Community Based Conservation of Straight-horned Markhor, Afghan Urial, and Associated Biodiversity in Takatu Hills, Quetta - Pishin Districts

Yahya Musakhel

WWF-Pakistan

2003

Project Objectives

•Creating awareness about the importance of Biodiversity•Preparation of conservation & development plan•Increasing population of target species•Habitat improvement•Sustainable use of natural resources in the project area•Participatory assessment & monitoring of Biodiversity conservation activities

Background

• Key species

• Habitat

• Issues

• CBO intervention

Approach / Methodology

• Community consultation

• Approach to concerned authorities– Balochistan Forest Department– WWF - Pakistan, Regional Office Quetta– Local Administration

Project time frame

• Starting date• End date• Duration

• January 2001• September 2003• 3 years

Bottlenecks• Partial funding• No GEF Rep. in Qta• Non availability of technical staff

Benefits generated

• Key Species protected

• Habitat rehabilitated & conserved

• Awareness raised

• Local economy contributed

• Jobs created locally

Impact

• Recognition of Takatu Hills

• Stakeholders priority

• Growing number of flora & fauna despite drought impact

• Community ownership

Partners in Project

• Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department

• WWF - Pakistan, Regional Office Quetta

Lesson Learned

• Despite tribal conflicts people believed in performance

• Project design does not fully address the issues of the communities and area

Way Forward

• Extension of project to achieve the envisaged objectives in full and befitted manner including addition and deletion of activities in the light of experience

• Close liaison with GEF

Habitat & Key Species

General Landscape in Spring

Base Camp

General Look (unprotected)

Visit of Minister for Forest and Wildlife along with Forest Department Officers

Regional Head WWF-P Qta

WWF Survey Team

Thanks