11 September 2006

GIS maps of Protected Areas demarcation

Lahore: A three-day national consultative workshop was organised by WWF from 8th to 10th September 2006 in Nathiagali. The workshop was technically supported by the Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan and sponsored by Pakistan Petroleum Exploration and Production Companies Association (PPEPCA).

The workshop aimed at sensitising the project stakeholders on the importance and need to translate Protected Areas (PAs) notifications on to topographic GIS maps, undertake ground verifications and re-notify the boundaries with notifications containing geographic coordinates. Important PAs were selected in the workshop for this purpose and support of provincial wildlife departments for the re-notification of these selected PAs was acquired.

Mr. Ali Hassan Habib (Director General WWF) speaking on the occasion said “Protected Areas are perhaps the most important tool of biodiversity conservation and unclear boundaries are a major hurdle in their effective management. This workshop is an important step in the process of rectifying this problem and will lead to better managed Protected Areas of Pakistan.” Mr. Richard Lee (President Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Committee PPEPCA) congratulated the participants on the spirit of cooperation and professionalism displayed durig the workshop and expressed confidence that the project stakeholders will be encouraged by the discussions to implement effective plans for demarcating and notifying the boundaries of PAs.

Participants of the workshop included senior and mid-career government officials from Provincial Wildlife and Forestry Departments, Survey of Pakistan, Ministry of Petroleum and EPA etc.

The participants agreed on the modalities of boundary demarcation of PAs with GIS techniques, field implementation issues and the process for re-notification of PAs including geo-referencing. The participants agreed on few priority PAs which will be taken up in the next phase of the project.

Dr. Bashir Ahmad Wani Inspector General Forest Ministry of Environment GOP fully endorsed the process and while stressing the need for clear demarcation of Protected Areas assured full cooperation from the Ministry of Environment and offered solicitation for assistance from other relevant departments including Survey of Pakistan, provincial wildlife and forestry departments, planning commission etc. He also announced that the Ministry of Environment will compile and provide list of all Protected Areas notifications.  

The project partners WWF, Ministry of Environment and PPEPCA hoped that the next phase of the project will be based on the conclusions of the workshop and the progress will be communicated to the workshop participants.

For further information:
Amjad Aslam,
WWF – Pakistan,
Ferozepur Road, Lahore.
Tel: +92 42 5862360, 5869429,
Fax: 042 5862358,
e-mail: aaslam@wwf.org.pk