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August 2019

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Improvement of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) Management System as Model for Mountain Ecosystems in Northern Pakistan Introduction and Rationale

Three major mountain ranges, Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush come together in northern Pakistan and are rich in biodiversity. These represent an ecosystem that is a lifeline for not only people living in mountainous areas, but millions of others who live downstream through majestic glacial bodies that are an important source of fresh water, and therefore deserve to be protected from existing and potential threats, both human-induced and natural. Effective approach worldwide in protecting and preserving ecosystems is through a network of protected areas.

QUICK FACTS

Duration: 2017-2020

Implementing Partner: UNDP Pakistan

Funding partner: Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)

Location: Gilgit-Baltistan

Annual budget (2019): US$ 1.385 million

Contact: Sahibzada Irfanullah Khan, National Project Manager, Environment and Climate Change Unit, UNDP Pakistan: sahibzada.irfanullah.khan@undp.org

Environment and Climate Change Improvement of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) Management System as Model for Mountain Ecosystems in Northern Pakistan

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) has been the focus of the Pakistan-Italy Debt for Development Swap Agreement (PIDSA). After five years of research and field investigations, a management plan was developed, later followed by an operational plan. Subsequently, both documents received official approval from the Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Government in 2015.

However, there is a further need to consolidate the operations of the CKNP, incorporating strategies to cope with emerging challenges such as growing pressures on natural resources by local communities and increasing climate variability. Findings and experiences from CKNP would be used as a model for other protected areas in Pakistan and elsewhere, particularly the Deosai National Park (DNP) with varying geo-physical properties, natural resources and pressures.

Objectives

Through the project, the main aim is to promote the governance of mountain ecosystems in northern Pakistan by improving ecological services, conserving nature, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and developing an effective response to climate change. Specific objectives include:

Governance: Management of Central Karakorum National Park, Deosai National Park and connectivity corridor between CKNP and DNP is improved, which includes enhancing functional capacities of relevant CKNP, DNP, Government departments and Project staff in the target area to undertake the desired activities related to park management.

Knowledge: A mechanism to share knowledge, lessons, experience, and best practices in protected area management domestically and internationally has been established.

Livelihoods: Sustainable livelihood options for local communities in the project area created, and their capacity for benefiting from these options is enhanced, with a view of mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities in mountainous ecosystems.

Main Achievements (2018)

From May to December 2018, the project was able to achieve the following milestones.

• Gaps were identified, and data collection initiated to revise and update the current Management Plans for CKNP and DNP,

• Process initiated to develop refined zoning system and new Operational Plan for DNP in face of emerging challenges,

• Site identified, draft maps developed, and process initiated for developing Management Guidelines for Connectivity Corridor between CKNP and DNP,

• Public events held at various forums to create mass awareness for importance of mountain ecosystem, capacity building plan developed for responsible staff of the protected areas,

• A number of assessment studies were conducted to develop a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Plan for mountain areas, and

• Local grazing system was studied, valley based Grazing Management Plans were developed in collaboration with local communities and Forest Department

Planned activities (2019)

The project will conclude the process of updating and revising Management and Operational Plans for CKNP and DNP, developing new Operational Document for DNP and rolling out concept note and Management Guidelines for proposed Connectivity Area between CKNP and DNP. This will also necessitate capacity building of PA staff to implement the new plans, and awareness raising of local communities to fulfil their livelihood needs in line with conservation support activities.

The project will also focus on building resilience of local communities by providing them with more options in sustainable livelihood activities like cultivation of climate resilient crops, use of water and energy efficient technologies, growing more trees, building capacities in ecotourism, developing water safety plans, and creating forums for exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Environment and Climate Change Improvement of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) Management System as Model for Mountain Ecosystems in Northern Pakistan

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

© UNDP Pakistan

© UNDP Pakistan

© UNDP Pakistan

© UNDP Pakistan

© UNDP Pakistan