Specific Objective:
- Proper exit from the present project sites viz., utter & Handrap –shandoor
- Generate knowledge and raise awareness about HAWs related major issues
- Establish, revise & update baseline information of the selected five HAWs (jarbasoo, Karambar sheosar, Raash, Gasho and Naltar
- Conduct a detail study on impacts of climate change hazards risks on HAW ecosystems, associated biodiversity and livelihoods in the upper Indus river basin
- Facilitate provincial government notify Karambar –Shandoor –Broghil wetlands National park
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Brief Description:
Saving Wetlands Sky high programme was initiated in July 2007, with the financial support from WWF Netherlands, to mitigate some of the key threats to high altitude wetlands (HAWs) ecosystems, their associated biodiversity and livelihoods through involvement of local communities, government agencies and non government partners at the grassroots level.
Since July 2007, WWF-Pakistan through its Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) regional office, has been implementing the Pakistan component of the programme in Ishkoman and Fander valleys, in close collaboration with GB Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries departments, non government organizations like Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP), Program for Mountain Area Conservation (PMAC) and IUCN and local communities through their representative bodies i.e., Proper Ishkoman Development Organization (PIDO) and Shandoor Local Support Organization (SLSO) to protect and manage Utter and Handrap–Shandoor wetlands. A careful but critical analysis of the progress made, so far, reveals that the component is well on track rightly in accordance with the envisioned objectives and expected results. Almost all major interventions have yielded the desired results; outputs and outcomes in a cost effective manner. Major thrust of the program is on protection of high altitude wetland biodiversity and management of its habitats to sustain socio-economic and ecological functions of HAW ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods.
Though the program is half way to its logical end but the visibility of its short and longer term results show dedication, efficiency and success of the project team. So far, appropriate mechanisms for protection and monitoring of biodiversity and water quality have been established and operationalized; baseline resource inventories have been developed, wildlife surveys are conducted regularly, almost all project schools are delivering environmental education, local media is providing comparatively better coverage to HAW conservation issues, people are better aware of their wetlands, draft national policy document on wetlands is available and efforts have been made to improve basic tourist services and facilities in the area. As a result, a positive change in people’s attitude, wildlife and birds populations, health & hygiene conditions and social receptiveness, compared to baseline and pre project scenarios is visible. |
Mr. Babar Khan
Head WWF – Pak, Gilgit Baltitan
WWF – P, Regional Office,
GCIC, NLI Colony, Shahra-e-Quaid Azam
Jutial Gilgit
Tel: +92 5811 455658
Email: bkhan@wwf.org.pk |
Mr. Nasser Ahamed
Coordinator (SWSH)
WWF – Pak, Regional Office,
GCIC, NLI Colony, Shahra-e-Quaid Azam Jutial
Jutial Gilgit
Tel: +92 5811 455658
Email: naseer_ahmed202@yahoo.com |
