Environmental research

Environment, in Balochistan, has degraded somewhat rapidly in the past two decades as compared to the rest of the country. Main causes for this fragmentation have been both natural as well as human. Among the human causes is inordinate increase in population, influx of Afghan Refugees, unsustainable management of available natural resources and lack of awareness. The nature has also contributed to the plight of the populace of the province in shape of a relentless drought during the past four years. This drought was, though, a recurring feature of Balochistan s geo-climatic setting but had been more destructive, again because of human causes such as in-action, ill planning, lack of policy, unsustainable use of natural resources and absence of participatory approach. In a Province where more than 80% population depends on livestock and agriculture farming for its sustenance, forests in the large area have been denuded and those which exist, face an imminent threat of extinction. Rangelands are almost devastated because of both, drought and over grazing. Indigenous irrigation systems and water resources such as karezes, wells and springs etc. have mostly dried up because of exorbitant mining of ground water through tube wells. All this has evaluated in further socio-economic decline of the local population, particularly in the rural areas, and has resulted into its increased dependence on available natural resources for its sustenance. In the project area, with cold climatic conditions, absence of gas or other such fuels for domestic needs and increased poverty has posed a serious threat to the existing stock of forests. These forests are not only important for the watershed management, prevention of soil degradation and erosion and livestock raring but are also of vital significance for the local biodiversity as they are inhabited by a vide range of wildlife including a number of rare and endemic species. By the implementation of these interventions in the area the scarce forests will be saved and all the population of these communities will benefit. The project will directly benefit 6000 children and 4250 women. By the implementation of these interventions the fuel wood saved will be upto 60% and the diseases caused by indoor pollution will be reduced and the time of women and children will be saved that they spend on collection of fuel. The people will be awared about the benefits of forests and global environmental issues and first time they will become aware of global environment protection and how each one of them can help in protecting the global environment by reducing consumption of wood in the area and using energy efficient products. The project qualifies for GEF funding as it directly targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that result in global warming one of the GEF mandated areas.

Pakistan