Project Detail

Conservation of Biodiversity with Community Development

Torghar is located in Killa Saifullah District, Balochistan Province, Pakistan and is the northern most part of Toba Kakar Range. The area is approximately 90 km long and 20 to 25 km wide. The altitude varies between 2,500-3,300 meters.

There is a strong seasonality in climate, both in temperature and precipitation. Summer temperatures are hot, up to 35 C. winters are cold-sometimes as low as - 15º C, there is a strong variation between day and night temperatures. Precipitation during the winter (end December to end February) mostly occurs as snow. Rainfall is light and variable, with the annual average about 200-250 mm. March and April are the rainiest months, and some summer rainfall is received in July and August.

Area is characterized by "steppe" types of vegetation, which vary with elevation and substrate. The lower slopes (1,000-2,000) of the hills have largely been denuded of trees and shrubs. Those trees which remain are widely scattered and consist primarily of Olive (Olea

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Society For Torghar Environment Protection

Country:

Pakistan

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Pilot Phase

Grant Amount:

US$ 14,810.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 125,000.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 4,887.00

Project Number:

PAK/95/29

Start Date:

4/1996

End Date:

4/1997

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Project Results

The GEF/SGP fund was used to carryout following activities, some of the activities carried out focused environmental issues directly while some on alleviating poverty.

a) Construction of water tanks
b) Construction of dam.
c) Lining of Irrigation channels.
d) Building of terraced field for orchards.
e) Supply and plantation of Fruit trees.
f) Expansion and clearing of Springs.
g) Construction of new link roads.
h) Repair of old link roads.
i) Medical aid and Medicines.

Economic Impacts

Cleaning of springs, construction of water tanks, and lining of irrigation channels resulted in increased water supply in the fields leading to increased agricultural production. Construction of new link road and maintenance of the old link road has resulted in increased access and the people can travel to the nearby town in less time with less expenditure. New orchards have also enhanced their income.

Socio-cultural

The people for the first time realized that the project was not benefiting a few people by providing them employment as game guards but was bringing prosperity to whole of the populace. UNDP funded activities both catering for water supply and health, greatly helped in bringing equitable development to the area thereby creating much needed grassroots support and goodwill for the project.

Various eminent scientists, journalists and individuals have visited Torghar. This has also created a sense of pride in the local population because they know that these people visit to see their unique achievement in the field of conservation. This recognition brought confidence and pride among these indigenous groups and have further strengthened their support to the project.

Environmental

Water tanks and the dam are also a source of drinking water for livestock. Their construction at strategic sites outside the core area has helped reduce the livestock population from core area thereby reducing competition with wildlife. Increased agricultural production and income from orchards will result in an increase in income and may reduce the sole reliance on livestock.

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