Protected areas of Pakistan

Wildlife Sanctuary Undisturbed breeding ground set aside for protection of all natural resources and
where public access is restricted or regulated is defined as wildlife sanctuary. Grazing and settlements
that are permitted in National Park are prohibited in wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife Sanctuary are primarily
established to protect particular groups of species of flora and fauna whose reproduction rate is
suffering due to external factors, in order to protect them from extinction. Hunting is strictly prohibited
in these areas.

Pakistan has a variety of ecosystems existing within a wide range of ecological zones starting from Indus
delta and coastal wetlands in the south, covering a vast area of dry tropical deserts and thorn forests in
central plains of river Indus and semi-arid scrub lands of Pabbi hills of Pothwar region, to subtropical
broad leaved evergreen scrub forests, dry and moist temperate coniferous forests and cold deserts
occurring in the confluence of world famous Karakorum, Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains in the
northern parts of the country (Khan, 2003). The ecological trend of greatest concern in Pakistan today is
the continuing loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural and modified habitats. The forest area,
already greatly reduced and fragmented, is suffering further loss and degradation; most

Chakor wildlife sanctuary is a unique ecosystem with beautiful undulating terrain bestowed with
abundantly rich flora and fauna. In spite of several biotic pressures the sanctuary has been able to retain
its glory of diverse vegetation. Therefore it is absolutely essential to ensure that the existing resources
are not only effectively conserved but also appropriate steps are initiated to further develop these
resources. The sanctuary should be put to multiple non-consumptive uses namely education, recreation,
scientific, which result in innumerable intangible benefits by generating more awareness about the
sanctuary and garnering more support for the protection and development for the sanctuary. The
sanctuary, over the years has been developed towards the desired goal. However such efforts have not
been adequate because of inadequate financial allocation. There are many constraints such as lack of
adequate manpower, lack of adequate infrastructure, information and awareness about the sanctuary,
scientific research and baseline data and adequate funds etc. In order to fill these information gaps as
well as give the sanctuary the prominence that it deserves, the steps that need to be taken up include
broad evaluation of resources, proper boundary delineation, survey and demarcation of enclosures,
tourism development, and eco development etc.

The following objectives are set for the management of the Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is a unique and intact piece of nature harboring diverse and rich flora and fauna with
distinct ecological features. In view of the above, the prime objective of management is to conserve and
protect the habitat, so that many endangered and endemic flora and fauna inhabiting the area are
adequately protected and propagated. Adequate steps will be taken, wherever necessary, to restore the
demographic features relating to the populations of all endangered, endemic, vulnerable, rare species of
animals and plants.
To create awareness among the people in general and children in particular about the need to protect
nature and wildlife with particular emphasis on the ecological role of the sanctuary area, to ensure their
participation in the protection, regeneration and development of forest and wildlife.

To maintain and develop, to the extent considered necessary, tourism for recreation, education and
scientific exploration without affecting the sensitive ecosystem adversely. Tourism needs to be
developed with the aim to provide wilderness experience to genuine enthusiasts in particular and to the
interested public in general.

To reduce the dependence of the people on forest based resources in the zone of influence, with
sensitivity to cultural and economical well being of the communities, through eco-development
activities including creation of community assets required by the people, employment generation for the
local people etc.

To provide for capacity building for efficient management of the sanctuary through better training of
staff, infrastructure and close monitoring.

To promote scientific and ecological research or studies that will help the sanctuary management in
assessing the physical and biological resources, planning for conservation of these resources and
monitoring the health of the habitat.

CONSTRAINTS/PROBLEMS IN ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES:

The sanctuary is inadequately staffed at the field level with only one watcher of task force. The intensive
management of the sanctuary makes it mandatory that adequate staff is provided for effective
protection. The sanctuary needs intensive management considering the rich biodiversity it protects.
However the inadequacy of funds and the lack of adequate infrastructure, communication and
institutional support are the major constraints which hamper the effective management of the
Sanctuary.

Boundary Demarcation:

The legal boundaries of the sanctuary are clearly notified. However the demarcation in field is not fully
laid out and needs regular monitoring and upkeep. The enclosures need to be surveyed and demarcated
properly to prevent encroachments in future.
Research/Study:

A well-equipped research and monitoring cell that would look exclusively in the aspect of conducting
collecting and collating the research information is lacking. There are not much research facilities that
can be provided to the researchers for carrying out their research in the sanctuary. The staff especially
at the ground level is not properly trained to carry out simple research and monitoring operations while
doing their daily duty of patrolling etc. Training at higher levels is also lacking especially for gaining the
knowledge in latest wildlife management techniques.

There is a severe inadequacy of basic information on the endemic and endangered species likely to be
found in the sanctuary. In the absence of such information it is impossible to introduce appropriate
management interventions for the conservation of the same.

Eco-Tourism:

Though the sanctuary has potential to become a very attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and
trekkers, interpretation facilities as well as camping facilities are almost non-existent. Even basic
publicity facilities such as signages, brochures, pamphlets and web-sites are inadequate and lacking. As a
result the actual tourism 149 potential of the sanctuary is not properly harnessed.

Though the sanctuary offers excellent trekking routes hardly any facility exists for the trekkers to give
them a wholesome experience such as well demarcated trekking paths, trained nature guides, camping
facilities, nature interpretation facilities etc.
TOURISM, INTERPRETATION AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION

THE OBJECTIVES: Eco-tourism should be developed for the sanctuary with the following objectives:

1. To sensitize the visitors towards nature conservation through education, interpretation and
recreation.

2. To maximize people’s enjoyment during their stay by providing required facilities taking into account
the suitability for the area.

3. To educate the school children on ecology and environment and the importance of conservation of
nature.

4. To provide economic benefits to local communities.

5. To minimize negative impact on the sanctuary and its wildlife while promoting eco-tourism.

PROBLEMS:

As has been explained earlier, the sanctuary has not been able to attract many tourists despite its
location and richness. The challenges that have to be surmounted to make the sanctuary an attractive
destination for nature tourists are explained below:

i. Lack of proper tourism infrastructure such as camping facilities, dormitories, resting places for
the trekkers ,interpretation centers, roads and bridges, watch towers etc.
ii. Lack of information and awareness material such as brochures, signages, display boards, video
filming facilities to educate visitors.
iii. Lack of well trained guides for visitors and trekkers.
iv. Inadequate staff for promoting, controlling and regulating eco-tourism in the sanctuary.
v. Lack of adequate funds for the sanctuary.

Trekking and camping facilities-

The following steps are needed for improving the trekking and camping facilities:

a) Strengthening the infrastructure required for trekking including identification and procurement of all
trekking equipment required for hiring out.

b) Identification of locations for camping –

The most accessible place of the sanctuary should be identified for camping facilities.

c) Creating well defined nature activities such as birding, nature trails etc for the tourists of the nature
camp.

d) Identification of locals for working as eco-guides.

e) Intensive training of guides to take the tourists on the trekking trips.

Signages

In order to improve the information available to visitors and trekkers, the following activities are
suggested:

a) Proper signage to be put inside the forest area to give details of the flora, fauna, historical sites,
details of medical plants, maps to show track path etc.

b) Hoarding to be put up on the high ways for the publicity of camping sites and trekking facility.

c) Displaying DO’s and Don’ts at each camp sites and at starting point of trekking routes.

Publicity

Attractive and comprehensive printed materials on the specific themes are to be brought out. In these
publicity materials maps and Do’s and Don’ts are also to be emphasized. Labeling of trees and shrubs,
paintings of birds/ animals at some points where chances of seeing these animals are more can also be
displayed. A website should also be launched and managed for the benefit of the interested visitors.
People’s role:

a) Local people will be encouraged to participate in the eco-tourism in the areas by way of making
arrangement for enjoying local foods and provisions for purchasing local artifacts. Local people or village
organizations also can display their cultural heritage for eco-tourists.

b) Local people who reside in the vicinity of the sanctuary are familiar with the flora and fauna of the
Protected Area. Some of the village youth can be registered after suitable orientation to be engaged as
guide for the visitors. The guides will be 166 imparted training so that they can interpret the nature and
communicate it to the visitors in a most effective ways.

Awareness raising-

Proper documentation to prepare, develop and disseminate publications, pamphlets, posters, etc. It will
also include setting up of libraries and related documentation facilities. Organizing film show, exhibitions
etc. both for rural and urban populace including Students. Organizing experience sharing workshop and
use of mass media. Organization of environmental/ awareness camps for sensitization of students,
public servants, political leaders, media personnel etc.

Regulations and monitoring:

For ease in management and minimizing the impact of visitors, a number of restrictions will have to be
enforced in the sanctuary area from time to time. There should strict code of conduct for the visitor,
which should be printed on tickets and displayed at tourist information centre, Interpretation Centre at
the entrances of tourist routes and in all vehicles. Drivers and nature guides should be made aware of
their duties and responsibilities. Punishments should be awarded for person violating the rules. These
rules and regulations should be modified with the experiences gained by the sanctuary management
over a period of time. The following do’s and don’ts should be followed by the visitors inside the
sanctuary.

Do’s :

7. Allow the flora and fauna to flourish in its natural environment

8. The use of polythene and plastics is unhealthy for the environment. Kindly use only if necessary.

9. Carry away all non-degradable litter-empty bottles, tins, polythene bags etc. and throw them in
municipal dustbins only, so that they can be disposed off properly.

10. Observe the sanctity of holy sites. In case of any offerings, contact the staff of the temple committee
only. 11. When taking photographs, respect privacy; ask for prior permission and use restraint
.

b) Don’ts : 7. Do not taking away cuttings, seeds and roots etc.

8. Avoid using pollutants, such as detergent, in streams or springs.

9. Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the camp site and do not destroy the forest wealth which are
our heritage.

10. Do not leave smoldering cigarettes or make open fires in the forests. Do not consume alcohol, drugs
or any other intoxicant.

12. Do not listen to radios, tape recorders or any other electronic entertainment equipment at high
volume to avoid noise pollution.

Eco-tourism guidelines:

Activities permitted are trekking, bird watching, photography in the notified places, and wildlife viewing
without disturbing them.

Group activities should be encouraged.

Guides should be selected, trained and made available to the visitors on cost.

The tourists should be given a thorough briefing of dos and don’ts and it should be included in the
guidebook.

Monitoring eco-tourism :

Impact of the tourism should be monitored closely by observing the visible impacts of litter, wear out of
the trekking paths, degradation of the vegetation, pollution caused because of tourism etc. Close
monitoring of these impacts will also help to determine the carrying capacity and accordingly the tourist
number should be controlled. A feedback should be obtained from every visitor and follow-up action
should be taken consistent with the management objectives.