Central Karakoram National Park Distributes Waste Management Fee Cheques to Local Communities
Shigar – In a significant step towards fostering community involvement in environmental conservation, the Directorate of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) distributed cheques totaling 24.910 million rupees as part of the Waste Management Fee initiative. This distribution took place during a ceremony held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shigar, benefiting five right-holder communities: Braldu, Hushey, Arundu, Hisper, and Minapin.
Community Contributions and Waste Management
The Braldu community received the largest share of 19.5 million rupees, attributed to its location along popular trekking routes that attract numerous climbers and tourists. This financial support is part of CKNP’s broader efforts to engage local communities in the preservation of the park’s natural resources and environment, recognizing that sustainable management requires collaboration between authorities and residents.
During the ceremony, Director of CKNP Raja Abid Ali and CKNP Ecologist Syed Yasir Abbas Rizvi elaborated on the Waste Management Fee implementation process, detailing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for effective joint management. They highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness in crucial areas such as glaciers, trails, and camps within CKNP through a cooperative approach involving local communities.
Acknowledgment and Future Initiatives
Representatives from the Braldu Community-Based Organization (CBO), Hushey Village Conservation Committee (VCC), and the Hisper Welfare Organization expressed their gratitude for receiving the 20% share of the Waste Management Fee for the years 2022 and 2023. They underscored the importance of this financial assistance in bolstering their efforts to manage waste and protect their environment.
Syed Yasir Abbas Rizvi announced that the community share for 2024 would be distributed soon, further enhancing the local communities’ capacity to contribute to ecological conservation.
Sustainable Co-Management Commended
During their speeches, attendees praised the CKNP’s commitment to establishing a sustainable co-management system for waste management in Pakistan’s largest protected area. The initiative not only provides financial support to the communities but also encourages active participation in the preservation of a vital ecological zone.
As communities receive their shares and take part in conservation efforts, CKNP continues to set a precedent for effective waste management strategies, demonstrating the potential for collaborative approaches in environmental stewardship.
