Improvement of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) Management
System as Model for Mountain Ecosystems in Northern PakistanTel:
+92 51 835 5600 Fax: +92 51 265 5014
August 2019
© UNDP Pakistan
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
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
Contact: Sahibzada Irfanullah Khan, National Project Manager,
Environment and Climate Change Unit, UNDP Pakistan:
[email protected]
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
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