launch an Environmental Education Programme among the rural and urban population of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

2. To involve local communities in the Environmental Education Programme.

3. To create awareness among the local community for conservation of their natural resources by conservation education programme.

PK0059.1: Environmental Education Programme for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Lake Systems; River Systems; Temperate Rainforest.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Education; Institutional Support and Development; Policy Development Research and Monitoring; Training.

(Concept) PK0060 Pakistan: Conservation of the Tropical Thorn Forests of Punjab

Project Summary:

Tropical thorn forests are one of the most remarkable forest types of the Punjab. Extensive use of these forests, including land reclamation for agricultural purposes, urbanization, grazing, and fuelwood collection, is now threatening them. This project provides for measures to be taken to conserve thorn forests in the Punjab. Such measures include awareness programmes and identification of sites for the establishment of protected areas through the involvement of local populations.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 100Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 20
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 60
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0 Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

View Map

Natural tropical thorn forests once formed one of the most remarkable landscapes of the Punjab plains in Pakistan. It is the natural vegetation cover of the whole Indus plain, known as Rakh forests, and comprises jand (Prosopis cineraria), wan (Salvadora oleoides), frash (Tamarix aphylla), ber (Zizyphus mauritiana), malla (Zizyphus nummularia), kikri (Acacia jacquemontii), low shrubs such as phog (Calligonum polygonoides), khip (Leptadenia spartium), aak (Calotropis procera), lana (Sueda fruiticosa), panir (Withania coagulans), and buin (Kochia indica), and grasses such as garam (Pennisetum antidotal), Katran (Lasiurus hirsutus), Dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris), and Khawi (Cymbopogan jwarancusa). Before land reclamation, these forests were the main source of firewood supplies for urban and rural populations. Today they are a source of medicine, fibre, fodder and fuel for local people, as well as contributing to the stability of these fragile areas and supporting wildlife.

In Punjab, patches of tropical thorn forest are located in Sargodha, Faislabad, Lahore, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan. By the beginning of this century, the forests had decreased considerably. Major factors contributing to their decline include land reclamation for agricultural purposes and urbanization. A study in 1991 showed these areas to be neglected and degraded and approaching the status of a threatened ecosystem. The main reasons for degradation include extensive grazing, cutting for fuelwood and for other commercial uses. In the absence of any commercially important tree species, the complexity of ownership, and harsh climate, these forests are of least interest to the Forest Department and as a consequence are lacking a management programme. This project therefore proposes the conservation of tropical thorn forests of the Punjab with the participation of the Forest Department and local communities. Several potential sites for the conservation of these forests are Rakh Khairewala, Rakh Shergarh, Khanpur, Lal Sohanra, Kotla Issan, Miran Pur, Peerowal­Khanewal­Chichawatni rail verges, Namal, Registan Shumali, and Harrappa. Three sites will be selected initially for this project.

Project Objectives:

1. To conserve biodiversity in the remnant natural tropical thorn forests in the Punjab.

2. To identify areas for establishment as protected areas.

3. To create awareness among local communities for conservation of natural resources through various media.

PK0060.1: Conservation of the Tropical Thorn Forests of Punjab (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Dry Forest.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Communications; Forest Management; Institutional Support and Development; Protected Area Establishment; Research and Monitoring.

(Concept) PK0061 Pakistan: National Environmental Education Programme for Teachers Education

Project Summary:

This project focuses on the training and capacity building of Master trainers, teacher educators, and trainee teachers in environmental education. From previous experience, WWF­Pakistan has realized that to reach a large number of target groups within the formal education system, the involvement of government agencies is essential. The project would utilize the Ministry of Education's curriculum wing to spread its training activities through provincial education departments. The intention is to create a lasting effect on the delivery of the school curriculum by enhancing current teacher training practices and by effecting conducive changes at other levels in the formal school system.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0 Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Education, the raising of public awareness, and training are linked to virtually all areas in "Agenda 21". Chapter 36, "Promoting Education, public awareness and training", recognizes the following activities, amongst others, which would reorient education towards sustainable development:

(a) Governments should strive to update or prepare strategies aimed at integrating environment and development as a cross-cutting issue into education at all levels. This should be done in cooperation with all sectors of society. The strategies should set policies and activities and identify needs, costs, means and schedules for their implementation, evaluation and review. A thorough review of curricula should be undertaken to ensure a multidisciplinary approach, with environment and development topics, their socio­cultural and demographic aspects and linkages. Due respect should be given to community-defined needs and diverse knowledge systems, including science, cultural, and social sensitivities.

(b) Educational authorities, with appropriate assistance from community groups or non-governmental organizations, are recommended to assist or set up pre­service and in­service training programmes for teachers, administrators, and educational planners, as well as for non-formal educators in all sectors. These should address the nature and methods of environmental and developmental education and make use of relevant NGO experience.

The Pakistan National Conservation Strategy recommends investment in specialized programmes to develop training expertise in key areas capable of incorporating sustainable development. The measures to achieve this for educators include adding major components of environmental awareness to the curricula of teacher training institutes and to bachelor and masters education courses at various universities. According to the 1991 statistics published by the Central Bureau of Education, Ministry of Education, there are 328 teacher training schools/colleges/units (below degree level) in Pakistan. There are 3,309 teachers in these institutions which each year cater for 36, 295 student teachers. The Ministry has a new mandate to introduce environmental studies at undergraduate level through development of a course entitled "Interdisciplinary course on EPD". An EE Unit has already been introduced at the pre­service level entitled "Teacher, Schools Society. The Federal Ministry of Education, Curriculum Wing is responsible for the following important segments within the national education system: development and approval of national curriculum 1­12; pre­service and in­service teacher training at elementary levels; approval of textbooks for the level 1­12 and the corresponding teacher training programme. WWF­Pakistan's teacher training activities and material development has been a feature of its education programme since 1991. Its education activities are spread throughout the provinces, with education officers in all the major cities. The Curriculum Wing and WWF­Pakistan have been collaborating in the field of environmental education over the past two years, the upshot of which will be a more coordinated, focused, and systematic approach to environmental education. Under this project, WWF-Pakistan's Education Division will build capacity in training and develop relevant resource material. Project activities will include: training of a number of Master trainers; identification of a writing team to develop resource material; training of about 1,000 teacher educators; initiation of EE units at federal and provincial level; and training of key resource persons in provincial departments.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To incorporate environmental education (EE) into teacher training at all levels within the government education system in Pakistan, e.g. teacher training colleges and provincial bureaus of curriculum.

Specific objectives:

2. To incorporate EE in the in­service teacher training programme at federal and provincial levels.

3. To develop and produce teacher training material in appropriate languages.

4. To implement a training programme for teacher educators at the national level.

PK0061.1: National Environmental Education Programme for Teacher Education (Jun. 96 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Urban Zones.

Activity Methods:

Education; Institutional Support and Development; Training.