DRAFT MASTER Consultations Process Report · 2019-07-15 · sustainable forest management, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks, particularly through regenerating natural

Federal Ministry of Climate Change

Government of Pakistan

Development of the National REDD+ Strategy and Its Implementation Framework in Pakistan

DRAFT Consultations Process Report

Mid-term Report

Authors: Lubna Hashmat, Tayyab Muhammad, Muhammad Fayaz, Majella Clarke, Tasadduq Hussain, Zeeshan Karim, Rizwan Karim, Farzana Yasmin, Junaid Ali, Aslam Shah, Iftikhar Alam, Saeed Imran, Hassan, Ramzan

July 12, 2017

© INDUFOR: DRAFT CONSULTATIONS PROCESS REPORT (ID 102710)

DISCLAIMER

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Copyright © 2017 Indufor

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Rationale 1 1.2 Objectives 1 1.3 Outline of the Report 2 1.4 Approach and Methodologies 2 1.5 Limitations in the Approach 3

APPLICATION OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 5

2.1 Consultations Schedule 5

STAKEHOLDER MAPPING 7

3.1 Introduction 7 3.2 Methodology 7 3.3 Analysis of Results 7

3.3.1 National 7 3.3.2 Azad Jammu and Kashmir 8 3.3.3 Balochistan 8 3.3.4 FATA 8 3.3.5 Gilgit Baltistan 8 3.3.6 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 9 3.3.7 Punjab 9 3.3.8 Sindh 9

3.4 Conclusions 9

INCEPTION WORKSHOP CONSULTATION 19

4.1 Introduction 19

4.1.1 Inception Workshop 19

4.2 Objective and Survey 19 4.3 Methodology 19

4.3.1 The Survey Sample 19 4.3.2 Methodology 20

4.4 Analysis of Results 20

4.4.1 REDD+ Actions for Priority 20 4.4.2 Results from the Survey on Strategic Goals 22 4.4.3 Results from the Survey on Strategic Targets 22 4.4.4 Results from the Survey on Principles 23

4.5 Conclusions 24

CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROVINCIAL FOREST OFFICES 26

5.1 Introduction 26

5.1.1 Objectives of the Consultations Process 26 5.1.2 Methodology 26

5.2 Balochistan 27 5.3 Sindh 32 5.4 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 37 5.5 Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) 39 5.6 Punjab 41 5.7 Gilgit Pakistan 47

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5.8 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 49

COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS 52

6.1 Introduction 52 6.2 Consultation objectives 52 6.3 Methodology 52 6.4 Results and Synthesis 53 6.5 Results 56 6.6 Individual Consultation Reports 56

RAMA, DISTRICT ASTORE, GILGIT BALTISTAN 57

1.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department 57 1.2 Section B - Open Structure Consultation with Communities 58

JAGLOT SAI DISTRICT GILGIT, GILGIT-BALTISTAN 64


MINHALA CHUA SAIDAN SHAH, DISTRICT CHAKWAL,PUNJAB PROVINCE 70

3.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department 70 3.2 Section B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities 71

RAKH PATTI MIR MIRANI D. G. KHAN, PUNJAB PROVINCE 75


HANESAR, KASENAR, NARAR KAHUTA, PUNJAB PROVINCE 80


PATRIATA MURREE, PUNJAB PROVINCE 85


KAITI BANDAR, THATTA, SINDH PROVINCE 90

7.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Deparment 90 7.2 Section B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities 91

SHAEEN JATI SUKKUR, SINDH PROVINCE 96


HILL KOT RANJOE BATTAL, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE 99


JABBORI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE 104

10.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department 104 10.2 Sectiob B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities: 105

SHINKIYARI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE 109

11.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Deparment 109 11.2 Section B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities 110

MIANDAM FATEH PUR RANJOE SWAT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE 115


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PARSACHA MUZAFARABAD, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR 119


POTHI BALA, MUJAHIDABAD RAWALAKOT, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR 126


KILI WALAKARAM ZHOB, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE 131


ZIARAT FOREST DIVISION ZIARAT, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE 134


SIBI, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE 139

17.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department 139 17.2 Section B: Open Structure Consultation with Communities 140

QUETTA URAK VALLEY, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE 143

18.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department 143 18.2 Section B: Open Structure Consultation with Communities 144

KHYBER AGENCY, FATA 147


PATTAN FOREST KOHISTAN, KP 152


CONCLUSIONS – MAJOR FINDINGS FROM COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 156

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 National REDD+ Stakeholder Map 11 Figure 2 Azad Jammu Kasmir REDD+ Stakeholder Map 12 Figure 3 Balochistan REDD+ Stakeholder Map 13 Figure 4 FATA REDD+ Stakeholder Map 14 Figure 5 Gilgit Baltistan REDD+ Stakeholder Map 15 Figure 6 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa REDD+ Stakeholder Map 16 Figure 7 Punjab REDD+ Stakeholder Map 17 Figure 8 Sind REDD+ Stakeholder Map 18 Figure 9 Inception Workshop Survey Sample 19 Figure 10 Results from the Survey REDD+ Actions for Priority 21 Figure 11 Results from the Survey on Principles 24

Annex 1 Survey I to Provincial Forest Officers (drivers of deforestation)

Annex 2 Survey II Strategic Elements

Annex 3 PROFOR Governance survey template

Annex 4 Community Consultation template

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List of ABBREVIATIONS

CSO Civil Society Organisation AJK Azad Jammu Kashmir AKLASC Azad Kashmir Logging and Sawmill Corporation BISP Benazir Income Support Programme CBO Community Based Organisation CCB Citizen Community Board CDO Community Development Officer CM Chief Minister CPEC China Pakistan Economic Cooridor EPA Environment Protection Agency FATA Federally Administered Tribal Area FCC Forest Conservation Committee FDC Forest Development Corporation FR Frontier Region Peshawar GB Gilgit Baltistan Govt. Government INGO International NGO IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JFMC Joint Forest Management Committee Kg kiolgram Km Kilomter KP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KRL Khan Research Laboratories LGRD Local Government and Rural Development LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas LSO Local Support Organisation MW Mega Watt N/A Not Applicable NADRA National Database Registration Authority NATCO Northern Area Transport Corporation NCHD National Commission for Human Development NGO Non Government Organisation NHA National Highway Authority NRSP National Rural Support Organisation Pak Pakistan PHED Public Health and Engineering Department PKR Pakistani Rupees PM Prime Minister PWD Public Works Department RD Rural Development REDD Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degrdation RFO Range Forest Officer SAFWCO Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization SDFO Sub Division Forest Officer

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SDO Sub Divisional Officer Sq Square UNDP United Nations Development Programme VDC Village Development Committee WASIP Water and Sanitation Extension Programme WWF World Wide Fund

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Effective participation of stakeholders in Pakistan’s REDD+ Strategy formulation is critical for optimising multiple benefits from forests and understanding the interests and concerns from different stakeholder groups. One of the seven safeguards from the Cancun Agreements 1/CP.16 is the full and effective participation of stakeholders and in this respect, there are many dimensions of stakeholder engagement and participation that are important to recognize.

The objective of this report is to present the main discussion points and results from the consultations that have occurred on the formulation of the national REDD+ strategy. The approaches and methods are based on best practice and guidance with the aim to employ the tools recommended under the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). The guidance used to develop the consultations were:

FCPF Readiness Assessment Framework UNREDD Guidance Note of Gender Sensitive REDD+ PROFOR Forest Governance Monitoring and Assessment Tool WWF Guide to Building REDD+ Strategies UNREDD-FCPF Guidelines on stakeholder engagement in REDD+ Readiness with a

Focus on the Participation of Indigenous Peoples and other Forest Dependent Communities.

These guidance notes all support the adherence to the UNFCCC’s REDD+ safeguards on stakeholder participation cited under 1.CP/16 of the Cancun Agreements as “ the full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders, in particular indigenous peoples and local communities”.

20 communities across all provinces and territories participated in the consultation process. The communities were selected based on criteria specified in the inception report (presented in Chapter 2), in consultation with provincial/territorial forest officers.

Stakeholder maps were developed at the national, provincial and local levels and presented in Chapter 3. These maps will be used in developing REDD+ awareness and outreach plans, engage stakeholders strategically, and formulate programmes of action to gain further support for REDD+ at the provincial and local levels.

The stakeholder maps differ greatly, showing that the provinces have compositions of different interests and priorities. For example, in AJK, a special management plan to engage the business interests of forest contractors, the wood based industry would be very important for the success of REDD+. In Balochistan, future stakeholder engagement efforts should target increasing the social interest of communities living near forests, tribal leaders and religious leaders through awareness raising and outreach efforts. FATA stakeholders will require special engagement methods because many stakeholders are nomadic.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s stakeholder map shows that there are many stakeholders in all four different quadrants unlike most of the other stakeholder maps. However, even in this case, there are stakeholder groups that should become the target to increase interest in REDD+, particularly the finance department.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province contains many stakeholders with different interests, and there are a sizeable number of stakeholder groups that can potentially resist REDD+. Future REDD+ Stakeholder engagement should therefore attempt to understand and reduce resistance to REDD+ from forest contractors, the mining department, rural development department and associations and corporations with business interests.

In Punjab, stakeholders involved in agriculture and mining are likely to place the most resistance on REDD+, and will require strategic engagement throughout the REDD+ Readiness process. The Sindh stakeholder map is interesting, because the potential resisters have much more influence than the high interest stakeholder groups such as IUCN, FAO and Sindh Forest Service.

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Chapter 4 of this report presents the results from an important survey conducted during the inception workshop. The results show that:

There is a good degree of consensus that the REDD+ Strategy should prioritize actions that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and prioritize the role of sustainable forest management, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks, particularly through regenerating natural forests.

Most respondents agreed that the REDD+ Strategy should include national goals that support both global and national objectives.

There were divergences of opinion regarding the role of short-term, medium-term and long-term targets. This will require further discussion during the consultation phase within Provincial REDD+ offices.

There was a good degree of consensus that non-carbon benefits should feature in the REDD+ Strategy and that targets for non-carbon benefits should also be considered.

These results were naturally used to inform the development of the strategic elements of the national REDD+ strategy.

Chapter 5 presents the results from surveys and a series of discussions on the drivers of deforestation and REDD+ Options based on provincial/territorial consultations with the forest service. Common drivers of deforestation and forest degradation were identified as firewood collection, urban expansion, lack of alternative livelihoods and uncontrolled grazing of livestock. Key barriers to regeneration were identified as uncontrolled grazing, and natural climatic challenges.

Generally, all provincial/territorial forest departments concluded that raising awareness and building capacity on REDD+ is urgently needed, as well as policy reform in many cases. Common REDD+ actions identified, linked to the drivers, included community forestry with a focus on alternative livelihoods, private sector engagement training, and then a program to support engagement and participation of the private sector actors in REDD+. Ecotourism, expanding protected areas, and restoring mangroves were identified as important REDD+ options. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (C-PEC) was identified as an option that could also present some good opportunities to green infrastructure and support REDD+.

A separate report on the drivers of deforestation will accompany this report.

Chapter 6 presents the results from the community consultations. 20 community consultations were held in all provinces including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas during March – May 2017. All sites were selected by Provincial Focal Persons designated by the REDD office in Islamabad. These consultations focused participation in local communities including females, key influential persons, representatives of community organisations and local forest department officials. In brief, most communities have been affected my climate change to the point where it has interfered with local livelihoods. Most community consultations reported that the weather patterns have changed. For example, timings of summer and winter, rains and snow have changed and as a result, climate change has directly influenced the productivity of crops and other livelihoods and has created confusion about the timings of sowing and harvesting of crops. Community consultations reported that the forest density has reduced. For example, the forest used to be nearby areas from where the community could easily get wood, let their animals’ graze, but now the forests are located over distant areas. Three community consultations reported that the grazing areas and or fodder have reduced. Most community consultations highlighted the intense need for fuel wood. Several communities expressed that there is no alternate to fuel wood hence they are heavily reliant on fuel wood and forests.

Population increase has created a lot of pressure for the increase in income/livelihoods and areas for residential purposes. Furthermore, communities are heavily dependent on forest wood

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for cooking and heating purposes. Unless or until alternate energy sources such as LPG or low priced wood are provided, it will be extremely challenging to reduce the forest cutting for domestic purposes. Commercial interests are also one of the major reasons of deforestation. It is important to provide alternate and compatible livelihood measures to local people to discourage them to cut the forests for commercial interests. Awareness raising for common people of all age groups on the following will be critical for the success of REDD+:

Importance of forests for environmental balance Informal rights of communities on forests Forest boundaries Community based forest management

Awareness raising about importance of forests for keeping environmental balance is crucial for all levels including communities, civil society organisations, state and non state actors. The mass awareness raising through multiple methods such as celebration of environmental days, debate, quiz and article writing competitions would help in creating a public pressure for improving the situation. The awareness raising in schools may develop change agents that become watch dogs for future campaigns. Engagement of media in raising public awareness may help greatly. The report is in no way exhaustive of the consultations that will take place during the formulation of the national REDD+ Strategy. Consultations and information sharing sessions are expected to take place during the national REDD+ Strategy formulation, and up until the end of the project, such as informing the development of the REDD+ curriculum and continue on into the future.

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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rationale

The Government of Pakistan initiated the REDD+ process in 2009 with consultative workshops and awareness raising. In 2010, a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee was constituted. Provincial Management and Coordination Committees are being constituted. National and provincial focal points were declared. National Working Groups (WGs) were formulated to compile and deliver information.

To date, consultation activities have produced several important outcomes including the identification of a range of stakeholders relevant to REDD+ along with the outreach methods that enhanced both collaboration and capacity building among national, provincial and local level line agencies and other respective organizations, and hence enhanced ownership of the REDD+ mechanism. During those early consultation processes, various capacity building needs were also identified.

This consultation report adds to those previous efforts by documenting and updating stakeholder interests.

Effective participation of stakeholders in REDD+ Strategy formulation is critical for optimising multiple benefits from forests and understanding the interests and concerns from different stakeholder groups. Therefore, the REDD+ strategy consultation process should build confidence with stakeholders and outside parties and enable them to contribute effectively in the formulation of the national REDD+ Strategy.

One of the seven safeguards from the Cancun Agreements 1/CP.16 is the full and effective participation of stakeholders and in this respect, there are many dimensions of stakeholder engagement and participation that are important to recognize. From using social media crowd sourcing of ideas to inform and formulate the REDD+ strategy, to the very formal structured consultations conducted with forest departments, the method of engagement should be suitable for the information that needs to be collected and at the same time, empower stakeholders with a voice to create national ownership.

This consultation process has attempted to source viewpoints on REDD+ from many different stakeholder groups, as well as identify and map stakeholder groups at both the national, as well as the provincial and territory levels.

Stakeholder groups identified include the Government at different levels, the private sector, industry, NGOs, CSOs, media and journalists, international organizations (e.g. World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), academic institutions, universities and colleges, forest dependent communities, nomads, refugees, religious leaders and the general public.

1.2 Objectives

The objective of this report is to present the main discussion points and results from the consultations that have occurred on the formulation of the national REDD+ strategy. In this respect, the objective of the consultation process is to identify the drivers of deforestation, an accompanying study to this report, and inform the formulation of the national REDD+ Strategy and the respective provincial action plans through a bottom-up strategy approach.

The approaches and methods applied during the consultation process have several aims, specifically:

Embodying national ownership in the REDD+ strategy formulation; Demonstrate consultative, participatory and collaborative approach to reach consensus; Ensuring compatibility between national and sub-national interests and priorities; Build on previous work conducted on REDD+ Readiness in Pakistan.


1.3 Outline of the Report

Consistent with the Inception report’s outline for Deliverable 2, the information presented in this Mid-term Report – Consultations Process and Report will specify the context of consultations. Chapter 2 presents the consultations schedule and how the selection criteria for community consultations were applied. Chapter 3 presents the results from the stakeholder mapping exercise at national and provincial levels. Chapter 4 presents the results from surveys and discussions taken during the inception workshop, which kicked-off the project. Chapter 5 presents the consultations at the provincial level with the relevant forest officials. In some cases, those outside the forest service also participated in the meeting. Chapter 6 presents the Minutes/notes from consultations with communities and focal group discussions (but not expert interviews).

The report is in no way exhaustive of the consultations that will take place during the formulation of the national REDD+ Strategy. Consultations and information sharing sessions are expected to take place during the national REDD+ Strategy formulation, and up until the end of the project, such as informing the development of the REDD+ curriculum.

The Annexes present the different tools and surveys used in the collection of information and consultations. Annex 1 presents the survey template for consultations on the drivers of deforestation focal group discussion with provincial forest departments. Annex 2 presents the survey template used to inform the development of strategic elements. Annex 3 is the survey used for consultations on forest governance using the PROFOR Governance assessment tool. Annex 4 is the community consultation template used to guide semi structured and focal group discussions with communities.

Important: The results of the consultations and surveys using the PROFOR Governance assessment tool (see Annex 3) are presented in a separate report on the drivers of deforestation. As a result, some key questions on land tenure and forest ownership are considered in detail in that Interim report, with the accompanying legal analysis.

1.4 Approach and Methodologies

The approach to the consultation process is guided by several documents that outline best practices for conducting stakeholder consultations.

More specifically, the following best practice and guidance will be used in the development of the proposed methodology and used throughout the consultation process guiding its implementation: Readiness Assessment Framework Guidance: The document will be used to guide the development of the national REDD+ Strategy and drivers of deforestation assessment. The document will serve as a “check list” of key questions for the analyses.

UNREDD Guidance Note of Gender Sensitive REDD+: The Guidance note will be used to direct the development of the national REDD+ Strategy to include gender sensitive points, relevant to the national context of Pakistan and its provinces and territories.

PROFOR Forest Governance Monitoring and Assessment Tool: The drivers of deforestation study will use the document as a basis for assessing the role of governance in driving deforestation and forest degradations.

WWF Guide to Building REDD+ Strategies: This guide provides REDD+ practitioners with the information needed to develop national and subnational REDD+ strategies. It draws on the experiences of WWF’s international REDD+ project teams and their partners, the latest literature on REDD+ practices and emerging REDD+ best practices around the world. It is designed to provide a holistic understanding of REDD+ for practitioners whether they work in a single area of REDD+ or across the field of REDD+.

The stakeholder consultation process was guided by the UNREDD-FCPF Guidelines on stakeholder engagement in REDD+ Readiness with a Focus on the Participation of Indigenous Peoples and other Forest Dependent Communities. The guidelines are


designed to support effective stakeholder engagement in the context of REDD+ readiness specifically for the FCPF (and UNREDD). The Guidelines contain 1) Relevant policies on indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities; 2) Principles and guidance for effective stakeholder engagement; and 3) Practical “how-to” steps on planning and implementing effective consultations.

These guidance notes all support the adherence to the UNFCCC’s REDD+ safeguards on stakeholder participation cited under 1.CP/16 of the Cancun Agreements as “ the full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders, in particular indigenous peoples and local communities”.

The stakeholder consultation process will feature a number of specific consultation methodologies to inform the REDD+ strategy:

1. Interviews with key experts and stakeholders 2. Focal group discussions 3. Community consultations 4. Surveys

In-depth, semi-structured interviews and group discussions was conducted with a number of stakeholder groups. Representatives from different stakeholder groups were interviewed to gather information as a bottom-up strategy formulation approach. For each stakeholder group, an interview protocol and survey was developed during the inception phase, which includes specific questions for discussion. The surveys are attached in Annexes 1-4 of this report.

Focal group discussions were a mode of consultation implemented during the community consultations and some provincial consultations with the forest service. They included for example, focal group discussions will CSOs, and women involved in forest issues in Pakistan.

Important: Discussions on REDD+ benefit sharing, carbon revenues and other future possibilities were deliberately excluded from community consultations in order to manage expectations and focus discussions on the current facts and circumstances, rather than unknown possibilities.

Specific consultation methodologies are presented in the consultation process that they were applied. Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 present the details of these respective methodologies.

1.5 Limitations in the Approach

Pakistan is a country of some 200 million people with about half the population residing in rural areas. The sheer size of the population means that expectations need to be realistic on the number of communities and stakeholders that can be engaged on strategy formulation at this stage. Generally, the rule of thumb is that the larger the sample size, the more statistically significant it is—meaning there’s less of a chance that the results happened by coincidence.

Population Size = N | Margin of error = e | z-score = z

e is percentage, put into decimal form (for example, 3% = 0.03) .The z-score is the number of standard deviations a given proportion is away from the mean.

Equation 1: calculating sample size


In order to have a statistically significant sample in a country like Pakistan with a population of 200 million, assuming a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error at +/-5%, the sample size would need to be at least 385 people participating in the same survey questions. For village consultations, Pakistan has some 200,000 villages, which means that some 384 villages would need to participate in a survey of statistical significance and maintaining an acceptable 5% margin of error.

The reality is that with 20 community consultations possible in a period of 3-4 months, and a limited budget of USD 200,000, the margin of error is 22%. Therefore, the community consultations were designed to be qualitative, and pick up on perceptions. In this respect, such a survey can still give you valuable answers without having a sample size that represents the general population. The results presented in this report were intended for qualitative assessment, not for regression modelling or statistical inference.

The REDD+ strategy and general readiness phase will continue to benefit from further consultations, though such consultations are also constrained by time, human resources and budget.

The scheduling, appointments and other work planning for outreach often proved challenging due to busy schedules of the provincial officials and other stakeholders. In few cases, this led to slight delays as well, which the team tried to cover through lateral rigorous follow up.


APPLICATION OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

2.1 Consultations Schedule

Sindh Province Strategy consultation in Sindh March 27 Consultation with Forest Department at Karachi March 28 Consultation with NGOs-Karachi Social Survey in Sindh March 29, 2017

Community Consultation at Keti Bandar Mangrove Forest

May 13 Community Consultations with male & female groups at Sukkur Technical Survey in Sindh March 30 Technical Survey with selected officers of Sindh Forest

Department

Baluchistan Province Strategy consultation in Baluchistan May 2, 2017 Consultation with Forest Department Baluchistan at Quetta May 3, 2017 Field site visit to Hazarganji Chiltan National Park Social Survey in Baluchistan April 12, 2017 Community Consultations in Sibbi May 2, 2017 Community Consultations at Ziarat May 8, 2017 Community Consultations at Zhob Technical Survey in Baluchistan March 2 Technical Survey with selected officers of Baluchistan Forest

Department

Punjab Province Strategy consultation in Punjab May 17 Consultation with Forest Department Punjab at Lahore May 18 Field visit to Changa Manga Plantation Social Survey in Punjab April 28, 2017 One male and one female Community Consultation in Kahuta April 29, 2017 One male and one female Community Consultation in Chakwal May 2, 2017 One male and one female Community Consultation in DG Khan Technical Survey April 30 Technical Survey with selected officers of Punjab Forest

Department

Khber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province Strategy consultation in KP May 24 Consultation with Forest Department KP at Peshawar Social Survey in KP April 25, 2017 One male Community Consultation in Battal - Shinkiari April 26 Community Consultations in Jabouri Mansehra


April 27 Community Consultations at District Kohistan April 28 Community Consultations at District Swat Technical Survey April 27 Technical Survey with selected officers of KP Forest Department

Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) Strategy consultation in AJK May 31, 2017 Consultation with Forest Department AJK Social Survey in AJK May 8, 2017 One male and one female Community Consultation in Rawalakot Technical Survey April 4, 2017 Technical Survey with selected officers of AJK Forest Department

Gilgit Baltistan Province Strategy consultation in Gilgit Baltistan May 26, 2017 Consultation with Forest Department Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Social Survey in GB May 2, 2017 One male and one female Community Consultation in Gilgit May 3, 2017 One male Community Consultation in Astore May 4, 2017 One female Community Consultation in Astore May 5, 2017 One male Community Consultation in Diamar Technical Survey in GB May 10, 2017 Technical Survey with selected officers of GBForest Department

Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Strategy consultation FATA May 30, 2017 Consultation with Forest Department FATA Social Survey in FATA May 2, 2017 One male Community Consultation in Khyber Agency - FATA Technical Survey No technical Survey conducted in FATA


STAKEHOLDER MAPPING

3.1 Introduction

Stakeholder mapping and analysis allows forest managers, government officials, and project developers to identify the interests of different groups and find ways of including those people who are likely to benefit, while manage those stakeholders who might not be supportive. Stakeholder mapping and analysis can also be used to identify real perceptions and needs, which can contribute to the development and management of the planned REDD+ activities most suited to the potential users and other interested groups.

This chapter will present the results of the REDD+ Strategy stakeholder mapping activity that was carried out at the national, provincial and local levels. The analysis discussed key features for each province and highlights important stakeholder considerations, which need to be incorporated into the national REDD+ strategy.

3.2 Methodology

The stakeholder mapping exercise uses a tool developed by Englund et al (2003) in Excel. Stakeholders are given a series of questions, as follows:

On the y-axis:

Rank between 1(not influential) and 5 (highly influential), your (stakeholder) influence on others;

Rank between 1 (no control) and 5 (complete control), your (stakeholder) direct control of resources;

On the x-axis:

Rank between 1 (low) and 5 (high), your (stakeholder) social interest in REDD+; Rank between 1 (low) and 5 (high), your (stakeholder) technical interest in REDD+;

On the z-axis:

Rank between 1 (support) and 5 (resist), your (stakeholder) support/resistance in REDD+.

The results are then weighted and plotted with x, y coordinates, as follows:

Influence (y-axis) = 40%*influence on others + 60%* control over resources Interest (x-axis) = 35% technical interest + 65% social interest.

The size of the plotted coordinate is determined by the z-axis. The more resistant the stakeholder is to REDD+, the larger the bubble that represents that stakeholder. The results immediately generate a stakeholder map, which was then reviewed and discussed during the stakeholder consultations, and the results are presented below.

3.3 Analysis of Results

3.3.1 National

The national stakeholder mapping exercise conducted during the inception workshop revealed that stakeholders attending had a high degree of interest in REDD+, with varying degrees of influence over the REDD+ process and resources. The national REDD+ Office, and the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest Service acknowledged that they had a fairly high influence over the REDD+ process within their jurisdictions. Donors such as the World Bank and FAO noted that they had a high degree of influence within the REDD+, but limited influence over resources. All stakeholders had a high degree of both technical and social interest in the REDD+ process. No stakeholders resisted REDD+, but noted that it could come under resistance as the exercise is applied at the provincial level.

Following the provincial level stakeholder map analyses after Section 3.8, please see the stakeholder maps for the national and provincial/territorial stakeholders.


3.3.2 Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Stakeholders from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) generally have some interest and influence in REDD+. Appropriately there are Government departments that have influences and interest in REDD+ and these will be important to maintaining the momentum on REDD+ and forest restoration work in AJK. However, there are some potentially strong resisters from the Government and private sector, which could cause many challenges for REDD+ in AJK.

A special management plan to engage the business interests of forest contractors, the wood based industry would be very important. This could be done with a tailored Corporate Social Responsibility Plan managed by the forest department. Religious leaders are also potentially influential and could be a target group for REDD+ training. The conflict in AJK has created a unique environment for managing REDD+ stakeholder interests. The most powerful influencer on REDD+ is the Defence Forces. So far, they have limited interest on REDD+, but if brought on board and engaged, could be an influential supporter and stakeholder in the strategy for AJK.

3.3.3 Balochistan

Baluchistan identified many different stakeholder segments that could be interested in REDD+. Legislators, District Administration, Tribal elders and politicians were viewed as generally the most influential stakeholders. In addition, religious leaders were also viewed as having a strong degree of influence over people, though not resources. Future stakeholder engagement efforts should target increasing the social interest of communities living near forests, tribal leaders and religious leaders through awareness raising and outreach efforts.

3.3.4 FATA

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is arguably one of the most affected territories from conflict, as many of the Afghan refugees fleeing conflict found refuge within the area. The territory does share cultural similarities with border regions of Afghanistan, and therefore it is not surprising that many of the stakeholders that could have interests in REDD+ include Afghan nomads, nomads originating from Pakistan and tribal Maliks. The stakeholder map for FATA is different when compared to the other stakeholder maps presented in the report. This is because the lower right quadrant (low influence, High REDD+ interest) is absent of stakeholders, usually coming from academia and research.

After discussion, there was a confirmation that indeed this could be the case as the territory does not host academics and research institutions like the other provinces, and suffers from a high illiteracy rate. On the other hand, FATA is the only territory/province that identified local literary persons and poets who often write about nature, are influential stakeholders that would benefit the REDD+ process if their technical knowledge and social awareness of REDD+ was developed. At least a third of the stakeholders identified have little interest in REDD+ as they are nomads, celebrities, and other such stakeholders that are not yet aware of REDD+ or other climate change mechanisms.

The FATA stakeholder map presents an opportunity to reach out to tribal Maliks and religious leaders, who are potentially influential, and increase their role and awareness of REDD+. The most important potential resister to REDD+ (firewood traders) will be important to engage early on, with a focus on bringing the benefits of REDD+ to this stakeholder group as a priority.

3.3.5 Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan’s stakeholder map shows that there are many stakeholders following into the four different quadrants unlike most of the other stakeholder maps. High interest and influence groups include both the key Government bodies and local communities, which could be a good indication for progressive readiness.

Low and high interest groups also contain some potentially useful Government departments that could support the REDD+ process, such as tourism department. There are stakeholder groups which should become the target to increase interest in REDD+, particularly the finance


department. This is because the finance department is expected to play a key role in planning budgets and has important influence over financial resources, which can affect REDD+ implementation. Media and Department of Minerals and Mining should also be targeted for increasing interest and involvement in REDD+. The most difficult groups to engage will be those groups with private sector interests, particularly forest leases.

The readiness process should target building awareness of these groups, and making sure there is a program of action that considered their interests and potential participation in REDD+.

3.3.6 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province contains many stakeholders with different interests, and there are a sizeable number of stakeholder groups which can potentially resist REDD+. Future REDD+ Stakeholder engagement should therefore attempt to understand and reduce resistance to REDD+. Potential resisters to REDD+ in KP include forest contractors, the mining department, rural development department and associations and corporations with business interests.

Several of the potential REDD+ resistance groups are also influential, but have a lower interest in REDD+. Therefore, increasing awareness on the full range of benefits from REDD+ will be an important aspect of developing REDD+ readiness within KP Province. Celebrities and Media are potentially influential over other stakeholder groups and were viewed as REDD+ supporters. Using these stakeholders to convince resisting stakeholders to embrace REDD+ could be a useful success strategy for KP.

3.3.7 Punjab

The Punjab stakeholder mapping exercise yielded some good insights into which stakeholders are likely to support REDD+ and which are likely to resist. Stakeholders involved in agriculture and mining are likely to place the most resistance on REDD+ in Punjab, and will require strategic engagement throughout the REDD+ Readiness process. In this respect, the Ministry of Mining and Minerals (green dot) will need targeted engagement.

Not only because of its potential to resist, but because it has one for the highest degrees of influence on land use, yet at the same time, is the least vested or interested in REDD+. The targeted engagement should attempt, at the very least, to shift Mining and Minerals into a higher interest and active engagement within the REDD+ process in Punjab. The pulp industries (yellow dot) could also benefit from targeted engagement to lift their level of interest in REDD+ in Punjab.

3.3.8 Sindh

The stakeholder map from Sindh shows that there are some potentially influential resisters to REDD+. These resisters include landlords, industry in general (not just wood based industry) and the Board of Revenue. The Sindh stakeholder map is interesting, because the potential resisters have much more influence than the high interest stakeholder groups such as IUCN, FAO and Sindh Forest Service. The irrigation department could have the strongest potential impact on REDD+ in Sindh because of the enormous power that it has in the water scarce province. The scarcity of water in Sindh is the underlying challenge that could create many barriers to REDD+, even in mangrove communities. This is because, while the mangroves may not require irrigation, the communities involved in the restoration of mangroves, such as Keti Bundar, do require irrigation for their livelihoods and subsistence. It is a very fragile situation, for which access to irrigation can have the potential to increase or decrease the level of resistance to REDD+.

3.4 Conclusions

The stakeholder maps differ greatly, showing that the provinces have compositions of different interests and priorities. The national stakeholder consultation was done during the inception workshop, which was attended by strong supporters of REDD+ with the most influence and


interest. Therefore, it makes sense that most stakeholders are presented in the far right quadrants of the stakeholder map.

AJK will benefit from the strong interest of Government in REDD+, but there are some potentially strong resisters from the Government (non-forest) and private sector, which could cause many challenges for REDD+ in AJK and a special management plan to engage the business interests of forest contractors, the wood based industry would be very important for the success of REDD+.

Balochistan has many different stakeholder segments, though most are not influential. Future stakeholder engagement efforts should target increasing the social interest of communities living near forests, tribal leaders and religious leaders through awareness raising and outreach efforts

The stakeholder map for FATA is different when compared to the other stakeholder maps presented in the report. This is because the lower right quadrant (low influence, High REDD+ interest) is absent of stakeholders, usually coming from academia and research.

At least a third of the stakeholders identified have little interest in REDD+ as they are nomads, celebrities, and other such stakeholders that are not yet aware of REDD+ or other climate change mechanisms. The most important potential resister to REDD+ (firewood traders) will be important to engage early on, with a focus on bringing the benefits of REDD+ to this stakeholder group.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s stakeholder map shows that there are many stakeholders following into the four different quadrants unlike most of the other stakeholder maps. High interest and influence groups include both the key Government bodies and local communities, which could be a good indication for progressive readiness. There are stakeholder groups that should become the target to increase interest in REDD+, particularly the finance department. Media and Department of Minerals and Mining should also be targeted for increasing interest and involvement in REDD+.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province contains many stakeholders with different interests, and there are a sizeable number of stakeholder groups that can potentially resist REDD+. Future REDD+ Stakeholder engagement should therefore attempt to understand and reduce resistance to REDD+ from forest contractors, the mining department, rural development department and associations and corporations with business interests. Celebrities and Media are potentially influential over other stakeholder groups and were viewed as REDD+ supporters.

Stakeholders involved in agriculture and mining are likely to place the most resistance on REDD+ in Punjab, and will require strategic engagement throughout the REDD+ Readiness process.

The stakeholder map from Sindh shows that there are some potentially influential resisters to REDD+. These resisters include landlords, industry in general (not just wood based industry) and the Board of Revenue. The Sindh stakeholder map is interesting, because the potential resisters have much more influence than the high interest stakeholder groups such as IUCN, FAO and Sindh Forest Service.

In all, the feedback from the exercise has been positive, and the results will be incorporated into designing provincial programs of action for the national REDD+ Strategy.


Figure 1 National REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 2 Azad Jammu Kasmir REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 3 Balochistan REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 4 FATA REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 5 Gilgit Baltistan REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 6 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 7 Punjab REDD+ Stakeholder Map


Figure 8 Sind REDD+ Stakeholder Map


INCEPTION WORKSHOP CONSULTATION

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 Inception Workshop

The inception workshop for the development of the national REDD+ Strategy and its implementation framework was held jointly with the adjoining project Developing National Forest Reference Emissions Levels (FREL), Forest Reference Levels (FRL), National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and Measuring, Reporting and Verification System (MRV) on the 13th and 14th February 2017.

The workshop kicked off the consultation process for the national REDD+ Strategy. It started the process by conducting a stakeholder mapping exercise with national and provincial forest officers, NGOs, and key representatives from academia, the private sector and Pakistan Forest institute. The results of the stakeholder mapping exercise conducted during the inception workshop is presented in Section 3.1.

To further source views from stakeholders on key elements of the national REDD+ Strategy, and encourage a discussion, a survey was distributed between the stakeholders (individual), and the results from this are presented below, and are used to inform the development of the national REDD+ Strategy. In addition, the responses were used for preparation before provincial consultations with forest officers.

4.2 Objective and Survey

The objective of the survey was to identify common goals, targets and principles for the national REDD+ Strategy and detect any major potential conflict in priorities between different provinces and territories on REDD+ strategic areas.

4.3 Methodology

4.3.1 The Survey Sample

A total of 30 persons participated in the survey. 23 survey respondents were from the Government, 2 representatives from NGOs, 2 representatives from private sector, 2 representatives of Associations and 1 respondent from Research/University. One respondent represented the interests of both the private sector and an Association. Refer to the following figure for a graphical presentation of the inception workshop survey sample.

Figure 9 Inception Workshop Survey Sample


4.3.2 Methodology

Survey forms were distributed in the joint inception workshop to all participants. Time was given to respondents to discuss and mark their answers on the survey form. The consultant team was available to answer questions from the respondents during the session. All responses are confidential. The results of the survey were entered into an excel spreadsheet and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results, and will be used to inform the approach and direction of the national REDD+ Strategy.

4.4 Analysis of Results

4.4.1 REDD+ Actions for Priority

Respondents were asked to rank their top priority REDD+ Actions from a prearranged list, and list other options, if applicable. Most respondents marked a priority number against all actions, while several respondents ranked five actions. For the respondents that ranked the five actions, their responses were classified as priority 1 (High priority) actions to maintain consistency with the other responses. The results are presented on the next page. The five highest priority actions were:

1. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; 2. Increase the area of sustainable forest management 3. Regenerate natural forests with native species 4. Maintain conservation and protected areas 5. Maintain the area of sustainable forest management.

The subsequent priority actions had a tendency to be province specific. For example, Conservation of mangroves was important in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Economic actions, such as plantations and agricultural intensification were not high priority “REDD+” actions, see Figure 10.


Figure 10 Results from the Survey REDD+ Actions for Priority


4.4.2 Results from the Survey on Strategic Goals

Two questions on REDD+ Strategic goals were presented in the survey. The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a global objective (e.g. 1.5-2 degrees Celsius):

Response No. Yes 23 (85%) No 3 (11%) Unsure 1 (4%)

The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a national objective (e.g. Vision 2025):

Response No. Yes 26 (96%) No 0 Unsure 1 (4%)

The results are generally conclusive that the national REDD+ Strategy for Pakistan should set goals working towards both global and national objectives. These objectives will be further clarified during the formulation process. Respondents did note concerns on how the decentralization and greater autonomy of the provinces would be presented within the context of REDD+ Strategic goals.

4.4.3 Results from the Survey on Strategic Targets

The national REDD+ Strategy should include a short-term target 2020 for REDD+:

Response No. Agree 14 Disagree 9 No opinion 6

There is a division of opinion on whether the national REDD+ Strategy should include a short-term target (2020) for REDD+. The majority favor the target, but further data collection will be needed on the issue, as there are also a fair number of respondents (31%) that disagree. The national REDD+ Strategy should include a medium-term target:

Response No. Agree 24 Disagree 3 No opinion 2 Linkages Link to Vision 2025 17 Link to Paris Agreement 12


A greater majority of respondents agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should have a medium-term target (83%). Of this, more than half (58%) agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should align targets with Pakistan’s Vision 2025, and 50% of respondents agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should align targets with the Paris Agreement. The national REDD+ Strategy should include a long-term target for REDD+:

Response No. Agree 22 Disagree 3 No opinion 3

Most respondents agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should include a long-term target (79%).

Proposed Target No. Beyond 2030 8 2030-2040 5 2040 0 2050 6

No respondents felt that the target should be 2040. Most respondents agreed that the target should be set beyond 2030, five respondents agreed that the targets should be between 2030-2040. In the open comments on targets, many comments were received that stated that the national REDD+ Strategy should contain targets for non-carbon benefits, and specifically for livelihoods and biodiversity.

4.4.4 Results from the Survey on Principles

Survey respondents were requested to tick their top five principles of importance for the implementation of REDD+ in Pakistan. The result showed that the top five principles for implementing REDD+ in Pakistan are:

1. Enhancing ecosystem services 2. Contribution to global GHG emission reductions 3. Contribution to national GHG emission reductions 4. Improving forest and land governance 5. Transparency and Accountability equally with strengthening forest dependent livelihoods Refer to the following figure for a full presentation of the results from the survey on principles.

Some respondents pointed to other principles which included skill enhancement, improving the productivity of the wood industry, consistency with other multi-lateral environmental agreements and applying existing best management practices in Pakistan. No respondent marked the principles for prioritizing the needs of women, protection and safeguard of minorities (e.g. refugees, disabled) and contributing to, and promoting peace (e.g. forests for peace from the Costa Rica model).


Figure 11 Results from the Survey on Principles

4.5 Conclusions

There is a good degree of consensus that the REDD+ Strategy should prioritize actions that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and prioritize the role of sustainable forest management, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks, particularly through regenerating natural forests. These priorities are fully aligned with the five REDD+ actions presented in 1 CP/16 of the Cancun Agreements.

Most respondents agreed that the REDD+ Strategy should include national goals that support both global and national objectives.


There were divergences of opinion regarding the role of short-term, medium-term and long-term targets. This will require further discussion during the consultation phase within Provincial REDD+ offices.

There was a good degree of consensus that non-carbon benefits should feature in the REDD+ Strategy and that targets for non-carbon benefits should also be considered.


CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROVINCIAL FOREST OFFICES

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Objectives of the Consultations Process

To this date, the Government of Pakistan have not mapped the drivers of deforestation, land use change, or carried out a robust and credible national land use survey that could be used for prioritizing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, and distinguishing between these two different phenomena. There have been localized studies conducted in this respect, but because they use different methods and assumptions, they are not comparable across different provinces. Therefore, the only way to get a sense of prioritization of the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation is to conduct consultations with key experts. That is, the forest service in each province and territory.

The objectives of focusing consultations on the provincial forest departments are to:

1. Identify key perceived drivers of deforestation, forest degradation and barriers to regeneration specific to the province;

2. Identify and link potential REDD+ options to those drivers; and 3. Start building consensus on key elements of the national REDD+ strategy (vision, guiding

principles etc).

5.1.2 Methodology

The consultant team held a series of consultations which key members of the provincial forest departments attended between March-May 2017. Each of the provinces or territories was consulted and the notes from those meetings are presented in this chapter. The consultation process commenced with the following sequence.

The results from the literature review are presented in a separate report on the drivers of deforestation. The results from the stakeholder mapping exercise are presented separately in Chapter 3. The next section reproduces the key discussion points based on the survey ans consultation with key experts.

literature review

•Review of provincial policies and laws on forests

•Review research on provincial forest loss

Survey

•Survey to distinguish drivers of deforestation from degradation

•Identify key drivers and underlying causes

Consult key experts

•Build group consenus on the high priority drivers

•Identify and link REDD+ strategy options to tackle priority drivers of forest loss

Stakeholder mappimg

•Identify and discuss stakeholder engagement


5.2 Balochistan

Place

Serena Hotel, Quetta, Baluchistan

Time

Tuesday May 2nd 9:00 – 16:30

Participants

Chief conservators, forest officers, WWF representative, the provincial REDD+ focal point, see participants list at the end.

Consultation meeting agenda:

The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Koran. The officers and the REDD+ Strategy team introduced themselves Stakeholder mapping Overview of REDD+ in the Global context Drivers of deforestation survey and discussion Discussion on REDD+ Strategy vision, targets and objectives Discussion with the Provincial Secretary REDD+ Opportunities in Baluchistan

Outcomes from the consultation meeting Drivers of Deforestation and Degradation:

The forest officers expressed their concern that REDD+ has been around for now 10 years, and there has been limited action seen in Baluchistan. The results from the literature review were presented and validated. A survey was issued to the forest officers, which formed groups to discuss the contents. The following can be concluded from the survey: Deforestation generally perceived as an issue in Baluchistan. There was full consensus that forest degradation was a major issue in the province.

Forest officers had consistent thoughts on how to define the difference between deforestation and forest degradation, outlined below: “Total removal of vegetation without any case is deforestation. Removal of preferred vegetation/selected plants and leaving unwanted/less preferred trees or plants is forest degradation” “Deforestation is the removal/cutting of forest from the area. Forest degradation is the reduction of forest/green cover in terms of value”. “Deforestation is the complete removal of trees while forest degradation is a variety of damages in the existing forests”. “Deforestation is the complete removal of forest and its services. Degradation is the overall reduction in the forest cover through environmental and anthropogenic factors”.

“Deforestation is the total removal of forests for agricultural purpose, urbanization, roads etc. whereas degradation is damage to a forest, which is due to anthropogenic activities, droughts etc”. Baluchistan forest officers and stakeholders were requested to identify the main actions that result in deforestation in Baluchistan. The results show the following drivers of deforestation are perceived in Baluchistan province:


Commercial Agricultural Expansion Agricultural expansion for subsistence: fruit orchards Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Mining, especially surface mining Urban expansion Infrastructure development (roads) Forest Clearing for livestock grazing Forest clearing for habitation Forest clearing for small scale agriculture Drought Climatic conditions

Baluchistan forest officers and stakeholders were requested to identify the main actions that result in degradation in Baluchistan. The results show the following drivers of degradation are perceived in Baluchistan province: Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Heavy grazing Urban expansion Mining Commercial agricultural expansion Infrastructure development Small scale agricultural practices Other contributors to forest degradation were identified as poor soil conditions, floods, water, wind erosion, insects, pests and diseases. Forest officers had various viewpoints on the causes of both degradation and deforestation in Baluchistan province. The following were identified: Wood energy needs (everyone agreed) Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence (everyone agreed) No demarcation of boundaries (most agreed) Poor implementation of laws (everyone agreed) Illegal logging (less than half agreed) Food security (less than half agreed) Poor extension services (most agreed) Poor land use planning (most agreed) Lack of alternative livelihoods in rural areas (most agreed) Unsustainable forest management (half agreed) Other main causes for deforestation and forest degradation noted were droughts, low water table, low air moisture, obsolete laws, lack of resources, political interference, the lack of access to alternative sources of energy, and tribal and traditional barriers. There are several provincial laws or policies that were identified during the consultation process that potentially drive deforestation and/or forest degradation: The Forest Act (1891) and regulations were noted to be out-dated and in need of urgent revision to reflect current realities. The Land Acquisition Act was also identified as legislation that potentially drives deforestation and/or degradation.


Baluchistan Forest officers identified the main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration:

Investment and financing in forest restoration efforts was seen as the key challenge and barrier to future restoration efforts by all forest officers.

Maintaining areas where recent planting had occurred and financing nurseries to cultivate seedlings were also viewed as barriers. Uncontrolled grazing was viewed as a major threat to forest restoration efforts.

Other challenges that make forest restoration efforts difficult include planning and management of new forest areas, urban expansion, water scarcity, no political will and lack of interest from tribal elders as well as lack of inter-departmental and inter-sectoral coordination and ownership on the issue.

Baluchistan Forest Officers identified future and potential drivers and causes of deforestation and forest degradation. The following were seen as major threats:

Population growth High demand for land for large scale commercial agriculture

The following were perceived as threats that should be taken into account when identifying REDD+ strategy options:

Large rural population migrating to urban areas Increase in local meat consumption High demand for timber High demand for fuelwood. Increase in demand for biofuels C-PEC Weal legal implementation due to lack of interest by the district administration towards

natural resources Illiteracy Poor socio-economic conditions Lack of alternative resources

Natural factors such as climate change Infrastructure Grazing Uprooting of medicinal plants and collecting of berries and seeds

Outcomes from the consultation meeting on REDD+ Strategy objectives, targets and vision: The consultation then turned its focus to key elements of the national REDD+ Strategy. There was a strong degree of consensus on the following points: The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a global objective and should take into account the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a national objective and Vision 2025 would be the most appropriate policy for aligning national goals. In addition, Baluchistan’s Comprehensive Development Strategy was identified as a key document for provincial REDD+ Strategy alignment. All agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should have short term, medium term and long-term targets. The year 2020 was viewed to be a year where short-term targets are placed. The year 2025-2030 was viewed as appropriate for medium term targets, which should be aligned with Vision 2025 and the Paris Agreement, as well as the SDGs and the Comprehensive Development Strategy. There was a range of viewpoints on where the long-term target should


be place. Some forest officers preferred 2030, as they hoped to be able to witness the long-term benefits of REDD+ in their careers/lifetimes. Other stakeholders proposed 2050 to be consistent with the Paris Agreement’s mid-century strategy. Others thought that 2040 could be the most appropriate. Baluchistan Forest Department officials highlighted the importance of mentioning non-carbon benefits in the national REDD+ Strategy and targets/objectives. The following Non-Carbon benefits from forests were identified: Water regulation, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), honey, watershed management and flood regulation, adaptation to climate change, soil, wildlife, biodiversity, ecotourism, ecosystem services and improved rangeland management.

REDD+ Opportunities in Baluchistan

Forest officers brainstormed ideas for REDD+ opportunities in Pakistan under several agreed criteria. The following ideas were presented. REDD+ Projects and Programmes: Increase the protected areas forest cover and ensure its protection, rangeland management activities, mangrove restoration, integrated coastal zone management, watershed management, wildlife management, Provision of alternatives fuels to fuelwood, commercial sustainable forestry, social/community forestry, rehabilitation of existing lands, roadside plantations and urban forestry. More focused REDD+ Projects and Programmes could include: Ecotourism for Ziarat, Hingol national park, Zhob, kalat, Private public sector partnerships with Serena and/or private sector Guesthouses up to international standard, Biodiversity conservation through community participation in Takatu & Musakhel, Trophy hunting already existing in Qila Saifullah, Torghar, Dureji, Shahnoorani. Need in trophy hunting Takatu and Zhob, dharnele (Kalat), consider Skiing in Ziarat. Plantations for fuelwood (Harnai, Nasirabad, Sibbi, Sohbatpur, Ziarat, Zhob, Kachi, Lasbela, Musa Khel, Barkhan). Potential species identified were Acacia, Tamarix, Prospis, Dalbergia, Mulberry, Poplar.

Establishment of a Forest Development Fund (provincial level). Policies and Measures to support REDD+: Develop measures to improve and build capacity for cross sectoral coordination for

forestry with other sectors. Urgently revise the forest law and develop a provincial forest policy. The following were

identified for urgent review: Forest Act 1927 Baluchistan forest regulation 1890 Review the rules of business and framework for forestry, plantations, agroforestry,

community forestry, urban forestry Compulsory plantation (urban and rural community) Fiscal incentives (tax law) for plantations Land revenue act, land acquisition act Mutation of state land and protected areas

Develop land use planning guidelines Review plans to understand their potential impact on forests:

Iran-Pakistan pipeline Suparco acquired land in Hingol National park Oil and gas exploration plan activities in Hingol national park

Identification and development of watershed areas Demarcation of the forest boundaries and protected areas


Agro-forestry and farm forestry (Nasirabad division) Capacity building for the department and other stakeholders Community awareness and social mobilization for REDD+ Develop rangeland management policies Develop a Forestry M&E system Mapping and Forest Monitoring: Systems design and development, hardware, software, Digital Elevation Models as well as training and capacity building are needed to be able to conduct a forest inventory and do quality GIS mapping. The outputs should support forest management plans and an up to date forest management system. Research and Education: Research mobilization (requires sufficient funds) Establish and operationalize Forest extension service Forest education and mobilization for religious leaders under forest extension service School curriculum to include forestry Forestry related knowledge in syllabus in colleges and universities curriculum Strengthen Baluchistan forestry school Digital library and interlink them Gender balance in forestry across college and public sector training and mainstreamed Plant protection research Wildlife protection research C-PEC: Awareness and communication program on C-PEC Stakeholder engagement strategy for C-PEC Greening the infrastructure (green belts) District planning on relevant C-PEC roadside route C-PEC cross sectoral coordination with emphasis on forestry C-PEC oriented education for forestry professionals C-PEC focal point in provincial forestry department Need a SWOT for C-PEC with a comprehensive study Establish wildlife corridor

Field observations

Several forest officers took the team to Juniper trees nearby Quetta. At the site, recreational activities that would use the bark of Juniper trees for igniting camp/BBQ fires for cooking was observed. The forest officers also pointed out their interventions on flood prevention and water regulation barriers to regulate water runoff and avoid soil erosion.


Meeting participants

No. Name Organization

1 Muhammad Iqbal Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

2 Hafiz M. Jan Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

3 Abdul Wadood Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

4 Muhammad Latif Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

5 Taj MuhammaMuhammad Ibrahimd Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

6 Muhammad Kaleemallqh Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

7 Raja Asif Latif Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

8 Rana Muhammad Maghaz Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

9 Liqa Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

10 M. Imran Hayat Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

11 Mumtaz Ahmed Khan Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

12 Syed Afzal Shah Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

13 Abdul Qadeer Gichki Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

14 Saied Ahmed Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

15 Umer Farooq Khan Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

16 Ayesha Nawez Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

17 Mulik Atla Ullahbugalzal Farmer and land owner

18 Jafar Ali Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

19 Mohammad Aslam Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

20 Mohammad Amin Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

21 Yahya Musakhel WWF

22 Abz Muhammad Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

23 Muhammad Essa Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

24 Uzna Khan Baluchistan Forest and Wildlife Department

5.3 Sindh

Place

Sindh Forest Department, Sindh Province, Karachi

Time

Monday March 27th 10:00 – 16:00

Participants

Chief conservators, forest officers, IUCN representative, the provincial REDD+ focal point and the provincial secretary. See stakeholder list at the end.


The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Koran. The officers and the REDD+ Strategy team introduced themselves Overview of REDD+ in the Global context Drivers of deforestation survey and discussion Discussion on REDD+ Strategy vision, targets and objectives Discussion with the Provincial Secretary REDD+ Opportunities in Sindh


Outcomes from the consultation meeting Drivers of Deforestation and Degradation: The forest officers needing convincing on why another drivers of deforestation study had to be conducted, and pointed out that deforestation and degradation within the REDD+ context had been studied extensively for seven years and had resulted in little action on the ground. The team noted the frustration and pointed that this study is a requirement for the development of the REDD+ strategy. A good strategy requires a diagnosis. One of the issues that the team pointed to was that currently, there are several diagnoses of drivers of deforestation in Sindh, and that the process presented an opportunity to reach a consensus and clarify misconceptions from previous studies. A survey was issued to the forest officers, which formed groups to discuss the contents. The following can be concluded from the survey: Deforestation is an issue, but there are discrepancies in opinion on whether the extent of

deforestation is a major or minor issue. There was full consensus that forest degradation was a major issue in the province.

Forest officers had very different definitions on how to define the difference between deforestation and forest degradation, outlined below: “Deforestation – complete wiping out of forest” “Degradation – Reduction in ecosystem services” “Deforestation is: i) removal of trees for production; ii) Illegal removal of trees; iii) land use change. “Degradation is: i) Lack of shortage of fresh water from River Indus; ii) subservient stunted growth; iii) total iv) absence of trees; v) soil productivity loss; vi) desertification. “Deforestation is a manmade phenomenon whereby forests are exploited for commercial purposes. In Sindh’s perspective, major reason for deforestation is conversion of forestlands into agricultural lands. The major contributor of deforestation is agroforestry lease policy, which was: about three decades ago. If we want to mitigate the effects of deforestation, particularly in Sindh, the agroforestry lease policy has to be scrapped and lands shall be retrieved from influential land grabbers. Forest degradation is the process in which forests have degraded due to a long process (natural as well as artificial) in which diversion of water resources for agricultural purposes has been the main reason of forest degradation in Sindh province.” Sindh forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in deforestation in Sindh. The results show the following drivers of deforestation are perceived in Sindh province: Commercial agricultural expansion (wheat, cotton, sugar cane, other cash crops) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion Infrastructure development (roads) Forest clearing for small scale agriculture and to some extent habitation. Forest fires (intentional) to a very small extent. Sindh forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in degradation in Sindh. The results show the following drivers of degradation are perceived in Sindh province: Unsustainable timber extraction, unsustainable fuelwood extraction, urban expansion, infrastructure development and rice cultivation were perceived drivers of degradation, but to a very small extent. The major driver of degradation was the lack of and shortage in fresh water from the Indus river. This man-made interference in natural water flow in the Indus River has, according to Sindh forest department officials, had a significant impact on the provincial environment and has led to land and forest degradation.


Forest officers had various viewpoints on the causes of both degradation and deforestation in Sindh province. The following were identified: Poor implementation of laws (everyone agreed) Unsustainable forest management (most agreed) Lack of alternative livelihoods in rural areas (most agreed) Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence (most agreed) Poor land use planning (half agreed) Most forest officers agreed that illegal logging, wood energy needs, food security, lack of demarcation of boundaries, and poor extension services were all minor causes of both deforestation and forest degradation. The lack of fresh water running its natural path, and diverted to agricultural irrigation and hydro energy production is a major issue in the province that affects the health of forests and ecosystems. There are several provincial laws or policies that were identified during the consultation process that potentially driver deforestation and/or forest degradation: Agricultural Lease Policy (2005) Agroforestry Policy Hydropower and water policies Industrial expansion policies Land Grant Policy Conflicting laws on the land between the forest law regulated by the Sindh Forest

Department, and the revenue law regulated by the Board of Revenue. Sindh Forest officers identified the main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration, noting that there have been some important success stories: Investment and financing in forest restoration efforts was seen as the key challenge and

barrier to future restoration efforts by all forest officers Maintaining areas where recent planting had occurred and financing nurseries to cultivate

seedlings were also viewed as barriers. Uncontrolled grazing (camels and livestock) was viewed as a major threat to forest restoration efforts.

Other challenges that make forest restoration efforts difficult include securing land for growing trees and forest areas, urban expansion, water scarcity, governance issues, lack of management plans and agroforestry.

It was noted that to grow forests (outside the incredibly successful mangrove restoration work of Sindh Forest Department), fresh water is a requirement, and that without access to fresh water, forest restoration efforts, beyond the mangroves (salt water) is fruitless. Sindh Forest Officers identified future and potential drivers and causes of deforestation and forest degradation. The following were seen as major threats: Population growth High demand for land for large scale commercial agriculture High demand for timber High demand for fuelwood.

The following were perceived as threats that should be taken into account when identifying REDD+ strategy options: Large rural population migrating to urban areas Increase in local meat consumption Increase in demand for biofuels Policies focusing on agricultural expansion causing the diversion of water for irrigation Lack of land use planning


Lack of political will. Outcomes from the consultation meeting on REDD+ Strategy objectives, targets and vision: The consultation then turned its focus to key elements of the national REDD+ Strategy. There was a strong degree of consensus on the following points: The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a global objective. There are already good national policy documents that can provide a strong basis for this in the national REDD+ Strategy. These include the national forest policy goals, national climate change policy, and sustainable Development Goals, in particular goals 13 and 15. In addition, Sindh Forest department felt that it would be relevant to note that mangroves are Sindh’s global gift to the world, because of the high carbon stocks that mangrove forests contain, and the scale of mangrove forest restoration and expansion that has been, and continues to be implemented in Sindh province. The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a national objective and Vision 2025 would be the most appropriate policy for aligning national goals. In addition, Sindh development strategy was identified as a key document for provincial REDD+ Strategy alignment. All agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should have short term, medium term and long-term targets. The year 2020 was viewed to be a year where short-term targets are placed. The year 2025 was viewed as appropriate for medium term targets, which should be aligned with Vision 2025 and finally 2030 was viewed as the most appropriate year for setting long-term targets. Sindh Forest Department officials highlighted the importance of mentioning non-carbon benefits in the national REDD+ Strategy and targets/objectives. The following Non-Carbon benefits from forests were identified: Water regulation, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), honey, watershed management and flood regulation, adaptation to climate change, soil, wildlife, biodiversity, sustainable fuelwood, and infrastructure protection. The session concluded with consensus on a provincial vision for REDD+: Protect, conserve and sustainably manage Sindh’s forest resources, as well as the revival of restoration leading to the enhancement of forest cover. Discussion with the Provincial Secretary The Provincial Secretary was briefed on the progress of the consultation with Sindh forest department. It was noted that there is a sense of fatigue in conducting drivers of deforestation and degradation studies, and the provincial forest officials noted that such studies have been on-going for seven years and now is the time for action. The provincial secretary listened to the results from the morning’s consultation. Two areas identified as crucial and sensitive were i) the importance of fresh water in forest restoration, though noted that the Indus river usage is a very complex national issue; and ii) the consideration of C-PEK and its potential role as an opportunity and threat in the national REDD+ Strategy. REDD+ Opportunities in Sindh Mangrove Restoration and Conservation The restoration of mangrove forests in Sindh, is one of Sindh Forest Department’s key success stories, with ample opportunity to scale up and contribute to Pakistan’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditionally, mangrove projects have been small and have


received ad hoc funding from various sources. Since 2008, there are been regular funding dedicated to mangrove restoration and conservation in Sindh province. Sindh has its own community involvement incentive mechanism providing regular employment in the restoration and monitoring aspects of the program which amount to about 5000 PRs per family. The current program enjoys a strong ownership by stakeholders, who recognise the non-carbon benefits of the program, such as addressing sea intrusion. There are several critical success factors in place, which enable the program: 1) Willingness of the government to support the program; 2) Strong lobby for mangrove restoration; 3) Strategic partners 4) Presence of an incentive program linked with the restoration and conservation of

mangroves. Future incentives linked with mangrove restoration efforts should consider addressing the supply of community drinking water (fresh water access), and solar power. Two key areas, which will need attention in the future, will be maintaining planting areas, and protecting natural regeneration areas. The Sindh Forest Department is a critical partner to ensure the sustainability of the program, and have trained many of the provinces mangrove planters. Improving Cross Sectoral Coordination and Planning Current efforts to restore the environment are diminished due to the annual development planning cycles and processes within the Provincial Government. Specifically, financing for forest restoration projects are time bound. There are no funds during planting season (July-August) due to codal formalities in the funds release, which restricts the ability and scale to carry out planting when the time is optimal. There are cross sectoral coordination challenges which impede cooperation on planting with other complementary agencies, and are out of Sindh Forest Department’s control. The Provincial planning authorities lack awareness to the importance and potential benefits that forests can bring to other sectors such as energy, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. The REDD+ Strategy provides an important opportunity to create and improve cross sectoral planning and coordination at the provincial level in Sindh. Reform to Polices and Regulations Sindh identified a number of policies, which run counter to improving the forest cover and health of forests in the province (outlined above). Other REDD+ opportunities in Sindh Province include:

Attracting Private Sector Investments in Forestry Expanding the Area of Protected Forests Alternative Livelihoods Addressing Fuelwood and Charcoal Demand and Substitutes REDD+ opportunities in C-PEC These REDD+ opportunities are likely to be addressed in other provinces as well. Next steps will include developing marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) for the above REDD+ opportunities in Sindh.




1 Aarif Domki Sindh Forest Department

2 Attaullah Shaibl Sindh Forest Department

3 Aarif Ali Khokhar Sindh Forest Department

4 Niaz Ali Soomro Sindh Forest Department

5 Faisal Sadiq Sindh Forest Department

6 Abdul Haque Sindh Forest Department

7 Sharjeel Memon Sindh Forest Department

8 Tahir Latif Sindh Forest Department

9 Abdul Sattar Khatri Sindh Forest Department

10 Agha Tahit Hussain Sindh Forest Department

11 Amjad Ali Shah Sindh Forest Department

12 Shehzad Sadir Sindh Forest Department

13 Abdul Tabbar Kazi Sindh Forest Department

14 Muhammad Sadiq Mughel Sindh Forest Department

15 Ghulam Qadur Shah IUCN

5.4 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Note: Unlike other provinces and territories, multiple consultations have been held with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because of the scale and efforts in forestry currently on-going. Furthermore, KP pointed out that they had already done their work on the drivers of deforestation which had information their REDD+ Strategy, therefore a series of consultations focused on alignment and ensuring a degree of harmonization between KP and other REDD+ provinces. Place

Peshawar: Forest Management Centre, Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar University (Climate Change Institute), FATA Secretariat.

Time

March – May 2017

Participants

Chief conservators, forest officers, IUCN representative, the provincial REDD+ focal point and the provincial secretary. See stakeholder list at the end.


Drivers of deforestation survey and discussion Stakeholder Mapping Alignment of national REDD+ Strategy with KP draft REDD+ Strategy

Outcomes from the meeting on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

A survey was issued to the forest officers and experts prior to the consultation to understand the general perception of drivers of deforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The following can be concluded from the survey:

Deforestation is a major issue in KP province; Forest Degradation is a major issue in KP province.

Forest officers presented their consistent thoughts on how to define the difference between deforestation and forest degradation, outlined below:


“Deforestation is the conversion of forest into other land use. Forest Degradation is the reduction in the growing stock, carbon stock or quality of a forest”

“Change of land use from forest to others like agriculture, construction is considered deforestation. Deterioration of forests and its health can be considered as degradation.”

KP forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in deforestation in KP province, based on perception. The results show the following drivers of deforestation are perceived in KP province:

Agricultural expansion for subsistence (Potatos, Maize) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Forest Clearing for small scale agriculture Forest clearing for habitation Forest Fires (natural or due to negligence) Forest Fires (Intentional)

KP forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in degradation in KP. The results show the following drivers of degradation are perceived in KP province:

Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Livestock grazing

Other causes of deforestation and forest degradation perceived in KP province included illegal logging, meeting local wood energy needs, especially from the refugees, livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence, lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas, poor extension services, poor land use planning/no land use planning, unsustainable forest management (i.e. forest management plans not enforced), poor implementation of laws (poor governance), poverty, population growth, tourism, developmental works and encroachment.

KP forest officers identified many challenges in increasing the forest cover in forest restoration. These included:

Investment and financing Financing nurseries for cultivating seedlings Securing land for growing trees/forests Urban expansion Planning and management of new forest areas Maintaining areas where recent plantings have occurred Uncontrolled fires Uncontrolled grazing of restoration sites

When it comes to potentially contradictory laws within the province, the Mining Act was identified as a piece of legislation that can potentially cause deforestation and forest degradation.

Future potential drivers of deforestation and forest degradation were identified to be population is growing, large rural population migrating to urban areas, high demand for timber, high demand for fuelwood and increase in demand for biofuels.

The consultant expert of the KP strategy and the national REDD+ Strategy sat together and compared their approaches and alignment to both strategies. Some very good points were that


the strategies look well aligned in their current forms. This is somewhat to be attributed to the fact that the same guidance is being used in the preparation for both strategies. That is, the WWF guidance for REDD+ Strategy development.

The team discussed future opportunities for attracting finance for forestry and REDD+, as well as the enabling pillars of the national REDD+ Strategy. Unfortunately, the national REDD+ Strategy team was unable to obtain a copy of the KP provincial draft REDD+ Strategy at the time of writing the report. However, there is a sense of cooperation between the two teams, and it was agreed that the KP REDD+ Strategy will feature as an Annex to the National REDD+ Strategy, and will contain a cover page presented in the appropriate place of the national REDD+ Strategy which presents the key elements of the KP REDD+ Strategy.

Field Observation

A field site visit was taken to Maryamzai where the billion tree tsunami was witnessed at scale. Water trucks were delivering water to the planted trees. The trees planted were evenly spaced with good practices in planting, removing the rocks from the soil. Several forest guards were patrolling the area. The areas have recently seen massive deforestation caused by a large influx of Afghan refugees. The Afghan refugees were fleeing the conflict and had to build their homes again. They used the surrounding forests for wood in their construction of their homes and for heating and cooking food. Most of the 1 million+ Afghan refugees has since returned to Afghanistan and the restoration of forests in the area has been able to be supported by the Billion Tree Tsunami.



1 Muhammad Arif Project Director REDD+ (KP FD)

2 Anwar Ali Project Director REDD+ (PFI)

3 Gohar Ali DFO Directions

4 Alamgir Khan Gandapur Environment Expert IUCN

5 Mr. Shabir Hussain Project Director Billion Tree Afforestation Project

6 Mr. Ikmael Shah Chief Conservator Wildlife Deptt. KP

7 Mr. Safdar Ali Shah Conservator Wildlife Deptt. KP

8 Mr. Alamgir Khan Gandapur Environment Specialist IUCN FATA Secretariat

9 Mr. Irshad Ali Deputy Director Climate Change Centre , KP Agriculture

10 Dr. Akmal Director Climate Change Centre, KP Agriculture

11 Mr. Hamid Naveed Chief Green Sector, Planning & Development (P&D)

12 Mr. Irfan Ullah Khan Provincial Coordinator, Sustainable Land Management

13 Mr. Gulzar Rahman DFO Peshawar

5.5 Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA)

Place

CHIP Training and Consulting Office, Islamabad

Time

Tuesday 30th May

Participants

Mr Ali Hayat, DFO and FATA REDD+ Focal Point

Abdul Baseer, Conservator, FATA Forest Department (remote survey).

Note: Due to the current situation in FATA that prohibits foreigners from visiting, the REDD+ focal point participated in a solo consultation to inform the drivers of deforestation survey for FATA, and develop the FATA REDD+ strategic framework with the REDD+ Strategy team in


Islamabad. This is not optimal form of consultation, and differs from other more extensive consultations, for example, in Sindh and Baluchistan.

In FATA, both deforestation and forest degradation are acknowledged as major issues, and as a result, there is very little standing forest left. Forest definitions as defined in the literature are generally those referred to by forest officers. In addition, there is an acceptance that the forest definition for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be adopted and used in FATA. This is because the forest department of FATA and KP have made arrangements for the potential administrative merger between FATA and KP.

The following activities are perceived to drive deforestation in FATA:

Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Forest clearing for livestock grazing Forest Fires (Intentional) Mining (Not major)

The following activities are perceived to drive forest degradation in FATA:

Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Livestock grazing Mining

The following underlying causes for deforestation and forest degradation have been identified for FATA:

Illegal logging (There is no forest law, yet to define cutting of trees whether legal or illegal, in FATA)

Wood energy needs Food security Lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas Poor extension services Poor land use planning/no land use planning Influx of Afghan refugees in the past and their heavy dependence on forest Law & order situation in the region Forest clearing for security purposes

With respect to laws and policies that could cause deforestation and/or forest degradation in FATA, the reality is that there is no extension of Forest Act to FATA region. The forests of FATA are governed by traditional tribal system of resource use and ownership. Sometimes the movement of wood is restricted by the FATA administration through administrative measures. The prevailing law, the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), does not cover forest related issues.

The main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration in your FATA have been identified as:

Investment and financing Financing nurseries for cultivating seedlings Planning and management of new forest areas Maintaining areas where recent plantings have occurred Uncontrolled grazing of restoration sites

Future Potential Drivers and Causes of Deforestation and Degradation were considered and the following were identified:

Population is growing High demand for timber


High demand for fuelwood Increase in local meat consumption

There was a discussion on how the formulation of the FATA strategy. Because FATA expect and anticipate to merge with KP in five years, it was acknowledged that FATA’s REDD+ Action Plan should align with the forest policies of KP, to ensure consistency. Otherwise, FATA support the alignment of the national strategy with global objectives within the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, and national goals, such as those mentioned in Vision 2025.

The FATA REDD+ Action plan should include short term, medium term and long-term objectives. Because FATA is still in its early stages of REDD+ Readiness, it was requested that the REDD+ Strategic framework for FATA would be designed so that short-term targets would start action programmes on a small pilot scale, and then scale up in the medium term and reach scale and maintenance in the longer-term. This is because future REDD+ efforts should address two main points: Capacity Building and afforestation efforts.

As part of the initial stages of readiness, it was also recognized that there will be the need to follow the merger between FATA and KP very careful. If it so happens that the merger does not occur, there will be an urgent need to formulate a forest policy and develop sustainable forest management plans for FATA.

Other REDD+ actions should focus on ecotourism, range management activities and developing and training nurseries for women.

The REDD+ vision for FATA was proposed by the REDD+ focal along the following:

Recognizing the needs of all stakeholder and especially communities, enhance alternative livelihoods based on catalyzing interest and action for a green FATA with clear forest rights.

5.6 Punjab

Place

Punjab Forest Department, Lahore

Punjab GIS Lab, Lahore

Time

Wednesday 17th May 2017

Participants

Chief conservators, forest officers, the provincial REDD+ focal point, GIS Lab staff.


The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Koran. The officers and the REDD+ Strategy team introduced themselves Stakeholder mapping Overview of REDD+ in the Global context Drivers of deforestation survey and discussion Discussion on REDD+ Strategy vision, targets and objectives REDD+ Opportunities Scoping Exercise (ROSE)

Outcomes from the consultation meeting Drivers of Deforestation and Degradation:

A survey was issued to the forest officers prior to the consultation to understand the general perception of drivers of deforestation in Punjab province. The following can be concluded from the survey:

Deforestation is a minor issue in Punjab province; Forest Degradation is a major issue in Punjab province.


Forest officers presented their consistent thoughts on how to define the difference between deforestation and forest degradation, outlined below:

“Deforestation is cutting of trees on large scale in a given area and the land use change.

Forest Degradation is the decline in forest grade with regard to density, quality, loss of flora/fauna.”

Punjab forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in deforestation in Punjab province, based on perception. The results show the following drivers of deforestation are perceived in Punjab province:

Commercial Agricultural expansion (Cotton, Sugarcane, wheat, sunflower etc) Agricultural expansion for subsistence Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion Mining especially surface mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Forest clearing for habitation Forest Fires (natural or due to negligence) Forest Fires (Intentional) Punjab forest officers were requested to identify the main actions that result in degradation in Punjab. The results show the following drivers of degradation are perceived in Punjab province:

Agricultural expansion for subsistence Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuel wood extraction Urban expansion Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Forest clearing for livestock grazing Unscientific operations in forests – that is the extraction of wood without a forest

management plan Other contributors to forest degradation were identified as poor soil conditions, floods, water, wind erosion, insects, pests and diseases. Forest officers had various viewpoints on the causes of both degradation and deforestation in Punjab province. The following were identified: Population growth Poverty Wood energy needs Food security Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence Lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas Illegal logging Poor extension services Limited land use planning Limited demarcation of boundaries (especially in coniferous forest of Punjab) – however it

was noted that the GIS Lab is currently working towards this, and has made progress with visible results.

Unsustainable forest management Poor implementation of laws (poor governance)


Political interference Unclear land tenure in some cases Out-dated or incoherent/conflicting legislation Lack of awareness Water scarcity (especially in Riverian forest) Lack of coordination with other stakeholders Diseases It is important to note that the Punjab forest policy has been reformulated and is seeking approval from the Cabinet. The approval is expected within several weeks of conducting the consultation and presents the programmes of action for Punjab for the next 10 years. There are several areas which were identified that would benefit from review within the REDD+ context. These are: The Tenancy Act Development Projects like Motorways etc. Unplanned Urbanization AC Rooms Policy Punjab Forest officers identified the main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration: Investment and financing in forest restoration efforts was seen as the key challenge and

barrier to future restoration efforts by all forest officers Uncontrolled grazing was viewed as a major threat to forest restoration and regeneration

efforts. Other challenges that make forest restoration efforts difficult include planning and

management of new forest areas, urban expansion, political hurdles. Punjab Forest Officers identified future and potential drivers and causes of deforestation and forest degradation. The following were seen as major threats: Population growth High demand for fuelwood and timber High demand for land for large scale commercial agriculture Large rural population migrating to urban areas Increase in local meat consumption (leading to livestock population increase and increased

threat to regeneration through grazing).

Outcomes from the consultation meeting on REDD+ Strategy objectives, targets and vision:

The consultation then turned its focus to key elements of the national REDD+ Strategy. There was a strong degree of consensus on the following points: The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a global objective and should take into account the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a national objective and Vision 2025 would be the most appropriate policy for aligning national goals. At the provincial level, two key documents were identified to align provincial actions to support the strategy. These are the Punjab Forest Policy (2017) expected to be approved by the Cabinet by July, and Punjab sustainable development goals under preparation with the support from the UNDP.


All agreed that the national REDD+ Strategy should have short term, medium term and long-term targets. The year 2020 was viewed to be a year where short-term targets are placed. The year 2027 was viewed as appropriate for medium term targets, which should be aligned with Vision 2025 and the Paris Agreement, as well as the Punjab SDGs and the forthcoming Punjab Forest Policy (2017). There were a range of viewpoints on where the long-term target should be place. The consensus felt that anything from 2027 onwards is appropriate. Punjab Forest Department officials considered the relevance of mentioning non-carbon benefits in the national REDD+ Strategy and targets/objectives. The following Non-Carbon benefits from forests were identified as relevant to Punjab: Recreation, ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, wildlife, soil and water conservation, introduction of appropriate tree species, adaptive management, and building climate resilience. The session concluded with consensus on a provincial vision for REDD+: To improve, conserve and manage forest resources on a sustainable basis being environmentally suitable and socially acceptable. Punjab forest officials previewed the national REDD+ Strategy vision noting the alignment between the provincial vision and the national vision.

REDD+ Opportunities in Punjab

Forest officers brainstormed ideas for REDD+ opportunities in Pakistan under several criteria. The following ideas were presented.

Research, Education and Outreach

Research Priorities

Carbon stock assessment techniques in different forest types Baseline studies and surveys of different forest types Selection of indigenous species with maximum carbon sequestration and soil

improvement abilities Develop wood density tables of high carbon/soil improving species and develop allometric

models REDD+ Research Program

Education Priorities

Introduction of special courses for forest officers at the Forest Services Academy Develop and introduce a REDD+ curriculum at Universities Sensitization of communities through training on forest conservation, management and

restoration issues, as well as grazing and rangeland management.

Outreach priorities

Develop a publicity and awareness campaign to strengthen outreach. Media should play a role in implementing a general awareness campaign)

General social mobilization of communities

Conservation

Punjab already meets the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of assigning 10% of the total area with the status of protected. However, there are several actions that could support the maintenance and implementation of conserving protected areas under a REDD+ Program. These include:

The development of management plans for protected areas; Conservation efforts directed to identified endangered indigenous tree species; Minimise the planned logging of different forest types to ensure sustainable management;


Develop forest friendly SOPs with Mines and Minerals Department.

Urban Forestry

Punjab has a highly successful legacy of urban forestry, visible from green city areas and old trees lining the roads of Lahore. Noting the issue of rural migration to urban areas, and that urban expansion is a driver of deforestation, urban forestry has the potential to play a role in REDD+. Several potential options to consider under the REDD+ strategy in this respect include:

Review Punjab forest department’s mandate and consider the proposal to extend jurisdiction to urban forestry;

Develop a special course for urban forestry training at the forest service academy. Sensitize the department of urban development on expansion of activities of all PHA’s

working under its control. Sensitize all development authorities for maintaining minimum green areas during town

planning.

Strengthen institutions and governance

Strengthen Punjab forest department’s ability to monitor and evaluate (and verify) forest cover changes with evidence based, best practice GIS and remote sensing methodologies.

Improve the forest and wildlife law enforcement regime Prepare protection rules under the forest Act and review the existing rules. Make a provision for the REDD+ mechanism in the provincial environmental policy Requires follow-up by the REDD+ Strategy team: Discuss with urban planning unit – to

seek potential need to review policies or processes.

Private Sector Involvement

Provisions for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) already exist within the Punjab Forest Act. South Punjab Forest Company is an example of an already established partnership. Under the PPP provision, parties working together cooperate in seeking private investment for developing forests on state land. The provision within the Punjab Forest Act can be further developed to include a set of rules and models for PPP that are compliant with REDD+.

REDD+ provides a valuable opportunity to develop Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Punjab with respect to forests. To develop a wide-reaching CSR effort for which forestry can play a positive role, review the current arrangement for issuing Environmental Impact Assessments. For example, the environment department should include CSR forestry component while issuing EIAs for all industrial units, including power generation.

Community Involvement

There is an urgent need to develop participatory planning processes with communities, to reduce pressure on state forests that could be assigned under a REDD+ mechanism. In this respect, there is a need to develop community forest management plans for community forests that includes Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP). The PLUPs could consider community involvement in Non-Carbon Benefits such as recreation and ecotourism, to generate additional revenues from forests for communities. Punjab has had recent examples of success with community forestry. Specifically, in Khushab, bhakkar, mianwali and layyah (Thal area) districts. The success has been realized through changing land use from agriculture to short rotation forestry. There are several areas that should be prioritized for REDD+ community forestry in Punjab. These include:

Wetland complex and lakes (salt range). Hotspots: Murree and chakwal

Reforestation

The Green Pakistan Program is highly relevant to the reforestation efforts that need to take place within Punjab, and therefore reforestation under REDD+ in Punjab, should align


accordingly. Reforestation offers Punjab the opportunity to enhance the carbon stocks within riverine and scrub forest types. In this respect, a large planting scheme is needed for the Chakwal District and Attock District. There has been success in issuing subsidies that drive planting forests on private land, referred to as the Kissan Package.

Field observations

A field visit was taken to the forest division in Changa Manga to observe the largest irrigated plantation in Pakistan and the forest management plan was discussed with forest officers. Good fencing around the plantation has worked well to reduce encroachments into the plantation from livestock and illegal fuelwood collection. The risks of livestock encroachment still exist, but have been greatly reduced with the fence, and as a result, seedlings are becoming well established. The area is encroached by local women collecting fuelwood, but at a small scale. The fencing works well in making sure that larger collection of fuelwood for illegal trade is difficult. The plantation has become a success in re-establishing wildlife within its borders. The plantation is also used to attract tourism and recreation with a forest park adjoining to the managed compartments.

The park is enjoyed by school children for school excursions, visiting researchers and university students (e.g. PFI), and families on the weekend. Some of the challenges to the plantation are with respect to the profitability in its operations. The first challenge is that the plantation is suffering from Sharshim die back disease. This particular species is a native high value species, which has the highest potential for revenue generation in the plantation. The other challenge is that a logging ban has been imposed by the government, meaning that planned revenues from logging have and will not be received in the short run as expected, however, the asset still stands. Changa Manga plantation is a good example of a plantation effort on state land that can provide a number of social values, from employment of 300 laborers, to recreational and educational values.



1 Athar Shah Khagga Forest Department Punjab

2 Sajid Qudoos Awan Forest Department Punjab

3 Iftikhar Farroqi Forest Department Punjab

4 Saqib Mehmood Forest Department Punjab

5 Gohar Mushtaq Forest Department Punjab

6 Ashfaq Bashir Forest Department Punjab

7 Muhammad Abdul Muqueet Khan Conservator of Forest

8 Mr. Shahid Imran GIS Manager Forest GIS Lab

9 Miss AqeelaMobeenAkhtar Research Officer(GIS)

10 Saddam Qaiser GIS Database Developer, GIS

11 Sarah Hasan Remote Sensing Analyst

12 Abdul Wahab GIS Developer

13 HafizaSaima Ali GIS Analyst

14 FaryalSafdar GIS Programmer

15 Miss SweeraLodhi GIS Analyst

16 Miss Sana Yaseen GIS Assistant

17 Ahmed Aslam GIS Assistant

18 WaqarMajeed Computer Operator (GIS)

19 Muhammad IkramYousaf Draftsman

20 Amir Shahzad Draftsman


5.7 Gilgit Pakistan

Date

22nd May 20917

Participants

Forest Department officials. Refer to the Participant list at the end of the meeting notes.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, deforestation is perceived as a minor issue whereas forest degradation is seen as a major issue. The forest department officials were asked how they distinguish between deforestation and forest degradation in Gilgit-Baltistan, and responded as follows:

“Deforestation is conversion of land in to other land use / commercial/ agriculture etc. However, degradation is the felling of trees however land use is not changed and the forest land remains under forest. “

Forest officers identified the main actions that result in deforestation in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the following results:

Commercial expansion for Potatoes, peas and the hotel industry are priority drivers of deforestation. Subsistence also drives deforestation through the expansion of vegetables and horticulture. Other drivers of deforestation include:

Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction

Lower level drivers of deforestation include:

Urban expansion (Low level) Mining (Low level) Infrastructure Development e.g. roads (Low level) Forest Clearing for small scale agriculture (very Limited) Forest clearing for habitation (Very limited) Forest Fires (natural or due to negligence) (Very limited, mostly negligence, cigarettes and

tea making etc.)

In private forest, before 1992 land management was happening, when ban was imposed, people did illegal cutting and the system of forest management was destroyed. Population growth is putting pressure on protected forests for fuelwood. New districts are being established, urbanization is taking place and this coupled with tourism is putting pressure on forests.

With respect to the drivers of forest degradation, the following were identified:

Unsustainable timber extraction (high) Unsustainable fuelwood extraction (high) Urban expansion (Yes to some extent as new colonies need more fuel wood and timber) Commercial Agricultural expansion (list commodity) Potato, limited Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) (limited) Free Grazing

The main causes of deforestation and forest degradation in Gilgit-Baltistan are:

Illegal logging Wood energy needs Food security Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence Lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas No demarcation of boundaries (Because demarcation has not been done which leads to

conflicts) Unsustainable forest management (i.e. forest management plans not enforced)


Poor implementation of laws (poor governance) (Overall government is weak. GB is using 1927 laws however Laws have been revised)

Other: (Ambiguities in terms of GB’s status of province / territory. Federal government does not have time for the GB and cases, issues does not get resolved. This in particular affects progression on laws and cases).

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the laws or policies that could potentially cause deforestation and/or forest degradation were considered.

Generally, there are no such laws, which directly contribute to deforestation, however there are laws which indirectly contribute to deforestation. For example, Hot and Cold Allowance to Government officers in GB, which is added to the salary of public servant between November 15 till March 15. This allowance is provided to the government officials to purchase firewood during harsh winter, which adds to deforestation. Around 1 billion Pkr (estimate) is used on this annually, which could be used partially to convert to better alternatives.

In addition, the cutting of one Pine / Deodar tree entails PKR 500 penalty (USD 5) per cft, while the incentive is very high to cut (price of a log is USD 1000-2500 / PKR 100,000-250,000) so people cut forest for the incentive and pay the penalty. Forest department has reviewed its laws and is in process of finalization with the provincial government and Federal Government to increase the penalty to match the market price, however delays from the Federal Government has hampered approval of the law.

The main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration in Gilgit-Baltistan include:

Securing land for growing trees/forests. Wherever there is water, communities prefer agriculture. Wherever we do forestation activities, we need water

Other: (Climate is a major issue as deodar species from lower parts of Pakistan don’t grow in GB the way, in lower areas + Limited land as 2-3% land is cultivable)

The climate is one of the major challenges as a tree sapling which needs 2-3 years to mature in rest of Pakistan, needs around 10-15 years to be mature enough that it does not need special protection. Water scarcity also is a major challenge.

In addition, the area under one forest guard is too huge to actively protect forest restoration activities.

Free grazing practices within communities also add to the challenges in increasing forest cover, where livestock grazing is often uncontrolled on pastures.

Increasing population and reduced water availability compete with the attraction for communities to put additional land under forest. Wherever they find water, they tend to put the land under agriculture instead of forestry practices.

There is no concept of Land management in Gilgit-Baltistan at the moment and there are areas, where forestry can be enhanced, however the land issues need to be resolved along with additional resources for water / irrigation as new plantation surely needs irrigation in the climatic conditions.

The future realities and potential drivers and causes of deforestation and degradation in Gilgit-Baltistan are:

Population growth Large rural population migrating to urban areas High demand for timber (When people migrate to urban areas, timber demand will

increase while firewood demand will decrease) High demand for land for large scale commercial agriculture (Our definition of agriculture

is different. For us, if we sell produce of agriculture, it means we are doing commercial agriculture)

Increase in local meat consumption


Other: the majority of the forest of Gilgit-Baltistan lies in Diamer and the problem is that Government is constructing the Bhasha Dam, due to which communities are shifting towards high altitude areas.

Additional Notes

In Gilgit-Baltistan, social fencing is practiced in all projects, contracts with the community. Such social fencing is quite helpful in increasing and maintaining forest cover, protecting regeneration etc. It is pertinent to promote this in to non-project areas for protection of forests and control of free grazing.

Diamer is 71% forest cover of Gilgit-Baltistan, its 100% private forest and they sell their forest while the forest department is only managing it for upkeep, however the Forest Department does not have control over it and they are there just to ensure that they don’t cut more than a certain limit. There are no alternatives of livelihood in the Diamer district due to which people don’t have alternative for jobs and livelihoods. There is also 80% dependency on forests.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa notified that Public sector will not use timber for construction. Gilgit-Baltistan has done the same, which has a very good benefit.

Meeting Participants


1 Sajjad Haider Secretary Forest Forest Department

2 Mohammad Ismail sb Forest Department

3 Mohammad Zamrud Khan EX Forest Department

4 Imtiaz Ahmad Forest Department (Met with separately)

5 Faiz Ali Khan, MD, Mountain Forest Department (Participated as a guest)

5.8 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

Place

National REDD+ Office

Date

Wednesday 31st May 2017

Participants

The consultation was conducted during two sessions. Initially a national core team member took a group consultation with AJK forest department in early May, while the Team Leader waited for the No Objection Certificate to be issued by the Interior Ministry. However, when the window was closing on the deliverables schedule, and the NOC was not issued in time, it was decided to bring the Conservator of Forests to Islamabad for further discussions on the AJK REDD+ Strategy. Please refer to end of the report for the list of participants.

In AJK, both deforestation and forest degradation are perceived as major issues. Forest officers made the distinction between deforestation and forest degradation through the following definitions:

“Deforestation is the loss of trees, vanishing of forest cover up to less than 10% (forest cover)

Forest Degradation is the reduction in/loss of products, services and functions otherwise supported by forests”

The main actions that result in deforestation in AJK were identified as the following:

Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) (Maize, Potato) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion: rather rural expansion is the big cause of deforestation


Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads dams, transmission lines etc. Forest Clearing for small scale agriculture is a major cause Forest clearing for habitation is a major cause Forest Fires (natural or due to negligence) Forest Fires (Intentional) Other: Floods, Landslides, Snowfall, earthquake

The main actions that result in forest degradation in AJK are:

Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) Maize, Potato Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban Rural Expansion Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Forest clearing for livestock grazing

The main causes for deforestation and forest degradation in AJK were identified as the following:

Illegal logging but it can be said as illegal cutting instead of logging Wood energy needs Food security Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence Lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas Poor extension services Poor land use planning/no land use planning No demarcation of boundaries Unsustainable forest management (i.e. forest management plans not enforced) Poor implementation of laws (poor governance) Other: Forest Law of 1930 gives more rights to local people which cannot be sustained by

the existing forest due to population growth. Political pressure on forest officers for relaxing the laws which discourages full

enforcement of law Nomadism and overgrazing

In AJK, the laws or policies that cause deforestation and/or forest degradation were identified as follows:

The Forest Law of 1930 gives more rights to people and is one of the reason of deforestation & forest degradation

Overriding effects of other laws such as land law, revenue law and environment law, which undermine the forest law.

The demarcated forests are in the custody of forest department while the non-demarcated areas are in the custody of the revenue department. After few years they convert the forestland into communal land which causes deforestation and forest degradation.

Forming laws in isolation by different departments/sectors. There is no inter-sectoral coordination while framing laws

The main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration in AJK are:

Investment and financing is the foremost major challenge Financing nurseries for cultivating seedlings Securing land for growing trees/forests Urban expansion as well as rural expansion Maintaining areas where recent plantings have occurred Uncontrolled fires Uncontrolled grazing of restoration sites


Other: Infrastructure development (Roads, Hydro power, schools and other government buildings

Forest is lower priority than infrastructure development Low awareness in masses Tourism Influx of refugees and IDPs due to tension on Line of Control (LOC) Weak governance

Future realities and potential drivers and causes of deforestation and degradation were identified as:

Population is growing Large rural population migrating to urban areas High demand for timber High demand for fuelwood Expansion in rural areas due to population growth

Under the current forest act of 1930, 20% of yield is to be given to local people on subsidized rates, which is becoming difficult due to the high increase in population.

Under the current law, timber is free for mosques and for disaster ridden communities.

Meeting Participants


1 Mr. Bilal Ahmad Forest Department AJK

2 Mr. Asad Mehmood Forest Department AJK

3 Mr. Irtaza Qureshi Forest Department AJK

4 Syed Mazhar Hussain Shah Forest Department AJK

5 Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba Forest Department AJK

6 Mr. Abul Rauf Qureshi Forest Department AJK


COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS

6.1 Introduction

The rationale for conducting these community consultations is to understand the causes of deforestation from a community perspective and inform the formulation of the national REDD+ strategy using bottom-up techniques.

While anthropologists define communities through diverse perspectives, it is often challenging to develop a frame for the term. Within this report, Community is to be characterized in terms of: (1) common interests between people, which in this context is forest; or (2) a common ecology and locality; or (3) a common social system or structure. Stakeholders are defined by the UN-REDD Programme as those groups that have a stake/interest/right in the forest and those that will be affected either negatively or positively by REDD+ activities. Both the FCPF and UN-REDD Programmes recognize the importance of local forest communities as well as Indigenous Peoples and within that framework, the consultation process engaged with local communities to the extent possible consistent with time, budget and human resource constraints. This report strives to cover the interests and concerns of the local communities. The report recognizes that for a National REDD+ Strategy to be implemented, Pakistan should comply with applicable international treaties and national law as well as improve the national legal framework to protect the rights of the local communities within REDD+. The report has sought to understand issues and challenges within forest communities to avoid potentially adverse effects of any of the actions under a National REDD+ Strategy on the local peoples and communities. Based on the findings of the report, if avoidance is not feasible, the report will suggest methods to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such effects. To ensure participation, efforts were made to undertake separate consultations with women, where possible. This helped in understanding the roles of women as well as the use, interest and impact on the lives of women by any possible REDD+ intervention.

6.2 Consultation objectives

The objectives of the Community Consultations were:

To establish relevance and ownership of the community / social perspective in the strategy development process;

To identify key areas of interventions based on the potential areas identified for the National REDD+ Strategy, and

To demonstrate consultative, participatory and collaborative approaches to reach consensus.

6.3 Methodology

For the community consultations, election criteria were developed and shared with the National REDD+ Office, which focused on security issues, community dependence on forest resources, management practices, previous project / programme participation and social variables including livelihood, conflict, gender etc.

The criteria were shared with the Provincial REDD+ Focal Points. Communities spread geographically were identified randomly, emphasizing diversity and compliance with all or some of the criteria parameters.

A tool was adapted under the PROFOR method and tailored for the Pakistani context. The tool was pre-tested in a community in Sindh (Keti Bandar) before its finalization. Data was collected from 20 communities across six provinces and federal units.

The community consultation strived to interact with diverse classes and groups within the communities e.g. by emphasizing engagement with differing genders, income groups, castes /


tribes and other such factors. Within the community consultation, triangulation was implemented through transect walks to the nearby forests under the social and / or legal jurisdiction of the community.

In addition to the transect walk, focus group discussions were undertaken with community members, averaging around 12-15 members per community. Representatives from different stakeholder groups were interviewed to gather information as a bottom-up strategy formulation approach. For each stakeholder group, an interview protocol and survey was developed during the inception phase, which included specific questions for discussion. The surveys are attached in Annexes 1-4 of this report.

The selection of communities was carried out by a REDD+ focal person in line with the criteria. Selections were random and ensured geographical representation of key ecosystems. As discussed earlier in the report, the consultation process was a semi-structured survey to provide an overview of the perceptions and key issues within the forest communities.

6.4 Results and Synthesis

This section deals with the key qualitative results and have been presented in tables for ease of understanding.

All the communities responded that the forest area had decreased within the jurisdiction of their community. The result was consistent across communities of all provinces. They identified extraction of wood for fuel and timber for construction for both domestic and informal commercial purposes as the main causes. They further identified the reasons included legal actions with permissions from the forest department and often illegal cutting in Guzara Forests or other forms of forests.

Forest Area

Province Forest area increased

Forest Area decreased

Forest area stable

Punjab Yes

KP Yes

Sindh Yes

Balochistan Yes

AJK Yes

GB Yes

FATA Yes

The general perception regarding the quality of forest cover, within communities was that forests have degraded / decreased. The definition of degradation / decreased varied across communities and was mostly attributed to reduced rainfall, increased flash floods and other similar phenomena leading to loss of top soil, root denudation, increased rate of uprooted trees, reduced regeneration capacity and reduced NTFP supply. Reasons provided for the reduced forest cover included climate change (temperature, rainfall and frequency), over-harvesting of NTFPs, increased farming and other commercial activities and reduced wildlife presence.


Quality of Forest Cover

Province Increased Decreased Stable

Punjab Yes

KP Yes

Sindh Yes

Balochistan Yes

AJK Yes

GB Yes

FATA Yes

As far as dependence on natural resources is concerned, it was observed that in Punjab, forest communities’ dependence was more on non-renewable resources and only moderate on local renewable resources. This was also in part due to less availability. Often such resources are imported. The same trend prevails for nearly all provinces, however it was observed that in provinces / ecosystems, the dependence on forest resources is high, where cover is high. This also reflects and was endorsed by communities for relatively less opportunities of livelihood alternatives.

Dependence on Natural Resources

Province High dependence on natural resources

low /moderate degree of dependence

Community has natural resource management plans

Punjab Land, Water, Fossil Fuels (Coal)

Forests, Fossil Fuels (Oil and Gas), Solar Energy, Wind Energy

No current natural resource management plans exist

KP Land, Water, Forests, Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil and Gas), Minerals

Solar Energy, Wind Energy


Sindh Land, Water, Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil and Gas)

Forests, Solar Energy, Wind Energy


Balochistan Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil and Gas), Water, Land, Forests, Minerals



GB Forests, Water, Land, Minerals



AJK Forests, Land, Water, Minerals



The high dependence on forests, land, water, fossil fuels and minerals in nearly all provinces reflect an unsustainable trend, leading to depletion of non-renewable resources. There has been a very gradual and slow shift and interest in renewables, for example in solar energy, particularly due to high energy costs, without any major behavioural interventions by Government or other agencies. This can be understood in terms of demand driven change. Such changes can be capitalized on, in the REDD+ Strategy.

For watershed management within these areas, it was observed that apart from past projects in some parts of the catchment areas, financed by Government or other agencies, generally communities are not involved in any kind of watershed management, leading to increased runoff in the wake of the reducing forest cover and climatic shifts.


Community Engaged in Watershed Management

Province Community Engaged in Water Shed Management

Community is not engaged in Watershed Management

Don’t know

Punjab Yes

KP Yes

Sindh Yes

Balochistan Yes

GB Yes

AJK Yes

There have been only very few watershed management related interventions in these watersheds, resulting in the low understanding within forest communities regarding the implications of their actions.

To the extent that the communities have participated in a forestry related project or programme other than those interventions by the forest department, it was observed that nearly all communities had some level of project interventions. Most of the communities had interventions from traditional forest actors, CSOs and some bilateral projects focusing on forest management, livelihood and wildlife.

Community has participated in a Forest Programme / Project in last 5 years

Province Community has Participated in a Project

Community has not Participated in a Project

Don’t know

Punjab Yes

KP Yes

Sindh Yes

Balochistan Yes

GB Yes

AJK Yes

Tourism is emerging as a major source of livelihood in the mountain communities of Northern Pakistan, including GB, KP and AJK, as well as parts of Punjab adjoining Islamabad.

Community is engaged in Eco-Tourism / Conservation Management

Province Practiced Somewhat Practiced Not Practiced

Punjab Yes

KP Yes

Sindh Yes

Balochistan Yes

GB Yes

AJK Yes


6.5 Results

While instances exist, which can be related to eco-tourism, there is no significant structured initiative within the surveyed communities towards eco-tourism. The community reflected that they are practising some eco-tourism practices, however they reflected about the absence of general public awarenessc, leading to reduced demand, less knowledge and skills within forest communities and lack of infrastructure.

6.6 Individual Consultation Reports


RAMA, DISTRICT ASTORE, GILGIT BALTISTAN

1.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Department

Community Profile

Population Area

Ethnic minorities rate

Number of village

Poverty rate Main income sources

12 000 18 km² 3 60% Employment Agriculture

Source: Community Consultation in Rama, District Astore, Gilgit Baltistan Council dated 5th May 2017 Social Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment

Surveyor’s full name: Zeeshan Karim

Province/Territory: Gilgit-Baltistan, Jaglot Sai

Name of Respondent: Ishfaq Ahmed Position: RFO

Organization: Forest Department Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+? (Highlighted is

answer)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has influence on the outcomes of a national REDD+

Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence

Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their perceived

degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan.

Highly Influential Influential Not influential

Forest department Forest Conservation NGO Banks

Police Department Agriculture Department NACTO

District Administration PWD Fisheries

Tourism Health Department NCHD

Environmental Agency LGRD NADRA Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Afforesting, plantation Controlling deforestation Controlling CO2 Controlling all types of pollution Planning and development of society Planning and development of industry


Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

The Forest, Agriculture and Planning and Development agencies of Pakistan along with law enforcement agencies should lead the implementation process.

1.2 Section B - Open Structure Consultation with Communities

Rama is a beautiful valley of Astore District approximately 3 000m above sea level. The valley has three villages, namely Eidgah, Chongrah & Patipura. It is a famous tourist destination in the region, enriched by lush green pastures and densely forested slopes with huge pine, cedar, fir, and juniper trees. According to notables of Rama, the forest area is 18 Sq. Km. The total number of households is 2 000, with an average size of six to seven persons per household. Most of the population is engaged in employment, sole proprietorship or private and government contracted, complimented by seasonal work. The remaining people practise subsistence agriculture and rear livestock for their livelihood. Due to its diverse landscape and climatic conditions, the valley provides an exceptional environment for more than 2 500 commercially important medicinal plants. Normally, the medicinal plants grow during the months of April and May following the melting of winter snow and frequent rainfalls. Due to observed changes in the snow melting process and rainfall patterns, the growth of medicinal plants shows seasonal shifts. The ‘village territorial rights’ give free access for grazing and fuel wood collection in Rama forest to the adjacent three villages (Eidgah, Chongrah and Patipura). The severe climatic conditions during winter result in increased demand for firewood. The average minimum temperature recorded is below 10-18 degree centigrade. The area is snow covered for three to four months in winter. Most of the areas of the Astore district remain land locked. All the population is dependent on the forest for fuelwood during winters and for cooking the whole year. According to notables of the community, an average of 6 000 Kgs of fuelwood is consumed in the winter season per household. An average of 300 000*40 kgs of fuelwood is consumed by the community from Rama forest. Unfortunately, 100% of the wood consumed is from standing trees. Major crops are potato and wheat. A few farmers also cultivate maize, barley and seasonal vegetables, but due to diseases like rust and smut in seasonal crops, farmers face income loss. People, who do not own land, work as contractors on others’ land, called sajay (sanjhydari) in the local language. The land use to be contracted on a yearly basis (tenancy) has a formal structure and related rules and regulations. The people grow crops, and then output is equally divided between the landlord and the tenant. Women are involved in household chores and manage agricultural land and other livelihoods. People live under a joint family system. According to locals, an unemployed or a person without any permanent income source is considered poor in the area. According to this definition, 60% of the population is poor. Some of the influential government officials and bureaucrats in Gilgit-Baltistan hail from the Astore district, but the trend of education is satisfactory only up to secondary level due to the free education policy of the government. However, for higher education, only the financially sound families attain secondary education from the urban centres. Question 1a How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced Deforestation? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to representatives, the widespread dependence of forests, and rapidly increasing population, results in decreasing forest quality and as a result, increased intensity/impact of devastating floods. The community claimed that deforestation has continued, but the village committee, with the coordination of the Forest Department, is controlling the pace. In the last ten years, the strength of snowfall decreased to 1-2 feet from 7-10 feet in winter. Glaciers are melting early due to global warming. Overall, weather patterns have changed significantly compared to 20 years ago. The rainfall pattern has been affected, which directly influences the productivity of crops and livelihoods. The community reported that the average age of trees has decreased from 80-100 years to 70-80 years in the area because of modern diseases. Locals were well informed about the reasons of diseases, they said deforestation has a direct impact


on their health and modern fertilizers and pesticides are considered major reason of diseases like cancer. When the community was asked about the reasons for these changes, they highlighted some of the main driving forces towards deforestation:

Drivers Changes Reasons

Territorial limitations

Massive cutting of standing trees

The residents of Rama do not have rights to use the dead fallen wood of the adjoining areas.

Local Community Reduction in number of trees (deforestation/degradation)

Excessive cutting of trees by local people for cooking and heating purposes.

Over grazing by animals.

Harsh long winters Deforestation Excessive use of fuel wood for heating.

Population Growth Reduction in number of trees (deforestation/degradation)

Due to the modern concepts of urbanisation, a rapid increase in population has been noticed by the native people.

Unavailability of alternate energy sources

Deforestation Excessive cutting of trees by local people for cooking and heating purposes.

Global warming Reduction in number of trees Climate change and deforestation

Land sliding Reduction in number of trees Deforestation

Agriculture Deforestation and degradation Land encroachment

Question 1b Effects of environmental degradation on women? Make a list.

The following are some major effects of environmental degradation on women of the area:

As women are responsible for household chores, which includes collection of wood and water from surrounding areas, they are directly influenced by climatic changes as they are required to undertake strenuous efforts to get all the work done.

Climate change results in the outburst of seasonal and infectious diseases. Women and children become primary victims and the problem magnifies due to lack of basic health facilities in the area.

As climatic change causes heavy rainfalls, the women cannot cultivate vegetables and harvest crops or collect fuelwood. As a result, they sacrifice their food for the rest of the family.

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years?

What key differences do you notice?

According to respondents, the wide spread dependence on the forest and rapidly increasing population results in deforestation, which causes temperature rises. Glacial melting has increased, which not only causes floods but landslides as well, which results in water borne diseases. Some common diseases include fever, malaria, TB, skin diseases and blood pressure issues. Landslides damage the infrastructure of the area and agricultural lands as well. Irregular rainfall patterns have directly influenced the productivity of their crops and other livelihoods. In


the last ten years, the intensity of snow fall decreased from seven to ten feet to one to two feet in the winter. Glaciers are melting earlier due to global warming. Overall weather patterns has seen a huge shift compared to 20 years ago. The overall climate change scenario has been reported by the community members during the consultation. The community said average age has decreased to from 80-100 years to 70 to 80 years in the area because of modern diseases. Locals were well informed about the reasons of diseases. They said deforestation has direct impact on our health and modern fertilizers and pesticides are considered major causes of diseases like cancer. General changes from 2000 to 2015

Indicators Planted forests Natural forests

Tendency Reasons Tendency Reasons

Area Sharp Decline

Land use changes Decreased Climate change, over grazing

Quality Decreased Available trees are just to sell and receive monetary benefits

Decreased Lack of proper management and initiatives by government

Biodiversity (plant, animal)

Decreased Less diversity of trees leads to less plants and animal species

Decreased Growth rate of natural forest is slow hence, less diversity of trees leads to less plants and animal species

Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?

Problem Area/Location Reason

Insufficient staff / forest guards GB – Rama-Astore

Forest department’s negligence.

Deforestation due to excessive cutting of trees.

Excessive use of fuel wood for heating.

Poor land use planning Agriculture extensions

Poor monitoring by the Forest Department

Department negligibility towards laws and policies

Unawareness / no access to policies/information

Lower level of coordination and access to policies and procedures

Demand and supply gap Growth rate of natural forest is slow, on the other hand consumption of wood is increasing day by day due to urbanisation.

Overgrazing Due to excessive grazing by the livestock of local and gujar/bakarwal (nomadic shepherds) community.

Territorial limitations

As the residents of the Rama do not have rights to use the dead fallen wood of the adjoining areas.

Question 4a What are the changes that you would like to see in forest

management/conservation/use in your area? How can the community use forests better?

According to the respondents, for better forest management or conservation of forest, there should be more tree plantations on a regular basis. It will increase the size of the forest and there should be more guards to reduce the chances of encroachment.


Question 4 b How can women use forest better?

The community strongly demanded that the government should provide alternate energy sources (i.e. coal, subsidised LPG, solar & hydro energy, etc.). The elders of the community also demanded incentives for and provision of, other basic facilities, so that the rate of deforestation could be lowered. District Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Tariq, strongly recommended that the forest department should equally divide the dead fallen trees beyond their territorial rights. Some areas are inaccessible to the local community to collect dead fallen wood due to lack of basic infrastructure. Government departments should take measures to facilitate the local people for social forestry and plantations in barren lands. These measures can fulfil the demands of wood consumption for the next 50 years. Rama forest has only three forest guards, which is insufficient for vigilance. The forest department should increase the number of forest guards to control illegal logging. Forest management is a pure government matter, so participatory development can only be achieved if it involves the government’s will.

The village committee suggested that the community will co-operate in conservation and sustainability of trees planted on government owned lands. Hence, the government should take an initiative of planting trees in this area. Roads to Shanter Pass can be a game changer. Locals can get access to dead fallen trees. The Pass will contribute to tourism, due to easy access (less than six hours) to Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Muzaffarabad.

Better land use planning in collaboration with government Technical training on forest use Bio-diversity conservation Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

Alternate energy sources

The villagers said alternate energy sources are a mandatory requirement to realize the changes and the most feasible alternative is hydro-power generation, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and introduction of aluminium structures. However, these alternatives are not well introduced according to local demands. Therefore, the timber demands are increasing due to increased population and development infrastructure.

Participatory development

Recently, the participatory management arrangements have shown good progress and are contributing to forest conservation, so through public private partnership the changes would be realised. The concept of participatory development models would be very helpful in realizing the suggested changes. Government and civil society organisations should also organise training sessions and workshops for locals to spread the awareness about the benefits of forest. International environment days must be celebrated at the government and private level. Likewise, environment related activities should also be part of co-curricular activities at schools to create awareness in the new generation.

Political will

Good governance and political will is a national issue. Similar to other rural areas, basic health and education facilities are not provided in Astore “we approached our politician for provision of basic facilities which is our basic human right. But unfortunately, no practical measure has been taken so far”. The infrastructure of Astore district is in poor condition and to realize the community’s recommendation for development of Astore, construction of a metalled road to every valley of Astore is very important. Roads to Shanter Pass can be a game changer. Locals can get access to dead fallen trees. The Pass will also contribute to tourism, due to easy access (less than six hours) to Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Muzafferabad.


Good governance by the Forest Department

The forest is government owned, hence the community believes that this is purely a government matter to control deforestation. However, the community is ready to cooperate with the department. In the past, the government showed negligence in forest management, but now different teams like REDD+ are approaching them, which is a positive sign for forest communities and the environment, but this needs to be continued and practical measures must be taken. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use?

Were they internal to the community or external with another community/company/Government/Person?

Every forest is allocated to adjacent villages by community elders and they share the territorial rights over the forest, hence there is no conflict between communities. But sometimes conflict arises with the Forest Department over the illegal cutting of trees. In the past, deforestation rates were high. Currently, Mr Saleem Ullah Khan has controlled this matter to some extent by penalizing the culprits on the spot by using special magistrate powers given to District Forest Officers.

Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

For minor conflicts, elders of households/villages resolve the issues. However, for a major conflict or violation of law, the police approach the notables of the area and with the mutual understanding of both parties, the notables/nambardars resolve the issue according to societal values and traditions. For forest conservation and conflict the villagers constituted a village committee on the same model as the Local Support Organisation (LSO).

Some initiatives of the committee are:

Vehicles were restricted to minimize deforestation. Distribution of wood for construction to deserving households. Grazing is restricted in the tree growing season but has not been fully successful in

this matter. Coordination with Agriculture and Forest departments on different issues. Field level observation for surveyors: ask to see a near-by site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.


List of Participant Communities

Full Name Position/Occupation

Abdul Aziz Lone Retired (Eid-Gah resident)

Raja Wali Farmer

Zameen Khan Govt. Employee

Muhammad Sharif Farmer

Behram Khan Govt. Contractor

Sadiq Umer Shopkeeper

Muhammad Ramazan Medicinal Plants business

Sardar Ahmed Govt. employee

Samad Khan Govt. employee

Naik Alam Farmer

Sabir Hussain Shopkeeper

Deedar Shah Agriculture

Muhammad Tariq Former District Chairman


JAGLOT SAI DISTRICT GILGIT, GILGIT-BALTISTAN


Community Profile

Population Area Ethnic minorities rate

Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

27 000

92.3 km² Guijjar 1% (Nomads / Tenants)

18 75% 80% depended on forest 15% agriculture / daily / wagers / tenants 5% have jobs

Source: Community consultation in Chakarkot Valley of Jaglot Sai, Union Council Dated May Social Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment

Surveyor’s full name: Zeeshan Karim

Province/Territory: Gilgit-Baltistan, Jaglot Sai

Name of Respondent: Ishfaq Ahmed Position: RFO

Organization: Forest Department Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+? (Answer

Highlighted)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has influence on the outcomes of a National REDD+

Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan


Forest Department Land Revenue Department

Benazir Income support programme (BISP)

National Highway Authority (NHA)

Water & sanitation improvement Programme (WASIP)

WWF-P

Agriculture Department

Civil Supply (Food)

World conservancy Society (WCS)

Cottage Industry

Power & Work Division (PWD)

Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Incentives for forest community Alternative energy sources Capacity building trainings/workshops of forest staff Capacity building/training sessions for village Forest Conservation Committee

(FCC)


Forest Department NGOs LSOs IUCN WWF Other relevant institutions


Juglot Sai is a remote valley in the district of Gilgit. It’s barely 40kms from the center, but unfortunately basic health and education facilities are not provided. The total number of households is 3 000, with an average size of seven to nine persons per household and a mean average of three persons below ten years of age. People own small pieces of land. On average, people own five to ten kanals. Almost 80% of the population has complete dependency on forest and highland pastures/ rangelands for firewood, timber and grazing purposes. Their major occupations are livestock rearing, firewood collection, sale and transportation of timber and some are involved in government employment. 15 % are engaged with agriculture, daily wagers and a few of them have small shops and informal businesses. On average, 20 – 25 kg/ day/ household of fuelwood is being used during summer only for cooking purposes, while in winter, the consumption is almost double for both cooking and heating purposes. A few people grow potato, wheat and maize but most of the farmers witnessed crop diseases in the last ten years, due to which, their seasonal income has been affected. That is why most of the people purchase vegetables from the market.

There is not a single family which is food secure for the whole year. Some people, who do not own their own land, work as a contractor on others’ land, called Dehkan, Kalang, Sajay in the local language. The land use to be contracted on a yearly basis (tenancy) has a formal structure and related rules and regulations. People grow vegetables and output is then divided 2:1 between the landlord and the tenant. The major crops grown are potato, wheat and maize. According to tradition and social customs, women in the area are limited to their homes, women


do all household chores. Women are not considered to have an important stake in major decisions. There is no social activity for the women. The notables of the area said that “we will support any women development activity in our area, within limits of their societal values”. People live under a joint family system. According to locals, people who do not have agricultural land, livestock or a job are considered poor in the area. By this definition, about 75% of the population can be considered poor

Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to the forest conservation committee and other notables of the area, about 20 years ago, Juglot was considered a densely forested area, but due to unavailability of job opportunities, people have started cutting tree to earn a living. The community witnessed the highest rate of deforestation in the last two decades. The commercial requirement for wood has also increased, so correspondingly, deforestation has continued. Due to deforestation, the frequency of flooding has increased. This area also experiences cloud bursts and landslides, which result in forest degradation and land erosion. About ten years ago, the community wasn’t even aware of today’s modern diseases, especially cancer, which is now rapidly spreading. Some other diseases were also identified, including fever, malaria, high blood pressure, TB, skin diseases, etc. The overall weather pattern has changed a lot compared to 20 years ago. Rainfall patterns have been affected, which directly influence the productivity of their crops and other livelihoods. The overall climate change scenario was reported by the respected community during the consultation. The community highlighted the following main driving forces towards deforestation: Drivers Changes Reasons

Local Community Reduction in number of trees (deforestation / degradation)

Excessive cutting of trees by local people for cooking and heating purposes. Over grazing by animals. Excessive use of timber for income generation, directly resulting in forest loss.

Population Growth Reduction in number of trees (deforestation / degradation)

Due to the modern concepts of urbanisation, the rapid increase in population has been noticed by the native people.

Landslides Reduction in number of trees

Increased storms and climate change.

Global warming Reduction in number of trees

Climate change and deforestation.

Poverty Deforestation Lack of job opportunities has made people rely more on the sale of forest wood.

Agriculture Deforestation and degradation

Land encroachment.

Question 1b What are the effects of environmental degradation on women? Make

a list.

Most people living in Jaglot Sai are primarily dependant on forest. All households collect and use fuelwood as their main source of energy for cooking and heating purposes. The rapid depletion of natural resources can have significant consequences on the quality of people's


lives. Since Jaglot women and children are primarily responsible for rural transportation work, including collection of fuelwood and water, the women are directly affected by environmental degradation as they are solely responsible for household management and raising children. Modern diseases and un-availability of basic health facilities harden the lives of women.

Disasters can devastate the environment, but the women still need to perform their regular duties, e.g. preparation of food, collection of water and fuel; often under impossible circumstances. The physical burden of coping falls heavily on women. They survive by adopting strategies to cope with all the odds of nature and society.

Fulfilment of women’s traditional roles to meet the immediate survival needs of their households becomes more difficult during heavy rainfalls. In the poorer households, women are commonly seen to sacrifice their own meals for their husbands and children.

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key

differences do you notice?

Changes that have been noticed in the environment by the members of the community include increased frequency of floods due to cloud bursts and landslides, which result in forest degradation and land erosion. Almost ten years ago, the community wasn’t even aware about the names of today’s modern diseases, especially cancer which is rising rapidly. Some other diseases were also identified, including fever, malaria, high blood pressure, TB, skin diseases, etc. The overall weather pattern has also changed in the last 20 years. Rainfall patterns have been affected, which directly influence the productivity of the community’s crops and other livelihoods. Temperatures have increased, leading to melting of glaciers. This has resulted in floods and landslides.

Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your community/district?


Mismanagement GB – Jaglot Sai Insufficient staff / Forest Guards


GB – Jaglot Sai Poverty / 80% people are dependent on forest for their livelihood

Poor land use planning GB – Jaglot Sai Agriculture extensions

Bad governance GB – Jaglot Sai Department negligibility towards laws and policies

Unawareness / no access to policies/information

GB – Jaglot Sai Lower level of coordination and access to policies and procedures

Question 4 What are the changes that you would like to see in forest


Most of the changes are related to good governance. The local community has a strong demand for better structuring of the Forest Department. According to the chairman of the Forest Conservation Committee (FCC), Mr. Rahmant Gull, they have realised the benefits of forests and they witnessed the disastrous effects of deforestation in the last two decades. That is why the whole community is united under FCC. They have started conservation of forest and wildlife. Although the community has strong grievances with the government, they are currently saying that government is coordinating with them and they expect more support and good governance from the government for the protection and planting of trees.

The community strongly demanded alternate energy sources (i.e. coal, subsidised LPG, solar & hydro energy, etc.). The elders of the community also demanded incentives and provision of other basic facilities, so that the rate of deforestation could be lowered. The people want to be aware of the benefits of the forest so that every single person in the community can play a role in saving forests. The government should organise awareness sessions and workshops with


the coordination of local support organisation / village committees and other civil society organisations. The government should take care of all the rights related to forest use. When the community was asked about how they can use the forest better, the answer was a well-managed and a sustainable idea which they wanted to implement in their region and suggested the following:

Sustainable agricultural practices Alternatives to firewood collection Better land use planning in collaboration with government. Technical training on forest use Bio-diversity conservation Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The community demanded employment opportunities for the locals to minimize forest dependency. The community agreed that massive deforestation has occurred in the last two decades and they said the locals are now experiencing the worst effects of deforestation. The community is now ready to cooperate with government on this matter. The second demand of the community was that they should be provided with alternate energy sources to minimize deforestation. They also suggested practical implementation of laws and policies which gives rights to the people regarding forest use. Through the consideration of public private partnerships, the necessary changes can be realised. The concept of participatory development models would also be very helpful in realizing the suggested changes. The notables of the community said they are ready to support The Forest Department and they demanded plantations on potential land in their territory. The community also identified some loopholes in the forest management and they thought capacity building of The Forest Department is mandatory for efficient control over deforestation. Juglot Sai is part of Gilgit district but unfortunately there is only one dispensary for 27,000 households, established during colonial rule. There is only one middle school for boys and only one primary school for girls, which is not sufficient to meet the local educational requirements of students. There is no vocational or skill development institute for women of the area. The infrastructure is in a poor condition, so sincere political will by provincial and federal government is necessary for skill development and improvement in living standards, which is directly related to forest and other natural resources.

Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal to the community or external with another community/company government/person?

There has been no such conflict with the government or between communities. The local traditional law gives free access to grazing rights in specific forest areas and everyone has equal rights over fuelwood collection. The government has recently imposed a ban on illegal logging in the whole district. However, already dumped wood is issued by the government after charging penalties according to law.


For minor conflicts, elders of households / villages resolve the issues. For major violations of law and order, Jirga with the coordination of the police help in resolving issues after analysing the facts. Numbardar (the head of Jirga), notables and elders of villages are an important part of the Supreme Council, which is a leading body in Jirga structure. For forest conservation and conflict, the villagers constituted a committee named Forest Conservation Committee (FCC). The Chairman, Mr Rahmat Gull, is the decision maker of the committee with consultation of The Supreme Council. On the ground Zaitoo Committee is functional under the chairman and the members are responsible for appointing forest guards, conservation of wildlife and to report violations to the chairman.


List of Participants from Communities


Ashfaq Ahmed RFO Gilgit

Rahmat Gull Chairman Forest Conservation Committee (FCC) jaglot

Mifta Ud Din Gen sec FCC

Shamsheer Khan Member Zaitoo committee (FCC)

Farman Member Zaitoo committee (FCC)

Sir Syed Ahmed Member Zaitoo committee (FCC)

Muhammad Alam Member Zaitoo committee (FCC)

Saran Zeb Member Zaitoo committee (FCC)

Ghulab Shah Member supreme council (FCC)

Fareed Alam Shop keeper

Muhammad Naseer Laborer

Muhammad Naseer Forest guard


MINHALA CHUA SAIDAN SHAH, DISTRICT CHAKWAL,PUNJAB PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

1 100 households 5 000 approx.

861 acres (Govt), 3 500 acres (Private)

Muslims 6 30% (Chua Saiden Shah), 60% Minhala

Mining labour, Serving in Army, Agriculture, Cattle Rearing, Labourers in Cement factories.

Source: Community consultation in Chua Saidan Shah - Chakwal, Punjab Council Dated April 29, 2017 Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment

Surveyor’s full name: Farzana Yasmin

Province/Territory: Tehsil Chua Saidan Shah, District Chakwal, Punjab

Name of Respondent: Muhammad Zaheer, Position: Forest Range Officer

Organization: Forest Range Office, Chua Saidan Shah, District Chakwal Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan


Politicians Media/ Journalists Local Community

Land owners Mining department Forest Department

Private forest owners Education

Planning and development department

CSO (by sensitizing the importance of forest)

Land use department Government (by initiating new schemes to attract the community for planting more trees)


Incentives should be given for protection of forest. Increase sources of livelihood Forest protection and conservation



The Forest Department along with Civil Society Organizations and political leaders should lead the implementation process.

3.2 Section B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities

The community consultation meeting was held in Minhala, located one hour by car from Tehsil Chua Saidan Shah, District Chakwal. Minhala is lush with enchanting landscapes, surrounded by hills resplendent with scrub forests, agricultural lands and mountains that are rich with minerals. At present, the harvesting of wheat has commenced, engaging a majority of the community in harvesting or storing of wheat. Women were found to be active in each activity equally. In the city, electricity, gas, water supply system and other basic facilities are available to the citizens. Due to topography, the population resides at different elevations. In the far-flung areas, the population is scattered and living in pockets. It was discovered that a majority of the population do not own their own land, and if they do, the land consists of only small plots. Most of the land in the area has been rented for agricultural purposes since the time of the community's ancestors. The community in the target area; Minhala, is involved in agricultural activities e.g. as farmers and cattle rearing. The only cash crop grown is wheat. According to the contractual arrangement, after each harvest, farmers get half of the total production. For instance, this year, the quota of harvested wheat was 1 200 kg per family. Although the farmers were involved in the entire process from sowing to harvesting they only received 600 Kg, which is far less than their yearly food requirement. Consequently, most of the people involved in these farming activities were found to purchase wheat from the market. Other professions include working as mining labor, factory labor and as daily wage workers in other cities. The area is rich in gypsum, salt, coal, red clay and limestone, which are extracted by mining. Minhala was developed during the era of Musharraf, when three cement factories commenced operations. Raw materials are available within the same area. A great number of people are employed in these cement factories. It was also observed that women did not participate in any form of factory labor. Instead they were found to engage at the household level taking care of children, cooking, washing, etc. Joint family systems prevail in this area. In most of the houses, one can easily find three generations.

It was observed that the community does not receive any material benefit from the forest that can raise their income. The overall observation in the target area was that some people in the area do not have land for agriculture, some houses have only one room and are deprived of most of the basic necessities of life. Such people are considered poor by the locals. The menfolk work in the Chua Saiden Shah city as laborers or work in other cities on daily wages. This sort of work is not sustainable; since jobs are not always available to them. The local people try to help them by giving them some wheat after each harvest.

“Yes, we always get cool and fresh air because of these forests, our cattle are fed on fodder within the forest. We collect dry twigs and bushes from these forests to be used as fuel.”


Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

Previously, the forest was denser when compared to the forest today. More fodder for the cattle was available. Rain was sufficient for irrigation of crops, so the production was also higher.

There is no deforestation, according to the respondent. But the weather has become extreme, more heat is being experienced.


Community Reduction in number of trees Land use changes, forests are cut to have more land for agricultural activities. Land is divided within the family members and each family is free to cut the trees, whenever they need fuel wood for festivity, like wedding ceremony or death.

Forest Department No regular schemes of tree planting are seen

Deforestation

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences d do you notice?

Most of the respondents were of the view that the weather has changed significantly. Now there is less rainfall or the rainfall is quite abrupt. The underground water table has lowered. General changes from 2000 to 2015

Indicators Planted Forests Tendency

Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Decreased Land use changes

Decreased Deforestation, timber mafia, corruption

Quality Decreased Only fast-growing trees are planted


Decline As water (ground water / rain), tree planting and agricultural activities are decreasing.

Decline Population increase, rise in the demand for firewood and fodder for cattle.



Problem Area / Location Reason

Fire in the forest Minhala Carelessness

Illegal tree cutting Minhala To sell trees

Land use changes Minhala Forest conversion to agricultural and residential use



To ensure that forest resources are available to the community with all their benefits, it is necessary to plant more trees at regular intervals. This tree planting, either by the government or community, should be protected under strict rules and regulations. There is also a need for careful actions at the community level to reduce the incidents of forest fires that are one of the reasons for tree loss. There should also be strict rules for private forest land owners to minimize tree cutting. Question 4b How can the women optimize the benefits of forest usage?

Women are involved in dry wood/bush collection or taking the cattle to forests for grazing, if the men are not available for this. These dry bushes or twigs are used as a source of fuel for cooking and heating. Forest depletion can only be prevented if households are provided with other sources of fuel e.g. gas. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The community in the target area is highly dependent on rain for enhanced crop production. According to the respondents, there has been a considerable reduction in rainfall throughout the year. They have also observed drastic changes in the rain patterns with either very limited rainfall or an excess of rain - both causing considerable damage to the crop. They also state that the temperature is more intense now than in previous years.

Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use?

Were they internal to the community or external with another community/company/government/person?

Community members stated that they rarely faced any conflict on the use of forest resources. Since the area consists of a meagre population, coupled with the fact that the target community is residing very close to the state forest, there was rarely any incident of conflict within the community or with any other community near the forest area. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The conflicts at the community level are normally resolved by the elders/heads representing each party. In general, the matter is presented in front of the elders/heads from both parties for discussion. In serious matters, the community issues are resolved by filing complaints to the police department. Even in such cases, the police prioritize community involvement to resolve the issue.

“If we want this forest to remain with all its benefits, then we (all households near the forest area) must be provided with gas supply. Otherwise there will be hardly any forest after a few years”


Field level observation for surveyors: Surveyors requested to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

During the field visits, it was observed that there is a clear difference between state forests and private forests. The private forests are degraded as owners are at liberty to cut the trees and to sell the land whenever they are offered a good price. Cutting of trees on a large scale is also carried out to convert the forest area into agricultural land. Due to the population increase, the same piece of land is divided amongst the children and they cut the trees to have more land. List of Participants from Communities

Full Name Position / Occupation

Muhammad Villayat Retired from Army

Gulzar Ahmad Retired from Pakistan Rangers

Muhammad Imran Cattle Rearing

Muhammad Bilal Cattle Rearing

Muhammad Islam Retired from Army

Muhammad Rasib Retired from Army

Allah Ditta Retired from Army

Soobe daar Muhammad Hanif Retired from Army

Muhammad Khaliq Farmer

Faisal Shehzad Farmer

Irfan Haider Cattle Rearing

Muhammad Ajaeb Farmer

Adeela Islam Household, working women

Hashmat Bibi Home maker

Umme Habiba Home maker

Shafea Bibi Home maker

Nasira Begum Home maker

Kainat Home maker

Ameena Home maker


RAKH PATTI MIR MIRANI D. G. KHAN, PUNJAB PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

30-40 households adjacent to the Patti Mir Mirani

670 acres Pitafi Mirani Khosa Daondy

100 70% Agriculture Laborers Cattle Rearing

Source: Community consultation in Rakh Patti Mir Mirani and Patti Imam Bukhsh, D. G. Khan, Punjab Council Dated May 2, 2017

Social Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment


Province/Territory: Punjab Province, Rakh Patti Mir Mirani, D. G. Khan

Name of Respondent: Sub Divisional Forest Officer

Organization: Punjab Forest Department, District Dera Ghazi Khan

Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence




Revenue Department Agriculture Department Police Department

Forest Department Irrigation Department Local Community

Government Police Department

Political leaders CSOs Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Carbon credits Increase sources of livelihood Sustainable forest management Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

Community members stated that the Forest Department along with civil society organizations should lead the implementation process.



The survey for community consultation was held in a remote area near the River Sind (Indus River) belt where there is a large state forest called “Baila”, with adjacent private land. The visited area is known as Rakh Patti Mir Mirani and Patti Imam Bukhsh and is about 40 minutes car drive away from main Ghazi Ghat Bridge. A creek flowing from the Indus River is part of the area. The area is comprised of agricultural land owned by small private land owners and state forest. The community consists of 30-40 households. The community has been the victim of the notorious flood in 2010. A huge area is covered by state owned forest with a large portion consisting of Shisham trees. Plantations of Kikar on a large scale can also be seen in the nearby area. The local people own their own land, but after the devastating flood of 2010, most of them have lost a large portion of their land. Presently, the local people own small segments (approximately, 40 marlas per household) of land and within the fields they have constructed their temporary one room houses. Each household owns some cattle also. The community is devoid of basic facilities like a drinking water, schools and electricity. They have installed a hand pump to provide water for drinking and other purposes. Despite having a very fertile agricultural land the local community is only able to grow wheat since the 2010’s floods. They store the wheat to cater to their yearly needs and the rest of the wheat is sold to meet other necessities of life. Women take part in household and agricultural activities simultaneously and they also tend to the cattle as they are also a source of income for them. They sell the goats and sheep when fully grown and the milk of buffaloes is also sold to earn an income. It was also noted that some households do not reap enough wheat for their yearly requirement. The Joint family system is prevalent in the community and communities receive benefits from the forest where they can graze their cattle. This becomes an additional source of income for them. Other than this, they collect dry wood, twigs and bushes and use them as fuel. During the days of the flood only one male member remains at home while the rest of the young male members go to the city and seek work as labourers in shops or as masons. It was also observed that women of the area are not associated with any profession except cattle rearing and wood collection. The food security issue remains as the community is unable to grow anything except one crop i.e. wheat. The community members who do not have sufficient fertile land and do not have a sustainable source of income are considered poor by the local community and there are 20 to 25 households in the area that can be classified as poor according to this definition. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced deforestation? What are the effects of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes? What are the effect of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes?

Community members stated that the forests are now very limited as compared to the time of their childhood. The deforestation or forest degradation is not because of the over use of forest resources or cutting of trees by the local community, but the flood is the major reason behind most of the degradation and deforestation. According to the community, forest land encroachment is very wide spread and a common practice in this area, predominantly due to groups of people who have the support of political leaders and are thus able to clear forest land for their agricultural activities and their living.

“After one month there will be water everywhere, we cannot grow anything on our land; we will go upside (an elevated place where they have temporary one room home)”



Revenue Department Reduction in number of trees due to cutting and theft.

Land use changes, forests are cut to have more land for agricultural activities.

Land mafia Forest land encroachment and clearing the trees to covert to agricultural land.

Land is divided within the family members and each family is free to cut the trees.

Political leadership support Reduction in number of trees as trees are cut and the department is forced to remain silent.

Whenever they need fuelwood for festivities, like wedding ceremony or funeral they cut trees.

Floods Reduction in number of trees/ landslides.

Climate change and deforestation.

Forest Department No regular schemes of tree planting are seen.

Mismanagement and lack of interest.

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years?

What key differences do you notice?

“Once rain was a blessing for us, but now it bringsfloods and takes away everything from us.”

In the past, our forefathers had fewer floods, but nowit comes every year.”

According to the male community members, rainfalls are now either too abrupt or too abundant and the heat level has also risen to an extreme point. Since 2010, the community has been facing floods every single year. A huge portion of the forest was affected during the devastating floods of the past. Community members claim that they now reap fewer crops and own fewer cattle due to the looming threat of the flood each year. General changes from 2000 to 2015


Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Sharp decline Land use changes

Decreased Floods

Quality Decreased Available trees are just to sell and get monetary benefits

Decreased Flooding in the area has affected the quality



Better As new species of trees are grown




Floods Patti Mir Mirani Deforestation in watershed areas, global warming and climate change

Intense Heat Patti Mir Mirani Climate change and deforestation

Heavy Rainfall Patti Mir Mirani Climate change Question 4a What are the changes that you would like to see in forest


According to the respondents, to ensure forest management or conservation of forest, there should be more tree planting on a regular basis. This activity will increase the size of the forest. Simultaneously, to protect the forest from encroachment, more guards should be designated in the forest area.

Question 4b How can women optimize the benefits of forest usage?

Within the target community, women are involved in cattle raising as well as agricultural activities and collecting dry wood/bushes, which are used for cooking and heating purposes for the household. They also take the cattle into the forest for grazing purposes. The women are of the opinion that there should be more tree planting in this area, which will serve as a long term benefit for the entire community. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The forest department should hire more guards to reduce encroachments by land mafias and locals. Furthermore, it needs to initiate more tree planting to counter deforestation effects.

Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal

to the community or external with another community/company/government/person?

The respondents stated that there was hardly any conflict among the community with respect to forest usage, since they are all at liberty to graze their cattle or collect fodder. It was also rare to encounter any conflict with the government and its departments since the government allows them to collect dry wood and graze their cattle in the forest. Another benefit for the community is that they have been provided with job opportunities in the form of forest guards 'rakha' resulting in minimal or no conflict between them and the government department.


As is found in most parts of the country, most community conflicts are resolved by community elders or community heads. There are sessions of discussion through which the dispute is discussed and settled. If the conflict is with someone outside the community, then the matter is resolved with the assistance of the police.

“If our forest will be no longer be there, how are we and our cattle going to survive?”

“We are obliged, as they have given us shelters, job to our men, and allow our cattle to graze, and we earn money by selling milk or goats”


Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors requested to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

During the field visit, it was observed that these “Bailas” are increasing in number and new plantations have also been undertaken by the Forest Department. There was also evidence where the people had illegally occupied the forest land and were growing crops. According to the department after the continuing efforts of two and a half years, this land was reclaimed.


Full Name Position / Occupation

Asraf Cattle rearing

Amir Labourer

Bukhsh Cattle rearing, farming

Sabir Husain Cattle rearing, farming

Bashir Ahmad Cattle rearing, farming

Mujahid Husain Cattle rearing, farming

Muhammad Asghar Guard,

Shazia Household lady

Azra Household lady

Perveen Household lady

Zareena Household lady

Perveen Household lady

Nazir Bibi Household lady


HANESAR, KASENAR, NARAR KAHUTA, PUNJAB PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

50 000 State: 15 000 acres Private: 3 500 acres

Muslim 6 40% Daily wage labourer. Working in KRL. Agriculture. Cattle rearing. As workers, out of the country. Serving in Pakistan Army.

Source: Community consultation in District Kahuta, Punjab Council Dated April 28, 2017 Social Surveyor’s Form 1: Stakeholder Assessment


Province/Territory: Punjab Province, Kahuta

Name of Respondent: Imtiaz Siddique

Positio Sub Divisional Forest Officer, Kahuta

Organization: Punjab Forest Department, District Kahuta


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has influence on the outcomes of a national REDD+ Strategy:

(Response Yellow Highlighted)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence



Highly Influential Influential Not influential Political will Guzara societies Police Department Land use department Green Foundation Town Planners Private forest owners Media/ Journalists Political will Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Carbon credits. Education and training. Strong implementation of forest laws.



Thee community members stated that the Forest Department along with civil society organizations and the community should lead the implementation process.


The consultation meeting for the women of the community was held in Hanesar, Kahuta as this area comprises of the forest community. The area is half an hour from the main city by car. Due to the on-going peak season of harvesting, it was difficult to ensure the availability of the required number of female community members. It was found that local people do own their own land, but the land only consists of small plots ranging from two to five kanals. Most people grow wheat and maize on their agricultural land. As the local community does not possess large land holdings, they cultivate their lands on their own without the assistance of hired help. The respondents claimed that the production is not sufficient for the community’s own use, so most of the local community members need to buy wheat/flour from the market for their daily use. Some local male community members are employed in Kahuta Research Laboratory, while some are working as laborers in foreign countries. About 75% of the employed men are serving in the Pakistan Army. Most of the women are just engaged in household activities and assist in agricultural work. In the area, most of the families consist of a joint family system, but after a few years of marriage, couples start living independently. It was noted that the local people collect dried wood from forest trees for the purposes of cooking and heat and they also utilize the forest as a grazing ground for their cattle. They are also able to request the Forest Department to provide a larger amount of wood through a proper procedure in case there is a wedding ceremony or death. It was also found that the local community does not receive any financial benefits or any such benefits that can be helpful in raising their income from the nearby forest. Since production from their own land is already insufficient to meet their yearly food requirement they need to buy food items from the market, which is an extra financial burden for them. At times, the wheat and maize, grown on their small farms is used as fodder. People who do not own their own land and do not have any source of income are considered “Poor” by the locals. Community people who are wealthy and have their own land try to help them by giving them work opportunities in homes or fields. In the area about 40% are poor according to the above criteria. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced the effects of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes?

The local community claimed that the environment of the area has changed substantially since they were younger. Presently, rainfall is either too abundant or acutely limited and the summers have become much hotter. In Kanesar, women experience difficulty in collecting firewood, fodder and water. Housed at high elevations, they are unable to channel underground water through the water pump and water has to be fetched from the streams in the forest.

Although all these above activities are carried out by men in the household, in their absence, it is the duty of women to carry out these tasks.

“Of course it’s a reason of tension at home if firewood, water and fodder are not available”

“We get cool fresh air and our cattle get fodder from these forests”

“Now there are less trees/forests as compared to our childhood.”



Community Tree cutting resulting in deforestation

In the villages, where wood is the source of fuel. People collect the firewood from forest.

Community Deforestation No initiative taken by community for tree planting.

Community/population increase

Deforestation Land use changes, forests are cut for agriculture or to make new houses.

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences do you notice?

The respondents stated that over the years the weather has become extreme and the heat of the summer months is more severe than it has been in the past. Rainfall patterns have also changed significantly. Subsequently, there are now fewer forests on private land.

General changes from 2000 to 2015


Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Decreased Tree cutting on private land.

Decreased Legal/illegal tree cutting

Quality Decreased Lack of strict implementation of laws; No/less planting of new trees.

Decreased Lack of conservation of forest. Lack of pressure groups from society to protect the forest.


Declined Water (forest streams/rain), tree planting and agricultural activities are decreasing.

Declined Timber mafia / corruption; Population increase, rise in the demand for firewood and fodder for cattle.



Problem Area / Location Reason

Tree cutting on private land Kahuta/ Hanesar Land use changes. Conversion of forest into agricultural land or residential land.

Over grazing Kahuta/Kasenar New planted trees are eaten by cattle.

Deliberate forest fire by timber mafia

Kahuta / Narar Timber mafia make large cuts in the tree trunks. Then these cuts/holes are set on fire. After some days, these trees die and then the mafia claims permission to cut them.



According to the female respondents, forests are a rich source of benefits, since they provide them with fuel for their households and fodder for their cattle. The women are of the opinion that there should be a regular tree planting drive and people should be given incentives to grow more trees. They also felt that they could use the forest resources at an optimal level if they were given the authority to undertake its care. The Government should install a water supply pipeline from the streams in the forest to the nearby central point of the community residential area, which will result in less human interference in the forest causing damage and degradation. Moreover, the community stated that there should be more forest guards to minimize the illegal cutting of trees and recurring forest fires. Question 4 b How can women optimize the benefits of forest usage?

Women from the community living adjacent to the forest are engaged in the collection of firewood, according to them, there should be more trees in the area to ensure a consistent supply of firewood for cooking and heating, which can be achieved by planting more trees.

Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

According to the target community, if an alternate source of fuel for the forest dependent communities is provided, then there will be less cutting of trees and fewer incidents of forest fires. Ultimately, the forest will grow and provide a sustainable source of fodder and water. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use?


According to the local community members, there has hardly been any conflict over forest use within the community or with other community/government/persons. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The respondents stated that conflicts are resolved primarily by filing complaints to the Forest Department. Likewise, if there is any sort of conflict among the community members, it is always resolved by the elders of both parties. The elders listen to the whole dispute with evidence provided and a justified decision is made that is acceptable to both parties. In some cases, community members approach local police and the matter is resolved through legal action.

“These forests are our forests and if any tree is cut from it and over-grazing happens, it is a sheer violation.”


Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors requested to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons. During the field visit, the forest area from Kahuta to Karot was visited and the demarcation of state owned forest was observed. Due to the specific topography of the area, less availability of land and increasing population have resulted in pressure on the land mafia. Therefore, the land use changes i.e. clearing of forest and converting it into agricultural and residential land is evident in private forest, whereas the state-owned forest is dense and lush. The presence of army check posts at the state-owned forests is also helpful in monitoring and curtailing the activities of the timber mafia. Although this may be the case, the incidents of illegal tree cutting and transporting are still reported from time to time, according to forest guards. It was found that illegal tree cutting is most frequent and easy near the roads. List of Participants from Communities


Muhammad Iqbal Employed in KRL

Haji Farooq Retired from Army

Muhammad Khalil Retired from Army

Manzoor Husain Retired from Army

Muhammad Raziq Farmer

Sameen Khan Farmer

Ghulam Mustafa Farmer

Naveed Khalid Farmer

Waqas ur Rehman Employed in Bank

Shazia Household Lady

Nisar Bibi Household Lady

Nasreen Household Lady

Robina Household Lady

Tazeem Household Lady


PATRIATA MURREE, PUNJAB PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

8 000 22 400 acres

Satti Katwal / Raja Some Shias

5 70% Mostly office workers Remaining are daily wage workers.


Surveyor’s full name: Lubna Hashmat

Province/Territory: Punjab Province, Murree – Patriata

Name of Respondent: Muhammad Shakeel, Position: Forester Raza Awan Shiekh, Position: Divisional Forest Officer

Organization: Sub-Divisional Forest Office Murree, Punjab


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence




Army PHED

Sui Northern Department Agriculture Department

Communication and Works Land Use Department

Irrigation Department Revenue Department

Housing Authorities (Sanam Garden, Bahria Town, Judicial Town)

National Highway Authority Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Plant more trees on marginal lands Afforestation by engaging the community Pine areas are highly fire prone. In these areas, with the help of communities, pine tree

needles can be collected and can be processed for firewood. Conservation of forests Sustainable management of forests Supply LPG as an alternate to fuelwood Introduce aggressive population planning in communities. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

Forest Department should lead the implementation process.


The area of land in Murree, which consists of natural habitat is about 22 400 acres. Most of the people in this area own their own land and no mazara system exists here. On average, people own four kanals but only one kanal out of these is found to be cultivated, while the rest lye barren. People grow maize and wheat but in a limited amount and the land is cultivated through the terracing technique, which involves a lot of effort from the farmers. Although some people plant potatoes they cannot grow other vegetables due to the scarcity of water in the region. Overall, the major of crops grown are maize, wheat and potatoes. Crops that the community cultivates are only sufficient for a period of two months, for the rest of the year the community purchases food items from the market. Most of the local community members were found to be employed in government jobs, while the rest were noted to be daily wage workers. The literacy rate is high in this area, as most people have attended school and are quite aware of the prevailing economic and social situation within their area. Almost 50% of the population reside in a joint family set-up, while the rest reside in nuclear family systems. Couples tend to leave the joint family system after about 5-10 years of marriage and seek independent households. The respondents stated that the forest provides fuelwood, stones, mud and wood for construction as well as a grazing ground for their livestock. Those people who do not own their own land and cemented houses are considered poor by the local community. About 70% of the families of the local area could be considered poor as per the above stated definition. Murree receives around 50-70 inches of annual rainfall, so the climate remains as moist temperate forests. Pine, Fir, Kile, Deodar, and Sharp Blue are the most common species of tree found in in this area. Flourishing tourism - due to an improved and efficient infrastructure has also increased the income levels of the local communities. Recently, the area was provided with an adequate operational gas supply, which has led to a reduced demand for fuelwood. However, communities living in the sub urban areas still do not have a gas facility, hence, they still rely heavily on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes.


Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced Deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

The respondents claimed that prior to the 1980s, there used to be more trees in the forests than there are now. This was predominantly due to a disease caused by insects that ran rampant in the forests damaging thousands of trees. Today these trees have recovered after interventions consisting of pest control measures and added supplements allowing the trees to heal and recover. It was also found that private forests have been destroyed and damaged as trees have been cut down to generate fuelwood, thus contributing to overall climate change within the area.


Local Community Reduction in number of trees Cutting of trees by local people living in the sub-urban areas for cooking and heating purposes. No gas supply in sub-urban areas has forced the community to solely rely on forests for fuelwood.

Local Community Reduction in number of trees Climate change and deforestation

Insect Attack Reduction in number of trees

Land sliding Reduction in number of trees Deforestation Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences

do you notice?

The respondents stated that there used to be more rainfall and snowfall with very limited landslides in their area, but now due to deforestation, both rainfall and snowfall have significantly reduced, while landslides have increased substantially. The population has also risen significantly, resulting in climate change, since the burden on natural resources has increased. Another factor which contributes towards increased temperatures, is that communities have started constructing tin roofs for their homes thus generating more heat.



Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Increased Increased

Quality Increased Strong management model and lack of corruption in Forest Department.

Increased Cooperation by the community.


Increased Increased


community/district?

The community members claimed that the forest management of this area is very strict. Heavy fines are imposed if people are caught cutting trees, therefore this discourages them from

“Where there used to be only four houses now there are 12 houses.”


attempting to do so. Furthermore, the local people have permanent sources of income such as government jobs and are educated, hence they understand the repercussions of cutting trees unlawfully and abstain from doing so. It is only those households which lie in the suburbs and do not have access to gas facilities that rely on fuelwood. Murree was once notorious for the illegal cutting of trees. About 12 years ago there used to be a network of gangsters, criminals, locals and officers who were involved in this crime but over the last 8-10 years and more specifically the last five years, not even a single tree has been illegally cut. Forest Department officers are strictly vigilant against tree cutting and the locals inform them immediately if they see anyone cutting a tree. Furthermore, the local government and committees are also against illegal forest tree cutting. The community in general is aware about the negative impacts of deforestation such as less rainfall, higher temperatures, floods, landslides and they also proudly consider forests as Murree’s main attraction and beauty.

The community also co-operates with forest staff in protecting fire prone areas as they believe that they would be granted grazing rights in return for protecting the forests. These rights were given in the British era and are still extended to the eligible households today. Thus, the community and the forest department both co-operate and protect the Murree forests as they believe that it is for the benefit of their future generations. Problem Area / Location Reason

Cutting of trees by local community for fuelwood

Murree – Patriata Gas and no alternative energy sources.

Trees with needles are fire prone

Murree – Patriata



The respondents believe that the government should allocate more funds to the Forest Department for tree planting purposes. Since sub-urban communities still rely on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes, they should be provided with alternate energy sources. This area also lies in the catchment area for dams, thus protection of these forests is vitally important.

During Ayub Khan’s era it was mandatory for all roads and canal sides to be lined by trees, which were to be planted by the Forest Department, but today the government is not engaged in taking any initiative to promote this cause. Community members are of the opinion that the Forest Department should be asked to plant trees since they possess the skills, the knowledge and the manpower pertaining to how and where certain trees should be planted. Communities residing near highways and motorways need to be involved and asked to plant trees on private land next to these roads. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The community believes the government needs to conduct research and surveys in areas that are prone to landslides. Soil conservation would result in controlling and curtailing the occurrence of landslides. Plants that have a higher soil binding capacity should be grown in these areas as landslides further damage the forests. More trees should be planted and the community should co-operate with forest guards to ensure forest protection. Gas, or fuelwood at reasonable prices should be supplied to areas that do not have access to gas facilities, since this will reduce their dependency on forests for fuelwood Politicians should also show some serious concern regarding forest issues in this area. Pollution should be controlled by constructing landfills, so that waste is not thrown out in the open. Water management should


also be improved, as there is a pressure on water resources due to the ongoing increase in population. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


The respondents stated that no conflict has ever occurred over forests and no serious offence was reported in the last one year. Conflicts that occur at the household level are resolved by family elders. Most conflicts occur with outsiders such as contractors who amass stones and rocks from the area for construction projects. A few years ago, a conflict developed between the timber mafia and forest staff resulting in the mafia members killing one SDO and two block officers. Other locals also died since the forest staff do not carry arms or ammunition for the purposes of self-defense. The murderer was ultimately caught red handed while attempting to steal timber and was subsequently arrested. At present, the situation in Murree has improved as the education and awareness levels of the community have risen. The provincial government and administration are also strict in this and Forest Department officers do not encourage unauthorized tree cutting, resulting in a maximum tree protection situation. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community? Community members stated that conflicts occur at the household level and those are resolved by family elders.


The forests of Murree are designated under the supervision of the Forest Department and it was observed that their management system is quite satisfactory. List of Participants from Communities


Gul Hameed Satti Teacher

Muhammad Shahid Driver

Muhammad Kabeer Shopkeeper

Anjum Waheed Student

Muhammad Manzoor Army (Retired)

Muhammad Imran Driver


KAITI BANDAR, THATTA, SINDH PROVINCE

7.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Deparment

Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

5 000 inside, 50 000 surroundingarea

50 000 ha Fishermen Muslim Maimon Dabla Malah Khaskali Shiekh (Jat) Pirgilant Baloch Sholani Kabrani Fagirani Dalaijat Shirazi

70-80 Fishing Camel rearing Business / small shops


Surveyor’s full name: Lubna Hashmat & Majella Clarke

Province/Territory: Sindh – Kaiti Bandar, Thatta

Name of Respondent: Riaz Ahmed Waghan

Position Mangrove Forest Concervator

Organization: Sindh Forest Department


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has what islevel of influence on the outcomes of a

national REDD+ Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc, according to their perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan


Armed forces Forest Department SAWFCO NGO

Board of Revenue BanBeli NGO NSRP NGO IUCN NGO Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

Engro Polymer (private sector) Lucky Cement (private sector)

District Administration Police Fauji Fertilizer (private sector)


Sustainable management of Indus delta mangroves Afforestation of degraded area Conservation and protection through community engagement Awareness raising of local people on importance of protection and conservation of forest Payment to communities for performing role of protector cum guards Benefit sharing of forest for setting up community based endowments. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

Forest Department NGOs/CSOs Local councilors Community Based Organisations Local leaders



The community members stated that the trees that were once planted have now greatly reduced in number. 'We ourselves are responsible for the decline in the number of trees since we have been cutting them down without differentiating between mature trees and small saplings'. Presently the situation has improved slightly as the trees that were planted are now growing. This will not only have a positive impact on the sea but also on the fishermen. The answers are presented in the following table:



Camel Owners Reduction in number of trees Cutting of trees by local people living in neighbouring areas who do not have an alternate option for the grazing of camels. Camel rearing is the only source of income. The awareness level of these people about the importance of forest conservation is very low.

Local communities Climate Change – increased temperatures and sea levels

Excessive cutting of trees by local people for fuel and for selling in the market. Firewood is the energy source used for cooking. There are no gas stoves currently, because the community does not have gas cylinders delivered frequently to their locality due to the poor condition of the roads. Firewood is becoming increasingly expensive from the market and time consuming to collect. In the winter, most households use charcoal instead of firewood. This was because the sea breezes were hazardous to accompanying childrens’ health


The respondents stated that they themselves had damaged the forests, which has resulted in climate change. Temperatures during summers have drastically increased as compared to temperatures in the past. The temperatures in the past used to be quite moderate, whereby there was neither extreme cold nor extremely hot weather. They claimed that they never thought that the temperatures would rise above 32⁰C-35⁰C, but this year they have experienced temperatures as high as 47-49⁰C. Due to these high temperatures, people have had to face difficulties since increased temperatures have altered the sea levels and coastline bringing the sea dangerously close to settlements. They claimed that increased temperatures also affected fishing by reducing the catch and therefore increasing poverty levels of fishermen.

Changes have been noticed in the environment especially by older female members of the community. The environment used to be pleasant and the rainfall was frequent. There were no tidal differences, but these days, at high tide, it is unsafe to be out in the open sea area. In the past the sea levels never rose this high and sea water stayed out of the settlements, but now the kind of floods and storms that are occurring in Pakistan were once only read about in news headlines as occurring in other countries like Bangladesh and America 'We were not even aware of what exactly a flood or storm is, but now every year it is a significant part of our daily discussions, our happiness and our sorrows. Every year we experience storms and floods and roads and buildings have been damaged due to the floods. Moreover, our diet is no longer pure due to which, people are becoming ill and mostly remain sick. Environmental pollution has


increased a lot and the number of factories and cars has also increased rapidly leading to higher emission levels and increased environmental pollution day by day.' It was noted that drinking water in the area is scarce and many villagers have moved to the city because the supply of fresh drinking water was not always secure. While drinking water trucks visit the village regularly, the cost of drinking water is rising at an alarming rate. A tanker visit costs about 2 000 PRs and will supply four families with drinking water for only four days.

The supply of fish in the area has also fallen considerably. In the past, we could easily catch fish close to the coastal areas but now we need to go 20-25km deep into the sea. Previously we used to consume only one litre of diesel, but now we require 100 litres for the excursion. Furthermore, our drinking water has turned saline and we need to purchase fresh drinking water, which costs about PKR 6 000 per month. Therefore, people are succumbing to poverty. Fewer trees are planted in the area, while a lot more are being cut. The saplings that are planted are not properly tended, therefore, most of them wilt and die. All these factors have contributed to detrimental climate change.' General changes from 2000 to 2015


Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Increased. Historically there were no mangroves, the site was a grave yard and used for rice cultivation

River water was traditionally available for agriculture. River water is no longer available and the areas is inundated with sea water making good growing conditions for mangroves.

Increased Natural regeneration of mangroves has been occurring due to community monitoring and involvement in conservation.

Quality Excellent Strong management model.

Excellent Good monitoring and conservation management by community.


Decrease Fish catch has reduced in size and need to sail further for larger catches.

Decreased Lack of fresh water available. Sea water inundation.


community/district?

The community members stated that they faced difficulties in maintaining forests as there is no wired fence around it, due to which, animals eat and damage the plants and trees. At times people illegally possess the forest area and become self-proclaimed owners of the trees. Moreover, they also secretly cut these trees. Furthermore, camel grazing can cause disputes since they tend to graze along the roadside and eat the newly planted seedlings. Similarly, fishermen also secretly catch fish. The prevalent rates of fish in the market are not beneficial for the fishermen as it was found that lobsters used to sell at Rs. 450/Kg in 1999 but now they are


being sold at Rs. 250/Kg-300/Kg. This reduction in profit is due to the middle men who make sure that the rates do not rise.


Animals eat away plants and trees, specifically camels which are reared in hundreds of numbers for export to Arab countries.

Ketti Bander/Thatta No wired fence around forests.

Land grabbing and illegally capturing forest area resulting in excessive cutting of trees.

Ketti Bander/Thatta Lack of monitoring and a system of check and balance.

Over fishing. Ketti Bander/Thatta Lower rates set by middle men.



Community members’ opinion is that dams should be built, so that water can be stored for later use and there should be an efficient water management system to reduce wastage. Furthermore, mangrove planting drives should be continued and a maximum number of mangrove trees should be planted. Projects concerning health issues should also be implemented. The respondents felt that the initial step should consist of the facilitation of the community by providing basic necessities, such as roads, education, health and employment opportunities. Since most people in the area depend on fishing, if the fishing activity becomes negatively affected, the people will look for other options, which may further damage the environment. Humans have thus, damaged the nature for their own survival to escape poverty and hunger. Question 5 How can these changes be realized? The respondents claim that it is the government’s job, and they cannot do much to improve the current situation. Some work was carried out on their street and they were supposed to contribute towards it. Since people did not have enough money, it was decided that each person would contribute in the construction of that segment of the street that passes alongside his house. The community is of the opinion that the Secretary of the Irrigation Department should convene a meeting in which all local people can put forward their concerns and issues. In addition to this, instead of working parallel with the government, the NGOs should spend money on citizen’s welfare work and should let the government fulfil its responsibilities. Only then can this issue can be resolved. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use?


The community members replied in the affirmative and stated that conflict was the norm in the area. 'Near our house there were some trees and plantations that were destroyed by a camel which caused a riot. A woman also takes care of trees on the banks all day and doesn’t let anyone cut trees. Another incident occurred when a camel was caught eating mangroves from a plantation. As punishment, the owner of the mangrove trees took the camel out to sea and since that camel had already consumed a lot of water, therefore, he drowned in the sea. (There is a certain breed of camels that can only swim in water if they have not stored a lot of water otherwise they drown).’ After a meeting with the local elders to reach a verdict in the case the decision was given against the mangrove owner who had to pay Rs. 100,000 as a fine. In yet another incident, a dispute developed between WWF and the Department of Forestry since


WWF had not sought permission from the Department of Forestry while initiating any activity in those areas.

Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community? The community members stated that there were two to three influential families in their area. Whenever a dispute arises, people approach these families to resolve their dispute. They claim that they suggest the best possible solution after hearing arguments from both the parties, so that the dispute is resolved at the local level instead of involving outsiders like the police. The unique attribute of this village is that no-one has ever been murdered in this area. There are 26 various communities living here, but neither a single house has a lock placed on its gate and nor has there ever been a fear of robbery. 'We never lock our homes; even when we have to leave the village for a short period of time.' Furthermore, these families generate funds for the medical treatment of the needy and poor people of the area. They have helped more than a hundred people with cases involving the operation on a man’s backbone from the Agha Khan Hospital, eye operations and deliveries of pregnant women. If there’s an emergency, then they refer that patient to Karachi hospitals. Patients are provided with the relevant contact numbers to inform the assisting families about the rough estimate of funds that would be needed for the treatment of the patient whereby the required amount is immediately arranged. Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors request to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

Until 1931, there used to be sufficient water in Kaiti Bandar to last throughout the year, but after the construction of the Sukhar barrage, water downstream has diminished greatly. As time progressed, irrigation water was only available for a duration of six months in a year. Environmental pollution has resulted in rising sea levels, and coastlines have now moved closer to the settlements, resulting in the relocation of communities to other areas. In certain areas, the underground water is saline and cannot be used for irrigation purposes.

According to the women’s opinion, the basic necessities are a priority in the village. These consist of water, gas, education and health. If gas became available, the village would immediately convert to gas due to the benefits and ease, while utilizing it for cooking and heating purposes. There is hope that development projects will be able to support water and gas access in the near future. The village would be keen to grow more trees for shade and shelter, but at present the most immediate need is water to live.



Faizal Hussain Fisherman

Shakeel Memon United Community NGO

Bachayo Master Tailor

Abdul Waihd Union Council Chairman

Abdul Aziz Social worker


SHAEEN JATI SUKKUR, SINDH PROVINCE



Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

50 000 24 000 Sunni 100 85% Livestock Source: Community consultation in Sukkur, Union Council Dated May 13, 2017


Surveyor’s full name: Muhammad Hassa

Province/Territory: Sukku, Sindh

Name of Respondent: Munir Ahmed

Position Forester

Organization: Forest Department, Sukkur


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence

Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their

perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan.


Forest Department Community N/A Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Increase planting Raise awareness levels of forest dependent communities on importance of forestry. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

The Forest Department along with the community and CSOs should implement the process.


It was discovered that people mostly own their own lands and grow crops such as wheat, but the harvest is not sufficient to meet the food requirements of the community. Women are involved in rearing livestock and the community members rely on forest for collecting fuelwood and wood for construction purposes. They also sell trees to earn an income. People who do not have a consistent source of income and livelihood are considered as poor. According to the community, about 73% people living in this area could be considered as poor as per the above mentioned criteria.


Question 1a How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced Deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

The community stated that there used to be more trees in the past but now the forest is decreasing day by day. Excessive deforestation is also affecting the weather patterns of the area. The community highlighted the following main driving forces towards deforestation:


Lack of awareness Deforestation Lack of interest of state.

Deforestation Weather climate changes Lack of awareness in community.

Land grabbers Deforestation Political involvement.

Leasing Degradation Government.


The respondents stated that the amount of rainfall has decreased considerably over the last 20 years, and the weather has become hotter and very unpredictable.


community/district?


Deforestation Shaeen Jatoi Unavailability of alternate fuel.

Lack of interest by government

Shaeen Jatoi Land grabber.



The respondents are of the opinion that, the government and the community should take the initiative by planting new trees in this area and improve co-ordination by taking all the stakeholders on board while conducting forestry related consultations and implementing forest conservation measures. There is a dire need for a national campaign to create awareness regarding the negative impacts of deforestation and the importance of forest conservation.

Question 5 How can these changes be realized? According to the community, people need to be made aware regarding the negative impacts of deforestation and they should be provided with alternate sources of fuel to discourage the community from cutting trees for fuelwood. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal

to the community or external with another community/company government/person?

The community answered in the affirmative saying conflicts did occur within their region Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

With respect to resolving conflicts, the community members stated that conflicts are resolved through tribal jirgas.




Munir Ahmed Forester

Muhammad Hanif Farmer

Mir Ahmed Shaper

Raiz ullah Forest guard

Muhammad Yaqoob Farmer

Naser Ahmed Shaper

Zakria Farmer

Muhammad Ramzan Farmer

Shaban Farmer

Shawal Farmer


HILL KOT RANJOE BATTAL, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

0.8 million 15 000 acres

Syyeds Swati Pakhtoons

80 70% Daily wage workers. Laborers outside the country. Farming. Poultry business. Jobs (government and private sector).

Source: Community consultation in Battal, KP Council Dated April 25, 2017

Social Surveyor’s Form 1: Stakeholder Assessment

Surveyor’s full name: Iftikhar Alam

Province/Territory: KPK Province, Battal village

Name of Respondent: Mohmmad Pervaiz

Position Range Officer

Organization: Forest Department KP


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan. Highly Influential Influential Not influential

Police Department Agriculture Department Education Department.

Wildlife Department Land and Revenue Department.


Involve local community (especially forest owners) in forest management and conservation

Give rights to the land owner in forests, if possible through policies Provide alternate sources of income/livelihood to all forest users Construction of watch and ward huts in forests Increase number of employees of Forest Department



The Forest Department along with local community, INGO and NGOs should lead the implementation process.


About 75-80% of the total land area consists of natural habitat and the remaining is covered by roads, poultry farms, houses, shops, hotels, etc. Around 80% of the population owns agricultural land, however, the harvest is not sufficient to fulfil their daily food requirements. The average size of the land varies from 1-10 kanals per allocation and the local farmers grow wheat, maize and some vegetables for their own personal consumption. 90% of food items are transported in to the village from nearby cities that are then bought from local shops by the community. A small portion of community members depend on livestock as their major source of income, while the majority is engaged in daily wage work in nearby villages or major cities of Pakistan. Another small portion also works abroad as labourers, while 2% are employed by the government or in private sector jobs. 90% of the families in this area live in joint family systems. According to the community, those families which can be considered poor are those that own their own home and agricultural land but their average per day income is less the Rs.400. About 70% of the local families could be considered as poor families according to the above-mentioned criteria.

Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced Deforestation?

What are the effects of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to community members, they are in the habit of cutting down forest trees located near their village for daily use and construction of houses as the community members cannot afford to buy construction material from the market. The local community, forest owners, tenants, mafia and forest officials are all responsible for deforestation and cutting of trees. The floods of 2010 also detrimentally affected the forest trees and river structure, whereas the Earthquake of 2005 was responsible for damaging the existing land structure, which increased the ratio of landslides in the forest range area. The community members admit that they have also played a substantial role in environmental degradation by cutting down forest trees to construct homes, poultry and agricultural farms. Drivers Changes Reasons

Local community/ Population Reduction in number of trees Owners have been cutting trees for decades for their own use as fuel wood and for construction of houses legally or illegally. Demand for wood increases when population rises.

Timber mafia Reduction in number of trees Mafia was highly involved in cutting of trees from a long time especially during 2008 to 2013.



Drivers Changes Reasons Earth Quake Reduction in number of trees.

Increase in land sliding In emergency situations, the local community did cut down trees for reconstruction of houses/ shelters. As each village and valley was completely cut off from another therefore, the forest department didn’t have access to the forest at all.

Floods Reduction in number of trees/ land sliding

Deforestation.

CPEC Road Project Reduction in number of trees The company working on the current road project is cutting down a large number of trees in our local area.

Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences

do you notice?

Changes have been noticed by the locals since they claim that in the past the weather used to be pleasant and the annual season of snow fall would commence from November and last until the month of March. Now it commences in December and it is quite rare to see any snowfall on the road sides. It was also very common to find a lot of streams earlier, but now most of them have dried out and temperatures are found to be rising every year. Similarly, there used to be frequent rainfalls during the rainy season but now off-season rainfalls have started that mostly come along with violent storms, which are harmful for forests and agriculture. The subsequent climate change has also led to the spread of various diseases within the area. General changes from 2000 to 2015


Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area

Quality decreased Lack of strong management model and corruption in Forest Department.

Lack of cooperation by the community.




The community expressed their dissatisfaction with the Forest Department as they were not being given their due rights in the forests. Moreover, they stated that due to the lack of income opportunities in the area, they were subsequently more dependent on the forest as a means of resources in their daily lives. The forest owners are constricted to living in poverty and they cannot even afford to send their children to good private schools, which are located outside the village, since no educational facility exists within their village. Lately the forest owners have resorted to selling their forest land to fulfil their needs, such as financing medical expenses while the Forest Department officials and timber mafia are thriving and 'living like kings'. The community also added that they are ready and eager to sell their forest land if the government is ready to buy it, or facilitates them in selling their forest properties because they feel they are not receiving a single benefit from them. Problem Area/Location Reason

High ratio of tree cutting by timber mafia before 2014

Hill Kot Range Black market business of timber. Corruption of the Forest Department

Excessive grazing by animals Hill Kot Range Lack of forest monitoring, control, staff and resources.

Lake of interest in forest management by local community

Hill Kot Range The local community was not interested in management and conservation of forest as they are not given their due rights in forests.



The respondents were of the view that it is pertinent for the government to review their forest policies and make them forest-owner and forest-user friendly. They should involve forest owners in the policy making process and give due rights to the forest owners and users. It is the government’s responsibility to provide alternate energy sources to the local people such as LPG on reasonable rates so that the local community can shift from fuel wood consumption to LPG. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The community is of the opinion that if the government is sincere with the local people then it needs to revise the forest policy by including rights of forest owners and forest users and it should give legal rights to forest owners. Furthermore, it needs to take into account the interests and views of forest owners when drafting forest policies.

“We are very displeased with the government because they are not concerned about our forest related problems and our rights on forests. We don’t have any proper forum where we can express our voice.”

“Even the tenants who live near the forests are better than us (forest owners) as they can at least use forest for their daily routine (wood for fires, fetching water, grazing of animals, etc.)”


Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal to the community or external with another community/company/Government/Person?

The respondents stated that for the past many years there has not been any conflict over trees in this area. Conflicts over property, agricultural land, trees or other family issues do occur at times and 3-4 years ago two families were involved in a conflict related to the trees near their homes and six men were killed in the outcome. The forest is under the supervision of the Forest Department and no one has ever engaged in a dispute with the Department. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The members stated that the Jirga is the most reliable forum for local conflict resolution as the courts often take a lot of time and are costly.

Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors request to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.


JABBORI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

0.3 million

20 000 acres

Guijars Swati Pakhtoons / Khans

120 90% Daily labour, local and outside of villages and other big cities of the country. Labour outside the country. Farming.

Source: Community consultation in Jabbori, KPK Council Dated April 26, 2017 Social Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment


Province/Territory: KPK Province, Jabbori – Battal village

Name of Respondent: Faiz-ur-Rehman

Position Sub Divisional Forest Officer



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence




Police Department Land use Department NGOs

Wildlife Department Revenue Department Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Community involvement a top priority Implementation of rule of law Departmental coordination is needed within the Forest Department and other relevant

departments Promote afforestation projects.


Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options? The Forest Department along with Village Development Council (VDC) (main stakeholders of the forest) should lead the implementation process. Separate staff should be hired for implementation of REDD+ and special training should be conducted for project and forest staff.

10.2 Sectiob B – Open Structure Consultation with Communities:

It was noted that 90% of the total land area consists of natural habitat and the remaining area is covered by roads, farms, houses, shops, roads etc. The people have small agricultural land holdings and the harvest is insufficient to fulfil the basic requirements of the land owners. The average size of the agricultural land is 5 marla-5 kanals per allocation and farmers in these areas grow maize and potato for their own consumption. The crop output is divided into two parts between landlords and tenants. According to the community, 5% of the families of the area are the owners of the forest land and they live in villages near the main road, while those living near forests are their tenants. Mostly people in this village do not own land so they depend on their livestock and pay rent (kalang) to the forest owners for grazing their livestock in their forests. 95% of the food items are transported from nearby cities, which can be purchased from the local markets. 2% of the families of the area are involved in local businesses, whereas 40% of the local people are engaged in work on a daily wage basis in nearby villages and cities. It was found that approximately 98% of the families in this village live in joint family systems. According to the local community, the family which has its own house but has an income less than Rs.250 per day is considered poor. About 90% of the local families can be considered poor as per the above mentioned criteria. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced Deforestation? What are the effects of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to community members, they used to cut forest trees located near their village for daily use as fuelwood and construction of houses, as the community members cannot afford to buy construction material from the market. According to them, the local community, forest owners, tenants, mafia and forest officials are all responsible for deforestation and cutting down of trees. The 2010 floods also detrimentally affected the forest trees and river structure causing damage on a large scale. The Earthquake of 2005 was also responsible for damaging land structure, which increased the ratio of landslides in the forest range area. The community admits that it has also played a role in environmental degradation by cutting down trees to construct homes, poultry and agricultural farms, whereas people living near the forest area also collect firewood from the forest illegally.


Local community/Population Reduction in number of trees For the last 25-30 years certain owners have been cutting down trees for their own use as fuelwood and for the construction of houses legally or illegally. Demand for wood increases when population rises.

Timber mafia Reduction in number of trees Mafia has been highly involved in cutting of trees for a long time especially during 2008 to 2013.



Earthquake Soil Erosion, Landslides, Reduction in number of trees

In emergency situations, the local community did cut trees for the reconstruction of houses/shelters. As each village and valley was completely cut off from another, therefore the forest department did not have access to the forest at all. In many areas the process of erosion is still on-going .

Floods Reduction in number of trees/ landslides

Deforestation.


do you notice?

Changes in the climate have been noticed by the locals, and they claim that in the past the weather used to be pleasant with the season of snowfall commencing from November and lasting up until March every year. Now it commences in December and its quite rare to see snowfall on the roadsides. It used to be quite common to find a lot of streams earlier but now most of them have dried out. Temperatures are rising every year and there used to be frequent rainfalls during the rainy season but now off-season rainfalls have started that mostly come along with violent storms, which are harmful for forests and agriculture. Climate change has also led to the spread of various diseases. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?

The Community expressed their dissatisfaction with the Forest Department as they were not being given their due rights in the forests. Moreover, they stated that due to the lack of income opportunities in the area, they were subsequently more dependent on the forest as a means of resources in their daily lives. The forest owners are reduced to living in poverty and they cannot even afford to send their children to good private schools which are located outside the village. No educational facility exists within their village. Lately, the forest owners have resorted to selling their forest land for Rs.4 000 per kanal even though the rate determined by the government is Rs. 40,000 per Kanal, while the Forest Department officials and timber mafia are thriving and 'living like kings'. Some of the local forest owners also work as timber smugglers.

According to the community elders, FDC is working on state forests in accordance to the forest policy. The FDC is cutting mature trees in state forests and selling them in the market as per forest policy - an activity which only benefits the Forest Department and the provincial government. It is pertinent to mention here that the Forest Department and the FDC do not include the local community when they are planning the cutting of trees, even though the communities are equal shareholders of forest resources. The FDC/Forest Department go to such an extent that they do not allow the community to collect the trees from the forest which have been damaged by snowfall or wind. Thus, a lot of damaged and fallen trees remain rotting in the forest, which could potentially have been a useful resource for the community. Sometimes the Forest Department authorizes proper timber permits to the land owners to collect the timber, but dictate that no more than two trees can be collected. They also stipulate that these trees are only allowed to be used in homes and are not for sale, which is quite unfair for the community.



High ratio of tree cutting by timber mafia before 2014

Upper Siran forest Sub Division

Black market business of timber. Corruption of the Forest Department.

Excessive grazing by animals Upper Siran forest Sub Division

Lack of forest monitoring, control, staff and resources.

Lake of interest in forest management by local community


The local community was not interested in management and conservation of forest as they are not given their due rights in forests.

Lack of interest of Forest Department


Forest Development Corporation (FDC) is properly working on state forests with proper planning but avoid taking necessary steps in Reserve and Guzara forests.



Respondents were of the opinion that the VDC (Village Development Committee) should be strengthened and facilitated. Furthermore, the government needs to provide livelihood opportunities in local areas for the whole community, which will subsequently reduce their reliance on forests as a means of generating income. The forests should also be protected by the community through a collective and collaborated effort. It is imperative that the government provide gas at subsidized rates to local people in order to reduce their reliance on fuel wood. The local community appreciated the Tsunami Billion Trees project and requested the government to continue this project for at least the next 10 years. They are of the view that if this project is halted soon then it will not have much of a positive impact on the environment and community. Under this project the saplings take about 5-6 years to grow, and during this stage the role of community guards (government pays Rs.1 500 to each guard) in protecting and conservation of these trees is vitally important. They also added that this was the first project in the history of KP's Forest Department which provided some livelihood benefits to the local people, forest users and owners and has also developed a certain level of awareness in communities. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The respondents were of the opinion that if the government is sincere with local people then it needs to revise the forest policy by including rights of forest owners and forest users. It should give legal rights to forest owners and provide gas or alternate fuel resources to local communities at subsidized rates. Furthermore, it needs to take into account the interests and views of forest owners when drafting forest policies. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


The community members stated that they had not faced any conflict over forest use because only 5% of the families own forest land. But at times conflicts occur over land and other unrelated issues.



They claimed that the Jirga is the most reliable forum for local conflict resolution as the courts often take a lot of time and are costly. Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors requested to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

It has been observed that women work in fields Only the Watershed project conducted some planting of forest trees in the area The hills are found to be sparsely covered with trees, whereas the thicker growth of forest

trees can be found on the roadsides or in residential areas. List of Participants from Communities


Bilal Khan (VDC President) Farmer

Tahir Nadeem Farmer

Bilawal Khan Business

Junaid Khan Student

Allah Nawaz Khan Farmer

Fayyaz Khan Farmer

Nadeem Khan Farmer

Rustam Khan Farmer

Iltaf Khan Farmer

Faiz ur Rehman SDFO


SHINKIYARI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE

11.1 Section A – Perspective of Forest Deparment

Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

10 000 000 200 000 (Reserved forest – 10 754 acres, Guzara forest- 13 356 acres, Private forests 5 000 acres)

Rana Khan

32 40% Agriculture Jobs Businesses Daily wage workers Poultry farms Tailoring Forest related activities.

Source: Community consultation in Shinkiari Council Dated April 25, 2017



Province/Territory: Khyberpakhtunkha Province – Shinkiari

Name of Respondent: Husnain Khan

Position SDFO

Organization: Forest Department Sub-Division Shinkiari Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

omewhat Interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has influence on the outcomes of a national REDD+ Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


Highly Influential Influential Not Influential

Police Lipton Processing Plant (olive trees)

NGOs

Village Development Committee

Education Departments

Wildlife Department



Supply Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternate to fuelwood Introduce aggressive population planning in communities Reduce prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Introduce population control plans as there is a high rise in population Proper planning and assigning of residential areas Fencing around forest and nursery areas Investment should be made in community development to change behaviour towards

forests and encourage tree planting Proper investment in forestry e.g. hiring of nighebaans (watcher) and incentives for

nursery Create livelihood opportunities as most of the community relies on the forest as a source

of income Forest staff need to be increased and they should be paid higher salaries.


the Forest Department should lead the implementation process.


The area of land in Shinkiari consisting of natural habitat is about 200 000 kanals. Most people in this area lease land for one year to grow crops. Major crops grown are maize, wheat, potatoes, onions, cabbage, peas, tomatoes, etc. Crops that the community cultivates are sufficient for their own usage and are also transported to other areas in the country. But last year, due to limited rainfall, the community suffered a shortage of food and scarcity of water. Mostly people in the area depend on agriculture as their main source of income but there are also government employees, business men and daily wage workers. Almost all the population lives in joint family systems. The forest provides fuelwood, water, fresh air, stones, mud and wood for construction of furniture, medicinal plants, phosphorus and a grazing ground for the community’s livestock. Those community members that are considered poor, are those who are unemployed, do not have basic facilities such as education, water, sewage and do not own any land or houses. About 40% of the families of the local area could be considered poor as per the above stated definition. The most common species of tree in this area is Chir. People living in this area do not have access to any gas facility hence, they rely on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced Deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

The local people stated that previously there used to be more trees than there are at present. The forest has been drastically reduced (approximately 60%). As the population has increased significantly, it has resulted in a higher number of trees being cut down for use as fuelwood. Private forests have also been cut for generating fuelwood and to sell as wood in the market, whereby resultant deforestation has caused climate change in the area. The earthquake of 2005, had a huge impact on the forests and many trees were damaged in its wake.



Local Community Reduction in number of trees Cutting of trees by local community for cooking and heating purposes. No gas supply has forced the community to solely rely on forests for fuelwood. Setting fire to forests in order to have fertile grazing ground.

Increasing population Reduction in number of trees Depend on forest for livelihood, no other sources of income and limited job opportunities.

Floods Reduction in number of trees Climate change and deforestation

Earthquake Reduction in number of trees Deforestation Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last

20 years? What key differences do you notice?

The community members responded that there used to be more rainfall and snowfall but now due to deforestation, both rainfall and snowfall have reduced considerably and the pattern of rainfall has also changed. Unseasonal rainfall negatively affects crops and the soil has become infertile thus affecting livelihoods in a negative manner. Since the population has also risen significantly it has resulted in increased detrimental climate change as the burden on natural resources has increased. The heat levels have also increased since people have now started constructing cemented houses with tin roofs that absorb heat and result in rising temperatures. General changes from 2000 to 2015

Indicators Planted Forests

Tendency Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Decreased Decreased

Quality Decreased Lack of strong management model and existence of timber mafia.

Decreased Lack of cooperation by the community due to less awareness and literacy.


Decreased Decreased

“Last year, we experienced drought till December”

“This year we didn’t receive any snowfall and wheat cultivation had to be postponed due to the late rainfall.”



The community is of the opinion that they are responsible for deforestation as they do not have access to any gas facility, therefore they have no choice but to rely on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes. A few guards have been stationed to protect the forests with 4 000 acres under one guard. The forest guards are not provided with proper transportation or resources. Most people in this area rely on forests for their livelihoods, which results in deforestation. Children and adults have been found to set fire to forests, which has burned and destroyed many trees numerous times. Furthermore, the timber mafia is responsible for smuggling of trees, whereas the community has also encroached forest land to plant crops. Excessive grazing by sheep and goats also damages and destroys freshly planted saplings. Problem Area/Location Reason


Shinkiari No gas and other alternative energy sources.

Damaging of trees by animals

Shinkiari Porcupines damage the trees. Goats and sheep eat away newly planted trees.

Lack of strong monitoring system

Shinkiari Few guards, lack of proper resources and transport facilities.



The community members stated that they rely heavily on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes, which enhances deforestation of this area. Thus, subsidized gas should be provided to the locals in order to curtail their usage of wood. It is imperative to implement strict monitoring of forests and imposition of fines as was done during Ayub Khan’s era and major reforms should be introduced in forest policies. Fences should be built around the forest areas, especially where new saplings are planted, to prevent over grazing by sheep and goats. The Forest Department needs to employ more guards who can easily look after the huge forest area. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The respondents were of the opinion that more trees should be planted within the forests and the community should co-operate with forest guards for forest protection. Since approximately 80% of the trees are cut to be used as fuelwood, gas or alternate energy sources at reasonable prices should be supplied to the community, as this will reduce their dependency on forest trees. Provision of a gas facility or low cost foreign wood will also help in reducing the number of trees that are stolen from the forests Human and community development projects need to be launched that will not only help in creating awareness among the community, but will also change their mindset, eventually leading to a positive change in their behavior. The Forest Department needs to construct more nurseries and encourage tree planting. The One Billion tree project of the KPK government has been successful so far, but this initiative needs to be continued with more vigor. The area should also be developed, as better communication networks, such as building of new roads, provide many new job opportunities for the local people. Creation of various job opportunities would then result in less reliance on forests for livelihoods and discourage people from cutting trees. The government needs to take various stakeholders into their confidence while formulating policies, especially private forest owners.

“I do not have money to pay for transport when I’m on duty. We even have to work on Eid day.”


Forest guards should be provided with proper resources, transportation facilities and protection from mafias. Forest thieves can be made nighebaan (guards) with a fixed salary as this will encourage positive behavior change in them and they will no longer steal trees to fulfill their needs. After a flood in 1992, a German commission visited this area to carry out a survey and suggested that the community living in this area should be relocated to lower areas in order to protect the communities from the destructive effects of future floods. Officers of the Forest Department also need to be trained since they have only studied forestry courses in the 1980s, which do not highlight modern day challenges and how they need to be tackled efficiently and effectively. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


The community living near the forest reported that they have never been involved in a conflict with the Forest Department or over forests with anyone. Usual family conflicts are resolved by elders without the involvement of the police department. Contradictory to this, according to staff members of the Forest Department and other local community members, conflicts with Forest Departments are routine and the timber mafia is predominantly to be blamed for disputes in this area. One forest guard was recently shot dead while he was on duty and was putting out a fire that had been ignited in the forest. Subsequently his wife had to face severe difficulties when filing papers relating to his death with the Forest Department. The Forest Department did not give any sort of compensation to the guard’s family. Similarly, three nighebaans (forest guards) were held captive by the timber mafia who threatened them if they interfered in their matters again. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

VDC resolves most of the conflicts. Sometimes the police intervene as well. Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors requested to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.




Omar Farooq Agriculture/VDC President Cattle Ranching

Hasnain SDFO Shinkiari

Rozi Khan Agriculture

Mufti Khan Agriculture/Sect. VDC

Mashood ur Rehman VDC President/Transporter

Muhammad Naseem Forester

Muhammad Wakeel Sect. VDC/Agriculture

Nazeer Ahmad Community Watcher

Rana Hameed Forest Guard

Muhammad Waheed Shopkeeper

Muhammad Naeem Khan Agriculture

Muhammad Sadiq Forest Guard

Javed Iqbal Sect. VDC Bajne/Press Reporter

Sadaqat Hussain General Councilor

Tahir Ayub Block Officer/Forest Department

Fahad Ali CDO Siran

Muhammad Shabir Khan Transporter


MIANDAM FATEH PUR RANJOE SWAT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

About 200 000

1 700 acres

Guijars Yousafzai Swati

52 98% 1. Daily laborer (work in local area, nearby villages and other big cities of Pakistan) 2. Laborer working outside the country. 3. Farming. 4. Businesses. 5. Jobs (govt and private sector).



Province/Territory: KPK Province, SWAT - Miandam ( Fatha Pur Range)

Name of Respondent: M. Zahir Shah




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence




Police Department Land Use Department NGOs

Wildlife Department Revenue Department Education Department

Agriculture Department


Provide alternate sources of fuel for local communities Introduce proper social forestry Separately trained staff for the project Awareness programmes and incentives for local community and forest staff.



The Forest Department along with the local community should lead the implementation process.


According to local community members, 85% of the total land area consists of natural habitat like forest land, grazing lands, mountain, streams and springs, while 15% of the total area is covered by infrastructure like houses, schools, shops, hotels and agricultural land. 98% of the community are land owners, the local farmers grow wheat, maize, potato, tomato and some other vegetables, but the major crop is wheat and potato. The concept of land agreements for grazing land have been banned for the conservation of the forest and regeneration of new forest trees since the last seven years. Miandam is one of the highly attractive tourist areas in Swat, which is about 48 km away from Mingora. Tourists mostly visit during the peak summer season. The area consists of resplendent natural beauty and many comfortable hotels can be found here. The local harvesting does not fulfil the basic needs of the local community, but the community has not faced any food security issues in their area. Approximately 15-20 years ago, the major source of income was timber, but now 50% of the household males earn their livelihood by working abroad as laborers, while some have small business in and outside the village. Some of these businesses are seasonal businesses because Miandam is a highly attractive tourist area in the Swat valley. Most of the families are involved in farming but they do not have sufficient agricultural land to fulfil the needs of their families. The people living in forests or near forest land resort to using tree branches as fuelwood, fetching water from the forest and using forest land for grazing their animals. At times, the women folk living near forests collect medicinal plants and herbs for their home use and for sale in the market, although collection and sale of these medicinal plants is illegal according to forest law. The community members stated that 98% of families are poor in this area, and they defined poor as the family who has its own forest land but does not earn a regular income of more than Rs.500 per day.

Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?



Community Reduction in number of trees More the 80% of the population in this area is involved in cutting of trees for fuelwood, while more than 40% of families are totally dependent on timber as a source of income.

Political elites of Swat/ Timber Mafia

Reduction in number of trees Mafia was involved in cutting of trees with full support of ex forest minister of KP government.

Excessive grazing Reduction in number of trees. New plants are damaged as animals eat the new plants.

All forest owners give their land for grazing to get financial benefits from land in the shape of Kalang (rent).


do you notice?

Severe changes in climate have been noticed by the local community of this area. Firstly, there have been drastic changes in the seasonal snowfall period. Around 20-30 years ago, the season


of snowfall used to commence from the end of November lasting until March, whereas now it starts in mid-December and barely continues up until mid or end of January. Secondly, rainfalls have also decreased significantly in number, causing the flow of water in streams to diminish drastically. Finally, temperatures are rising alarmingly every year and the duration of the summer season has also increased.

Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your community/district? Problem Area/Location Reason

Strengthening of JFMC is needed

Whole forest range area (especially in Gujar Kaly)

JFMCs are not strengthened at all, due to which, one can witness cases of tree cutting in this area.

Over grazing Whole forest range area (especially in Miandam area Sowano Kaly)

The community has no alternate land for grazing and livestock grazing directly affects the forest regeneration.



The community was of the opinion that JFMC needs to be strengthened and proper effective coordination between JFMC and the Forest Department is imperative. The Forest Department needs to revise its policies regarding the rights of land owners and users and proper and effective management of grazing lands is needed. Question 4 b How can women use the forest better?

If the Forest Department permits women to collect medicinal plants and herbs from forests, then this would be a very important source of additional income for them and will help improve their living standards. The growth of forests will also help women to collect fuelwood in an easy manner. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The respondents were unanimous in stating that the most important thing that needs to be improved is the writ of the Forest Department in FATA as a whole. It is the responsibility of the government to facilitate the local community in providing alternate energy sources (gas and electricity for daily use, specifically during the winter season, and solar tube wells for irrigation purposes). According to the community, people are ready to cooperate with the Forest Department if they work for the interests and betterment of local people. The ex-Union Council Nazim is also the member of JFMC and has a very positive attitude towards forests. He has a keen interest in conservation and management of forests and according to him he initiated a campaign to create awareness in the local community regarding the importance and conservation of forests in his own Union Council, He then successfully motivated other Nazims for this purpose since he is quite active in mobilizing people in order to change the culture of Kalang (rent received for forest land use) in this area in order to protect the forests from over grazing. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


The community members stated that there has not been any conflict in forests because the community members also have a share in forest land. Social issues exist everywhere in different


ways but this area according to the community members is a very peaceful area as compared to other places in FATA. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The respondents stated that the Jirga is the most important, powerful, effective and reliable forum for local conflict resolution in Swat. List of Participants from Communities


Muhammadi Mulk Politician

Sujat Hussain Govt employ and farming

Fazal Rahim Shopkeeper/business

Khurshid Iqbal Business and farmer

Khaista Muhammad Farmer

Javed Iqbal Govt employ and farming

Muhammad Zahir Shah Range Officer


PARSACHA MUZAFARABAD, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

30 000 2 000 Kanals

Sherazi, Chaudry, Swati, Raja, Khan, Malik, Mandial, Mughal, Khawaja, Syed/Shah, Qureshi, Bhatti

20 35-40% 60% agriculture/construction 20% office work 20% Business / Small shops.

Source: Community consultation in Harna village of Parsacha Union Council Dated April 21, 2017 Social Surveyor’s Form 1 Stakeholder Assessment


Province/Territory: Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Parsacha

Name of Respondent: Raoof Qureshi

Position Chief Conservator

Organization: Forest Department Muzafar Abad, Azad Kashmir


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence


Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan.


Highly Influential Land use planning unit of Planning and Development Department

Civil Society Organizations

Environmental Protection Agency

Mining Department Cottage industry

Political leaders Revenue Technical and Vocational Training Institutes

Land Use Department Journalists

Education department Communities as forest users

Planning and Development Department

AKLAC

Agriculture Department Public Works Department

Livestock Department Hydro Power Generation Department

Finance Department Local Government and Rural Development


Conservation of forests Sustainable management of forests Plantation and protection of forests through community organizations Forestry extension to protect state of the forest Engage media personnel to raise awareness of common people about importance of

forests Engage religious leaders such as caretaker of shrines to raise awareness level of

communities about importance of forest Create livelihood opportunities for forest dependent communities to reduce their interests

from forests e.g. introduce fruit farming Create subsidised prices for LPG and electricity as an alternate to fuelwood Introduce aggressive population planning in communities Designate places for the construction of houses with attractive facilities so that houses

constructed on scattered places in forest can be discouraged. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

The Forest Department should lead the implementation process



According to the locals, the area of land in union council Parsacha consisting of natural habitat is about 2 000 kanal. On average, people own small segments of land ranging from 10-15 kanals. There are some people who do not own land, hence they rear livestock and engage in daily wage work or they work as contractors on other peoples’ land. Most people grow vegetables, wheat and rice. The crop output is then divided into two equal parts between the landlord and the tenant. The crops that the community cultivates are only sufficient for two months and during the rest of the year the community purchases food items from the market. They mostly take loans from the shop keepers and milk sellers to fulfil their food requirements and pay them back at the end of the month. The community faced serious food security issues after the 2005 earthquake. Most locals are farmers, with additional work as daily wage workers. The community members claim that they do not reap any benefits from the forests as they are quite far away from their homes, but those who live near the forest usually collect honey, pick mushrooms and vegetables such as qunji and kachnaar from the forest. People here live under the joint family system and poor families are those who lack basic necessities and facilities of life such as proper housing and clothes, those who do not own any land, those who have no jobs, those who have more women and less males in their homes, and those who can only afford one meal a day. About 35-45% of the families of the local area could be considered poor as per the above stated definition.

Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to the elder community members, approximately 25 years ago the forest used to be nearby and they could easily collect wood from there, but now it is rare to find a forest within the distance of one kilometre. This is due mainly to the community's excessive cutting of trees for their personal use, such as for cooking and heating purposes. The community admits that it is responsible for the deforestation of this area. However, natural hazards such as the earthquake of 2005, and frequent floods and landslides have also played a large part in the destruction of trees. The community members now plant about 2-3 trees for their own personal use. They now have to travel to faraway places to collect wood or else have to buy it from the market and since LPG becomes expensive by the time it reaches locals they rely heavily on fuelwood.

Azad Kashmir villages are located near the Line of Control with sparse vegetation and trees. On the Indian side, there are thick forests and it was found that the Neelum Valley has been most acutely affected by deforestation and depletion of forest. There are three types of forests in this area: a higher altitude area with alpine and eucalyptus, trees which are used for construction. People in these areas are highly dependent upon fuelwood. Temperatures usually fall to -5°C during the day and -25°C at night during winters, whereas snowfall can reach about 10 feet. There is a considerable wastage of fuelwood, as the houses are not built properly and are not insulated adequately. Then there are wasti areas where only cheer trees can be found, while in the lower altitudes areas of sheesham, kikar, and sanatha are found. The residents are all Muslims and do not have any sectarian divide. There are very few rich people in this area, whereas most families are poor. Last year one of the journalists carried out a study on forests during which he visited all of Kashmir for his research. He discovered that prior to partition more than 47% of the land area was covered by forest, which has now alarmingly depleted to only 11%. The beauty of Kashmir was well known for its lush green forests, but deforestation has gradually destroyed most of its

“There were no roads or bridges at that time. Those were hard times for us. The forest used to be much closer to our village. But now it’s very difficult to find a forest nearby.”

“One gas cylinder costs Rs.1600. If a person earns Rs. 5000/month and has 5 kids how can he afford a cylinder?”


famed beauty. The locals are of the opinion that the Forest Department is responsible for this depletion of forests, with one of the reasons being that guards and foresters are not given adequate salary packages, which encourages them to indulge in corruption. Due to the lack of monitoring, the guards take bribes and sell each tree for Rs.200-500. Each forest is only allocated two guards and they cannot do much to protect the forest given the sheer size of the forest area. There exist numerous departmental loop holes within the system, which is why it is imperative to strengthen forest management Drivers Changes Reasons

Local Community Reduction in number of trees Excessive cutting of trees by local people for cooking and heating purposes. It is expensive to transport LPG to faraway places and high-altitude places, which raises the cost of LPG by the time it reaches the locals. Trees are also cut on weddings to finance the expenditure. Over grazing by animals.

Local Community Reduction in number of trees Setting grass and trees on fire to make it rain (superstitious beliefs).

Earthquake Reduction in number of trees, cracks in land

Natural Hazards.

Floods Reduction in number of trees Climate change and deforestation.

Land sliding Reduction in number of trees Deforestation.

Bombing near line of control Reduction in number of trees Degradation. Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences

do you notice?

Changes have been noticed in the environment, especially by older male members of the community. The environment used to be pleasant, with frequent rain and snowfall but now there are off season rainfalls, storms and hailstones that are quite harmful for crops and fruit trees. Areas that were previously rich and fertile for wheat cultivation are now lying barren, whereas rice production and cultivation has reduced. This phenomenon will result in increased poverty and food insecurity. Pollution in the area has also increased leading to numerous health problems for the locals, since fevers and allergies are quite common now. The temperatures have increased by 4°C-5°C leading to the melting of glaciers, causing floods and landslides. Destructive cloud bursts have occurred over deforested areas, which resulted in loss of lives and destruction. The destruction could have been prevented if trees were there, since trees contribute to a healthier environment. Environmental changes have caused a negative impact on the health and overall sense of well-being of the locals.




Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Decreased Deforestation Decreased People cut trees for use as fuelwood. Sometimes children set fire to grass and trees for fun.

Quality Decreased Lack of strong management model and corruption in Forest Department.

Decreased Lack of monitoring and conservation management by community.


Decreased Deforestation Decreased Loss of endangered species due to lack of knowledge.

Firewood is the energy source used for cooking in the area. There are no gas stoves currently, because the gas cylinders are costly. In the women’s opinion, if gas became available, the village would convert to gas and would prefer to do so, as soon as possible, due to the ease and convenience that gas offers in both cooking and heating. There is hope that development projects would be able to support water and gas access soon.

The villagers are keen to grow more trees for fuelwood, if they are provided with seeds and bags to form their own nurseries. Most of the women grow vegetables and tend to the livestock. Villagers also grow 2-3 trees for their own personal use.

Due to high rates of illiteracy, superstitious beliefs are quite prevalent among local women. They believe that putting water on graves, washing the Ja Namaaz (piece of cloth used to pray) or setting grass on fire results in rainfall. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?


Animals eat plants and trees. AJK – Parsacha No wire fence around forests.


AJK – Parsacha Lack of monitoring and a system of checks and balances.

Corruption AJK – Parsacha Lower salaries of guards, insufficient amount of guards, lack of proper monitoring and accountability system.


Question 4 What are the changes that you would like to see in forest management/conservation/use in your area? How can the community use forests better?

Proper nurseries should be maintained with the help of the Forest Department and the community should grow more trees on its own initiative. Reducing the dependence on wood for fuel can conserve the forests, since 50-60% trees could be saved by providing alternate energy sources. More dams should be constructed to generate electricity and provide gas. If gas is provided to the locality, then they will not have to cut trees down during the summer months. The community should be made aware that they should not cut the trees that they plant and should conserve the ones already planted. Moreover, they need to be made aware about the consequences of deforestation and the severity of this issue. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The community wants the Forest Department to provide them with seeds and bags so that they can form their own nurseries in the manner that was practiced prior to the earthquake of 2005. The women are willing to grow trees and maintain them, if they are provided with proper resources. The trees that are planted by the Forest Department often wilt away, therefore it would be better to provide seeds and bags to local women who can then form their own nurseries and tend to their trees.

Dependence on wood for fuel can be reduced by providing alternative energy sources such as building hydro power projects, gas and solar energy plants. Electricity only comes to the area for three hours despite the fact that AJK has huge potential for generating hydro power plants. According to journalists who conducted a study in AJK, Neelum Valley has the potential to generate 20MW of electricity easily, which would be more than sufficient to fulfil the energy needs of the entire valley, including enough to also generate heating systems that could be installed where animals are kept. The cost of building four small dams of 5MW each would surpass the monetary value of trees that are cut each year to be used as fuelwood. However, some journalists are not in favour of building large dams as this will cause further deforestation and will divert the streams and water sources, affecting natural habitats.

The women that were hired as female foresters want the Forest Department to give them permanent contracts and increase their salaries, as they have been working on a temporary basis for the past 15 years and are earning only Rs.17, 000-19,000/month. This according to them is quite low when compared with people doing similar jobs in the private or NGO sector. It would also benefit them if they were provided with proper training.

Furthermore, all stakeholders need to be consulted and work together for resolving the issue of deforestation and come up with inclusive solutions. Collaboration between experts, academicians, forest department, civil society and journalists would lead to better policies, as journalists and field workers are more aware about community problems and issues. Major changes need to be made in the way the houses are constructed in this area. The community should build heat proof housing

”With some help from the Forest Department we will be able to grow and manage our own forests.”

“In 2013, we took environmental issues to the parliament. We made environment part of basic human rights, that a clean environment is a basic human right. It was approved by the parliament through our efforts.”

“The nursery that we managed was operational for 14 years but now it is no more. 30,000 plants were planted under that nursery. Forest Department used to give us Rs. 150,000 every year. We don’t have bags and seeds. The Forest Department has seeds and bags which they can provide us to establish the nurseries again.”


that insulates the home. As houses are not sealed properly, they become cold quite easily and consume a lot of fuelwood to heat. Furthermore, better species for fuelwood can be planted that take less time to grow and are designated exclusively for fuelwood. Other alternatives need to be explored, such as imported wood from Canada, which is quite cheap and is being used in Pakistan. But unfortunately, people in Pakistan are using local trees for their personal use and new techniques and varieties are not being encouraged. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


The respondents stated that thus far there has been no conflict over forests and their conflicts mainly involved property, money matters or women. Forests are designated under the Forest Department and they are the ones who take care of them, although corruption does exist. Everyone in the area protects his or her own forest and property. Six months ago, a man killed his step brother due to a property dispute, which is now being resolved by the local committee. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community? Jirga, police and a conflict resolving committee are the main conflict resolution mechanisms. However, conflicts are mostly resolved inside homes and the police usually prefers that both parties should resolve their disputes amongst themselves. Field level observation for surveyors: surveyors request to observe a nearby site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

The forests were found to be at a distance from the villages as deforestation has taken place at an alarmingly high rate. The hill slope near the village was dry and barren as some children had burned the grass and shrubs. Trees planted more than 25 years ago by students on a hill top were now fully grown and added to the beauty of that hill.

In 1999, the Environment Journalist Forum was established even though there were no environmental issues at that time. People of the area used to say that this was all western culture and there were no environmental problems within their region. At that time, this forum initiated an activity in collaboration with WWF and the Wildlife Department to make the community aware about the false information being spread regarding the Nowshera National Project, which was in progress with the World Bank’s collaboration. This project faced a lot of criticism and was condemned by the community, since false information, claiming that locals would not be allowed to enter forests and that a cheetah would be let loose in the forest in order to keep the locals away, were spread against the project. At that time, the Environment Journalist Forum played a very critical role in making the community aware about this false news. After the Peshawar school attack, the forum also took the initiative and asked the PM to plant trees in the name of the martyred children.

Like the communities, they believe the Forest Department to be involved in the smuggling of trees and it was very hard for the journalists to catch and stop them. The journalists took the community into their confidence in order to stop this heinous crime and the community was made aware that these forests were their forests and they should unite and undertake an initiative to protect them.

The community was of the opinion that the government should not subsidize trees in villages or cities. If five trees are cut by each household in one year it costs the government approximately Rs.2.5 Billion in total. The government does not want to build dams in these areas due to political reasons and neither does it formulate any sound policies for the benefit of local communities. During the span of 17 years, they have still have not managed to give a contract to any party for constructing dams. This shows their lack of vision and policies and highlights the fact that resolving the deforestation issue is not a priority for them.


POTHI BALA, MUJAHIDABAD RAWALAKOT, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR



Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

400 000 5 700 acers

Sudhan Gujjar Kiyani Quraish iSunni (majority) Shia (minority)

122 30-35% 1: Jobs (Govt & private). 2: Business. 3: As workers, out of the country. 4: Serving in Pakistan Army. 5: Drivers.



Province/Territory: Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Name of Respondent: M. Rafique Khan

Position Sub Divisional Forest Officer, Rawalakot

Organization: AJK Forest Department


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Question 2 My organization has influence on the outcomes of a national REDD+ Strategy:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence

Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan. Highly Influential Influential Not influential

Communication and Works Department

Revenue Department Police Department

Forest Department Army Local Community

Local Government and RD Media/Journalists

Timber Mafia Tourism Industry

CSOs Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Carbon credits Education and training Strong implementation of forest laws





Rawalakot is a beautiful, populous and green city. 80% of the population consists of the rural community and the literacy rate is approximately 77%, out which, the majority are females. The per capita income is around USD1 512 / year. The female community consultation meeting was held in Pothi Bala, which is located at a distance of about 40 minutes by car. The male community meeting was held in Mujahidabad, which is about 10 km away from Rawalakot city. During the female community meeting it was shared that most people do not possess large land holdings and the plot size they own ranges from 1- 10 kanals. As the cultivation area is very small, they do not need to hire extra help to work it. Some local people also keep cattle and they grow wheat, maize, vegetables and fruit trees. The wheat is not for their household consumption but is used as fodder for their cattle. They store some maize and use its flour during festivities or events. It was also observed that in this area, a majority of the local community uses their land to grow poplar and kikar trees.

The environment is ideal for poplar trees, they grow very fast and the locals cut and sell these full-grown trees to gain financial benefits, which is a good source of income for them. Most people are employed in government jobs in forests, teaching and health sectors and also outside the country. A majority of the women in the local area are working in the health sector as Lady Health Visitors or in the education sector. Contrary to other parts of the country, the joint family system is not common here. Newly married couples either live in separate homes or after a 1-5-year period they leave the joint family system. The local people are obvious tree lovers and one can hardly find a house without trees. The overall green cover of the area is more than 90%, which according to the local community, has increased in comparison to the past 30-40 years. The local community collects fodder and fuelwood from the forest, but they do not receive any income generating products from the forest. People who own their own home but do not have any land are considered poor. In Pothi Bala, 20% of people are poor according to the given criteria. Whereas, in Mujahidabad, there will be about 30%, but 60% are those people who earn to meet their needs.



The local people emphasized that the environment has changed drastically over the years, with evident and abrupt seasonal changes in the area. Snow now falls in February and March, instead of December and January. Seasonal rain patterns have changed entirely. In Pothi Bala, women experience difficulty in collecting firewood and water. Due to unpredictable weather patterns, the community is not sure when to harvest their crop. They often suffer from a shortage of stored fuelwood and food due to prolonged winters.


Local community Due to tree planting at each household level, tree cover has increased

People use the trees as a source of income.

Local community/increasing population

Deforestation Land use changes, forests are cut to build new houses.

“Only one rain changes the weather entirely and we have to take out warm clothes from storage again, it was not like this in the past”



According to the respondents the weather has become extreme. Heat is more severe than in the past and rain patterns have also changed. Now there is noticeably less forest area on private land. General changes from 2000 to 2015


Reasons

Natural Forests

Tendency Reasons

Area Increased Tree plantation on private land

Decreased Legal/ illegal tree cutting.

Quality Decreased Poplar is not a native species. Due to wide level growth it has become dominant. On the other hand, poplar and kikar trees are consuming underground water at a high rate. Depleting water resources.

Decreased Lack of conservation of forest. Lack of pressure groups from society to protect the forest.


Decline Overcrowded poplar trees have limited increase in bio-diversity.

Decline Timber mafia/ corruption. Population increase leads to a rise in the demand of firewood and fodder for cattle.




Community is planting fast growing trees, without consideration of local environment and bio diversity

Rawalakot Financial benefits by selling trees in the market.

Deforestation. Rawalakot and adjacent villages

Land use changes. Conversion of forest into agricultural land or residential land.

Deliberate forest fire by timber mafia

Mujahidabad Lower salaries of guards. Timber mafia makes big cuts in the tree trunks, then these big cut/ holes are set on fire. After some days, these trees die and then mafia claims permission to cut these dried trees.



The community is of the opinion that forests can be better managed if the Forest Department is given more authority to deal with the timber mafia and the police take immediate action to punish these criminals. The community can also play a vital role in monitoring forests for conservation and they can report the incidents of tree cutting and forest fires to the relevant authority. Unfortunately, the local police reach the site of the incident very late or take no legal action against them, thus the community loses interest in pursuing the matter. Question 4 b How can women use forest better?

Women can take part regularly in planting campaigns and can also increase the forest cover. They can sell fruits, weave baskets and other handicrafts for financial benefits. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

The locals were of the opinion that the Forest Department should promote the planting of local fruits and medicinal plants and media coverage should be given in order to increase customers within and outside the country. This strategy could generate a good source of income for the local community. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


According to the local community, there have hardly been any conflicts over forest use within the community or with other community/ government /person. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The conflicts are resolved by filing complaints to the Department. If there is any sort of conflict the whole dispute with evidence is considered and after that, a justified decision is made that is acceptable to both parties. In some cases, community members approach the local police and the matter is resolved through legal actions.



During the field visit to the forest area of Rawalakot, it was observed that District Punch has substantial forest cover. The reason behind this is that the local people are in the habit of continually planting trees, since it is a very common tradition in this area. One can hardly find a piece of land without trees. A new trend of growing tourism is also emerging, which provides a source of income for the local communities. Tourism has been substantially promoted over the last 10 years and every year a great number of families come from different parts of Pakistan to spend summer vacations in Rawalakot and nearby villages. The locals construct their houses keeping in mind that they will give a specific portion of their house to tourists to rent during the peak tourist season. List of Participants from Communities


Khizar Hayat Shopkeeper (General Store)

Muhammad Ishtiaq Running a hotel

Fiyaz Sabir Hardware business

Mufeed Husain Runs a medical store

Muhammad Arshad LPG sale point

Muhammad Irshad Medical store

Muhammad Ishfaq Gas cylinder shop

Muhammad Ashraf Runs a general store

Mahtab Khan Retired

Kabir Ahmad Veterinary supervisor

Muhammad Azmat Runs cosmetics business

Kashif Razzaq Works in health department as medical technician

Sumaira Imran Household lady

Anusha Shezan University student

Arooj Household lady

Yasmin saeed Household lady

Fehmida Wahid Household lady


KILI WALAKARAM ZHOB, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

50 000 16 000 acres

Mandokhel Khosti Sherani Kakar Lowan, Babar Sunn)

10 60% Livestock

Source: Community consultation in Zhob, Balochistan Union Council Dated May 08, 2017


Surveyor’s full name: Mohammad Hassan

Province/Territory: Zhob, Balochistan

Name of Respondent: Ashraf Ali

Position RFO

Organization: Forest Deparment


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Interest Somewhat interested

Strong interest


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Interest Somewhat interested

Strong interest

Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc., according to their

perceived degree of influence on forest and land issues in Pakistan


Forest Department Community N/A

Tribal Elders Religious leaders

Wood/ Timber business owners


Increased planting of trees Construct a dam Proper drainage system Spray



The Forest Department along with community and CSOs should implement the process.


Most people have their own land and grow crops such as wheat, onions and vegetables. Harvesting is not enough to satisfy the community’s food needs. Women are involved in livestock farming. Members of the community rely on forests for the collection of firewood and timber for construction purposes, and they also sell trees to earn an income. People who do not have livestock are considered as poor. According to the community assessment, about 60% of people living in this area are considered as poor as per the above-mentioned criteria. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have

you experienced Deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

The community members stated that there were more trees, but today it is decreasing every day. Excessive deforestation is affecting the weather patterns of the area. The community highlighted the following main driving forces towards deforestation:


Lack of awareness

Deforestation Lack of interest of state.

Deforestation Weather climate changes Lack of awareness in community.


do you notice?

Over the last 20 years, rainfall has collapsed and the weather has become hot and very unpredictable. In the past, the community members never used fans but now they are using them. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?


Deforestation Kili walakaram Unavailability of alternate fuel.



Government and communities should take the initiative by planting new trees in this area. Refining management and taking all the stakeholders on board, while conducting forestry related consultations and implementing forest conservation measures can play a vital role. Question 4b How can women use forest better?

Women should be equipped with alternative energy sources to discourage them from cutting trees for fuelwood.



According to the community, people need to be informed and aware about the negative impacts of deforestation and should be provided with alternative sources of income to discourage the community from cutting trees for sale or other purposes. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they

internal to the community or external with another community/company government/person?

Conflicts occur very rarely. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The most common conflict resolution is tribal jirga system.



Sabir Forester

Muhammad Safiq Mason

Zaiullaq Agriculturist

Taseer Muhammad Former

Dawood Shah Vendor

Safat Khan Surveyor

Dalwar Khan Student

Amir Zaman Student


ZIARAT FOREST DIVISION ZIARAT, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

200 000 277 000 acres

Kakar, Tareen

16 70% Daily wage workers. Farming. Livestock owners.

Source: Community consultation in Ziarat, Balochistan Council Dated May 03, 2017


Surveyor’s full name: Mohammad Tayyab

Province/Territory: Ziarat, Balochistan

Name of Respondent: Jan Mohammad

Position Range Forest Officer

Organization: Forest Department, Ziarat


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence



Provincial Government INGOs CBOs

Tribal Chiefs Forest Department Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

They are not aware about REDD+ and are thus unable to answer this question. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

The Forest Department should lead the implementation process.


Balochistan is a low forest area, and considered to be dry/semi-dry area. However, it has some good small forests such as mangroves, coniferous, etc. About 40% of chilghoza forests are in Balochistan. According to the local community, the inhabitants of Ziarat own land and grow


potatoes, apples, cherries, apricots, tomatoes, peas, vegetables, etc. Due to insufficient water availability, fodder crops are not grown in this region and crop productivity is also being negatively affected. Most people are engaged in agriculture, jobs, and everyday wages. Landowners also hire laborers to work on their fields. Joint family system prevails in this area. Food is available all year round as people migrate to warmer areas in winter. The use of solar tube wells has caused a drop in water levels. The business environment is not so healthy, so unemployment and poverty rates are high. Most of the population is dependent on natural resources. The community depends on the forest to collect timber for construction, fuelwood and use it to make fences. According to the community, people may be considered poor whose incomes are not stable and receive around Rs. 300 per day. About 60%-70% of the population in Ziarat can be considered as poor as defined above.



According to community members, the forest area has declined significantly by about 30%. Juniper forests were scattered over Qalat to Afghanistan, but for centuries, deforestation is now limited to Ziarat. The government also uses juniper trees for construction purposes. Solid waste has also increased, especially sanitation waste, which is responsible for the degradation of the environment. The population has risen rapidly over the last 10 years and also increased the environmental pressure for fuelwood, which has led to excessive cutting of trees. Refugees from Afghanistan also contributed to deforestation, which resulted in wiping out the forests. Lack of proper services such as gas and proper sanitation, together with poor governance, have contributed significantly to environmental degradation. Drivers Changes Reasons

Local community/ Population

Reduction in number of trees

People cut trees for fuelwood for everyday use, for heating in the winter season (as the pressure of gas falls) and for the construction of houses. Only 15% of the population has a gas connection. Demand for fuelwood increases when population increased. Afghan refugees further increase the population’s pressure on natural resources. Clean up of forest land for agricultural use.

Over grazing Reduction in number of trees

Many people are dependent on livestock for their daily income, leaving them grazing on forest land has reduced the number of trees because animals tends to eat new plants.

Challenges in implementing forest laws

Deforestation The community is dependent on forest for firewood.



Drought Deforestation, water scarcity

Climate change.

Lack of government interest in forestry


The Forestry Department has a very low priority in government circles and very low allocations for developmental work.

Lack of respect for forest laws


Civil courts and magistrates do not provide proper support. They spend a lot of time dealing with forest related cases that encourage community members to violate forest laws. The conflict between federal and provincial government doesn’t respect provincial laws.

Question 1b How has climate change affected women?

Women, especially rural women, are affected by climate change because they are responsible for collecting firewood, bringing water, etc. Now they have to go far to pick up firewood and bring water. This further increases their workload. Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences

do you notice?

Strong climate change has been noted by the local community in this area. Snowfall has dropped. In the past, the snowfall was up to 11 feet, but now it has reduced to just a few inches. Temperatures increased. People did not have fans in their homes before, but now they switch on fans during summers as the weather has become hotter over the years. Within a few years, the number of mosquitoes has increased. The spread of various diseases and skin infections is now commonplace. Malaria has spread in this area, which was not the usual in the past. Today drought is a common phenomenon. The water table also drops every day, especially after the introduction of solar tube wells. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?


Lack of staff members to manage large and sensitive forest cover

Ziarat Forest Division

It’s a newly declared district and the government has low priority for forests.

Less well equipped staff All across Ziarat Forest area is huge and it’s hard to protect without vehicles and proper transportation facilities.

Local Community All across Ziarat Lack of awareness of the Juniper Forest, since they cannot distinguish between junipers and other trees. Poverty, extremely cold weather in the winter and a lack of gas facilities encourage people to cut trees for firewood.



According to respondents, the government should provide an alternative forest for collecting firewood, wood for fencing and other wood products. Local tourists lack awareness of environmental issues and thus harm the environment and trees. Most plants that grow in this


area are medicinal plants, but no research has yet been done to harness them as a source of income for the local community. Forest management, tourist services and security needs to be improved. Although forest officials are well trained, they still lack the means to reach other stakeholders. In addition, the management system does not support stakeholder consultation on forest issues.

Question 4b How can women use forest better?

According to the community, women should be provided with fuelwood at home. More women need to be included in forestry. All forest-related meetings at community level are held with male members, while women have no say in forestry decisions and consultations.


It is the government’s responsibility to provide alternative energy sources (gas or solar energy), especially during winters when the temperature drops to -17°C. Gas should be provided at subsidized rates to discourage people from cutting trees for fuelwood. The government may also provide subsidized firewood from other areas to discourage cutting of Juniper trees. Because the forest area is huge, the guards should at least be provided with motorcycles to get to the spot quickly in case of deforestation. Tourists must be made aware of the importance of these forests to prevent them from being damaged.

As juniper forests have been affected by deforestation, seeds and planting bags for planting Juniper trees can be provided to the community. Trees should be planted to raise awareness among the general public. Teachers and students can also be involved in this initiative. Seed sprinkling and other modern methods can be used to increase forest cover.

Civil society networks can influence governmental decisions on forestry, but there is no forest-specific network in this area that could work collectively for the well-being of the community.



Yes, there are conflicts between the community and the Forestry Department, since all forest land falls under a reserved forest category. In most cases, there are conflicts of use or access to forests, especially during the winter. Community members have no alternative but to cut trees for firewood. There are also conflicts in the fields of land, property, and property rights. The land ownership system does not exist, leading to a conflict over communal territories.


Since all forest land falls under the forest category, it is necessary to solve this problem. Leaders of the tribal group also play an important role in solving conflicts.




Sarwar Khan Chairman Union Council, Ziarat

Abdul Ghaffar Councilor, Union Council, Ziarat

Mohammad Hashim Social Activist

Mohammad Hashim Councilor

Mohammad Nasir

Dilbar Khan

Nawaz Khan

Moosa Kaleem

Mohammad Akbar

Abdul Wudood

Malik Abdul Manan

Essa Khan


SIBI, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

103 000 (1998)

60 000 ha

Baloch Pashtoon Barahvi

Around 50 major villages and 600 small villages.

50% don’t have regular monthly income.

Agriculture. Trade. Employment.



Province/Territory: Balochistan Province of Pakistan – Tali – District Sibi

Name of Respondent: Mohammad Saleem

Position DFO

Organization: Balochistan Forest Department


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence Mild influence Strong influence Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc, according to their perceived



Forest Department Irrigation department Other departments of the districts, not related with forests and land.

Revenue Department Livestock department

Agriculture department National and provincial highway authority

District Management Mines and minerals department

Local Politicians Association for Development of Pakistan (CSO)

Firewood contractors CCBs and CSOs

Indigenous and migrant communities



Don’t know about REDD options or REDD+ Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

If it is about forest, then Forest Department should lead its implementation.

17.2 Section B: Open Structure Consultation with Communities

Most of the land of the district is in cotton, wheat and vegetables. Water from the tube well is mainly used for irrigation and drinking purposes. Out of 60,000 acres, 20,000 acres include village and agricultural land. There are about 130 houses in this village, and 100 of these have their own lands. which have tube wells installed. In this area, 35% of the people are landlords, while more than 60% work as mazarey (tenants) on their lands. Here the mazara system works in two different ways. Either i) the production produced from the land that mazaras receives from landlords is divided into two shares, one for the landlord and the other one for the mazara or ii) the landlord provides the capital needed to grow crops while the mazaras provide their services and in return they get 1/3 of the produce and 2/3 is kept by the landlord. The crops grown there are sufficient to meet the dietary requirements within the community. The main source of income for most people is agriculture, while some people have office work and some have their own small shops and businesses. Approximately 30% of the population lives in a joint family system, while 70% live in a nuclear family system. Those who have adopted a better standard of living now live in a nuclear family system. The community collects honey from the forest which they do not sell, but use for household consumption. The forest also serves for livestock grazing. Following the flood in 2010, there was a severe food shortage that affected all households in the area. The flood destroyed all the crops. Food, seeds and fertilizers were provided by various NGOs during that time. The government also provided Rs.60 000 per household in three equal instalments. According to the community, poor people are those who do not own land and are homeless or those who work as hired farm workers (Hari) on other plots. Approximately 20% of the population living in this area is considered poor. They solely rely on agriculture for their income, and therefore reduced rainfalls are a cause for concern for them. The landlords can afford to spend on the use of tube wells and do not have much difficulty. But now the government has started taking Rs. 10 000 from each household, even though they do not provide them with electricity 24-hours per day. The government has also raised electricity tariffs. They used to charge Rs. 4 000, which were affordable at that time, because most of the community members were landlords and used to cultivate their own crops. But now it is hard for them to pay these high electricity charges. The current situation is quite different; people only stay here if they are able to afford tube wells. Otherwise they migrate to nearby areas for jobs or to sell their animals. In addition, temperatures have increased drastically. Due to higher temperatures, local residents moved to nearby areas. Strong electricity shortages further aggravated the situation for community members.

”Before, we used to receive plenty of rainfall during monsoons and we used to cultivate crops on these lands. But now they are all lying barren.’’

In 2010, we experienced a severe flood which destroyed our homes and crops. We faced food and seed shortages during that year.’’



The answers are presented in the following table:


Less rainfall Reduction in cultivated land

Alternate sources of water such as tube wells are expensive.

Less greenery and trees

Climate Change – increased temperatures.

No dams therefore less water for irrigation.

Floods Climate Change Question 2 How has the climate changed in the last 20 years? What key differences

do you notice?

According to the community members, rainfall has fallen over time, but tube wells effectively offset the decrease. Temperatures have increased significantly compared to past trends. Due to the increased temperatures and hot weather, no-one comes out during the afternoon. Mostly people carry out their daily activities in the morning or in the evening. Since there are no dams, water cannot be stored for irrigation to cultivate land and grow trees. Once the government authorities conducted a survey here and promised to make a dam for this region, which would supply 1 100 cusec water to our area and 3 000 cusec to nearby regions. The dam would then help preserve the forests and expand the forests in this area. However, they have not met their promises. Only areas where people have wells are trees grown, while other areas are barren. Now, however, one can see that the government land is all green. They have tube wells installed everywhere to give water to the trees. The population trends have also changed recently. The community relies on these forests for fuelwood but collects damaged wood pieces that are already lying on the ground. According to people living in this area, there is a significant difference in the quality of air and temperature when compared to Sibi city. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?

The community does not face any sort of difficulty in managing forests in their area, as the forests under the Forest Department are taken care of by the government. While the forests owned by the local people are their own responsibility. For this reason, there are no serious forest management problems. Question 4 What are the changes that you would like to see in forest


The overall management of forests is quite good and everyone cares about their forests. The government protects their forests and private forests are taken care of by their owners. For this reason, there are no serious forest management problems. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

Dams should be built so that water can be stored for later use.


Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal to the community or external with another community/company/Government/Person?

There has never been a conflict over forest exploitation in this area. However, thirty years ago a dispute arose between the Bugti tribe, who live on the hills, and our community, which have not yet been resolved. Some animals moved into their fields that caused this dispute. Even today, when animals from the village of Tali inadvertently cross their area, they do not return the animals back to their owners. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

The conflicts are resolved through proper government channels, and government is the only institution to resolve conflicts in this area, although tribal systems also exist in this area. The government has control over this area yet the local Sardar makes most of the important decisions. Because F.C has full control over this whole area hence, the political situation is quite peaceful. Field level observation for surveyors: ask to see a close by site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

The forests that come under the Forest Department are in good condition. No one is allowed to cut or harm them. The Forest Department takes care of these forests. The private forests are taken care of by the forest owners themselves. Additional Information

Tali village is located near a stream which has also been given the name Tali. For irrigation purposes, this Tali stream flows when there is rainfall in the hills. People of Tali village use water from the tube wells as the stream only flows during rainy season. Given that the government is strong in this area, local residents are reluctant to share any information. To obtain information, they must first obtain authorization from the government and should also be present at the time of the interviews. This village has a tribal system. The land next to Tali stream is under the forest department. The forest contains the following trees:

Kandi Pilo Wild Bair Lai Kikar List of Participants from Communities


Muhammad Akbar Landlord

Jame Khan

Habib Khan Landlord

Muhammad Javed Farm worker (Hari)

Abdul Malik Farm worker (Hari)

Muhammad Saleem


QUETTA URAK VALLEY, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

13.1 million 2 306 910 hectares

Baloch Pashtoon Hazara Others

65-70% as per UNDP Report

Employment. Mining. Agriculture. Horticulture.



Province/Territory: Balochistan province of Pakistan – Shanoor, Urak Valley, Quetta

Name of Respondent: Kaleem Ullah

Position Provincial REDD+ Project Coordinator

Organization: Forest Department, Balochistan

Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence Mild influence Strong influence Question 3 List organizations, groups, departments etc. according to their perceived



Provincial Government Survey of Pakistan Fisheries

Revenue Department Forest Department

Mines and Mineral Development Education

Agriculture Department Health

Cantonment Boards and other Army based similar offices

Irrigation Department Other provincial departments

Local Tribes and communities

Communication, works, physical Planning and housing

Firewood traders Livestock and dairy development

Finance

Planning and Development

Law and Parliamentary Affairs

Sui Southern Gas Company



National REDD fund with some provincial administration Conditional budget support can be provided Nested approach with Provincial REDD Strategy and framework. Question 5 Who should lead the implementation of those REDD+ options?

Provincial Forest Department should lead the implementation of REDD+ options.

18.2 Section B: Open Structure Consultation with Communities

About 50 acres of land is under natural habitat. Most people own agricultural land. The main agricultural products grown are apple trees and vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cabbage, aubergine, okra, etc). Apples are sent to Lahore for sale, while vegetables are grown for personal consumption. People give half of their land to rent and cultivate the remaining half themselves, but mostly people themselves cultivate their own lands. Businessmen and rich families hire farmers (mazarey) and they work under supervision of landowners. Harvesting is not sufficient to meet food requirements. According to the community members, about 15%-20% of the people living here are employed in offices, 5% have small shops and 10% are unemployed. The family system is now becoming more of a nuclear family system. All couples and families have a separate home and each of them cooks their own food, even though these homes are surrounded by the same boundary wall. Initially they used to live together but now as families grow, expenditures rise and they cannot manage their combined expenditures, therefore more families are now following a nuclear family system. Wood is used as fuel due to heavy gas load shedding. The community has faced food shortages for the past 12 years, mainly because of the government, which has set up the ration control system. There’s often a shortage of cooking oil and wheat. If in other areas the wheat costs Rs.1 500, then in Urak Valley it costs around Rs.7 000. Food items are becoming more expensive because most of the food items are sent to Afghanistan. In 1984, a flood came in Urak Valley which resulted in severe food shortages. The army had to provide food items. According to the community members, the poor are those who are homeless and unemployed. There are 70%-80% poor people as per the above mentioned definition. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?

Have you experienced Deforestation? Have you experienced environmental degradation? What are the reasons for the changes?

The local community is responsible for cutting the trees as they face excessive load shedding of gas. There are around 4%-5% households that use fuelwood from the forest but the authorities do not take any action because these households collect wood for their own consumption and not for selling purposes. The answers are presented in the following table: Drivers Changes Reasons

Local communities Reduction in number of trees

Excessive tree cutting by local residents for fuel and market sale. Firewood is the energy source used for cooking. There are 4-5 households that depend exclusively on fuelwood. Excessive gas load shedding is occurring in this area, which increases the dependence on fuelwood for cooking and heating purposes.

Climate Change Increased temperatures, floods, drought

Less rainfall and snowfall.



The temperatures have drastically increased and there is much less snowfall and rainfall now. In the past 5-8 years the weather has become hot. Due to increased temperatures, the locals are facing drought because there is scarcity of water and they do not have water even for drinking. Dryness and lack of rainfall led to the spread of various diseases in this area. To support their families, they began to cut trees and sell them to the markets while the children left school to work and earn income for their families. A flood that came in 1984 resulted in severe losses and destroyed homes, trees and electricity infrastructure. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your community/district?

There is no organization in this area for forest management. The community itself protects the forests.



Urak Valley Excessive load shedding of gas and no alternative energy sources.

Cutting trees to sell Urak Valley Source of income. Question 4 What are the changes that you would like to see in forest management/conservation/use in your area? How can the community use forests better?

There should be no deforestation, and forest guards should be provided to look after the trees and their growth. The community can use forests better by collecting medicinal plants and honey from them. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

If the Forest Department forms a forest committee comprised of community and forest guards and make them responsible for its care, these changes can be realised. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal


No conflict has ever occurred over forests. Conflicts occur over crops which are always resolved through a jirga. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

Jirga system is the prominent conflict resolution mechanism. Field level observation for surveyors: ask to see a close by site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

The forests come under the supervision of the Forest Department. Its management system is quite good. The forests only have sanober trees which is one of the most expensive trees.

”We never thought that the temperatures would rise above

32⁰C-35⁰C but this year we have experienced temperatures as high

as 47-49⁰C”.


Additional information

Urak valley is a recreational place near Quetta, where thousands of local and non-local people come for recreational activities. The water of Urak Valley is sweet and is divided into two parts. One is supplied to Quetta area, while the rest is utilized by the locals. Apart from growing fruits the locals also grow vegetables for personal consumption.



Muhammad Tariq Farmer

Murad Khan Employer

Hayatullah Employer

Sadamullah Farmer

Israr Ahmed Karak Support Person


KHYBER AGENCY, FATA


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

About 100 000

500 Acres (total forest area of Khyber Agency 64 461)

Hussan Khel Jana Khel Hasho Khel Jowaki

FR Peshawar is area where 4 tribes are living

80% Daily wages labour. Labour outside the country. Farming. Jobs (Government and private sector).



Province/Territory: Khyber Agency, FATA

Name of Respondent: Ijaz Ahmed


Organization: Forest Deparment (FATA) Source: Community consultation in Khyber Agency, FATA Council Dated May 2, 2017 Question 1 On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your interest in REDD+?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence



Political Agents Revenue Department

KP Govt Wildlife Department

Jirga

Pak Army Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Sustainable forest management by involving community and the Forest Department.


The Forest Department along with separate project staff and community members should lead the implementation process.



According to the local community, 50% of the total land area is under natural habitat. 60% of the total area is agricultural land and 98% area of agricultural land is Barani (doesn’t have any irrigation source). All the farmers are dependent upon rainfall for agricultural products. 2% (100 acres) of land has an irrigation system using tube wells, but not all the farmers can afford to install tube wells for irrigation. The farmers grow vegetables, wheat, maze and some fruit farms also exist in the locality. The major crops of the area are maze and wheat. Due to less rainfall, agricultural products have evolved over the years and are therefore insufficient to meet the needs of local people. Around the year, the people are dependent on markets for food and other necessary items. 45% of family members work as laborers in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia and other foreign countries, 20% are engaged in agriculture, 1% have private or government jobs and, the remainder have their own businesses, work on daily wages, contractors or work in the transport sector. The local community is dependent on forests for fuelwood and women are the ones responsible for fuelwood collection. The community members added that the Jirga sells the forest trees of the Mandi area because Khatak of Nowshera is involved in cutting of forest trees without any permission and payments. And the share of the community is divided among the families of shareholders. The community elders informed that they didn’t face any food insecurity in their area but they do face a lot of issues when they migrate to camps as IDPs during military operations in 2013-2014. The local community defines the poor in their areas as a family having their own homes but do not have regular source of income and have income of less than 500 rupees per day. About 80% of the local families could be considered as poor families according to the above-mentioned criteria. Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years?


According to community members, they have cut forest trees that were located near their villages for daily use such as fuelwood. The community also played a role in environmental degradation by cutting trees for constructing homes. The mining of coal started in FR Peshawar (Khyber agency) in 2008, but only one mine has started its production process until now. The contractors are working on new exploration of coal in the area. Women of the household in this area are responsible for wood collection; hence environmental degradation has a direct impact on women. In this situation wood collection consumes more time and energy of local women. Drivers Changes Reasons

Local Community Deforestation People cut trees for fuelwood for daily use, but from the last 15 years the Jirga has banned the community from cutting green trees even green branches.

Timber Mafia Reduction in number of trees at a high rate

Mafia was involved in cutting of trees at very minor level, but now they are out of control of local people, forest Department and political administration. CM and some ministers are supporting that mafia.

Coal Mining Responsible for polluting the environment that will negatively impact the growth of trees. Changes will be seen in the next 20 years

Extraction and exploration activities of coal.



Severe changes have been noticed by the local community. According to them, before the 2002 season, the winter period lasted about 5 months (November to March), with heavy snowfall. But now the winter is very short, about 2-3 months. The summer season is getting longer every year. The older residents of the village added that 20 years ago they had a lot of springs in their forests, but they are now dry. Rainfall is now unpredictable and affects agricultural productivity in the area, as 98% of agriculture is dependent on rain. General changes from 2000 to 2015

Indicators Planted forests Natural forests

Tendency Reasons Tendency Reasons

Area Sharp Decline

Land use changes Decreased Control of timber mafia, lack of interest by Forest Department.

Quality Decreased Available trees are just to sell and get monetary benefits

Decreased Lack of initiative and proper management.



Decreased Pollution, land degradation, deforestation.


community/district?


Timber mafia and illegal timber business.

FR Peshawar/ the boundary with Nowshera district

High ratio of tree cutting by the timber mafia of Nowshera. Before 2013, the forests were manageable. But after the government of PTI came to power, CM KP and other ministers of district Nowshera are supporting the timber mafia which in resulting the community members, FATA forest department, political agents and administration are not able to control the mafia. Weak control and management of forest department in the area.

Lack of interest in managing forests efficiently by FATA Forest Department

FR Peshawar Staff members of Forest Department do not visit the forest area regularly (According to two members, they haven’t seen any forest staff member in their area for the past 2-3 years).

“We haven’t seen any snow since 2012”



Sale of forest trees FR Peshawar (area or MANDEE forest, boundary of District Nowshera)

The owners of forests sell all the remaining forest for timber because the Khataks of Nowshera are in power and they were cutting the forest without the Forest Department’s or the owners’ permission. The owners are not getting any benefit from forest.

Local Community FR Peshawar/ the boundary with Nowshera district

The people of settled area of Nowshera cut the trees.



Government needs to review their forest policies and show interest in forest management and implementing rule of law for the conservation of forests. The FATA Forestry Department needs to introduce fast growing species and provide the local community with a vast array of plants, to help the community harvest olive trees and to provide the community with the best quality olive bread in the area, as there is a vast area covered in olive trees in the area. Alternative sources of fuelwood and solar tube wells should be provided to the local community. The Jirga system is relatively strong in this area and 15 years ago it was decided not to cut green trees or green tree branches for firewood. If someone is found guilty, then they are fined. Male members from the community should not light fires in the forest while visiting the area. Question 4b How can women use forest better?

Most women living near the forests are illiterate and are not aware of how forests can be utilized in a better way. However, they stated that if forests are grown near their homes then it would be quite easy for them to collect fuelwood without travelling to the long distances.


The most important thing is that the Forest Department should regain control over the forest area, and manage it efficiently, freeing it from the timber mafia. It is the responsibility of the government to facilitate the local community by providing alternate fuel sources (such as gas and solar tube wells for irrigation). According to community members, they are ready to work with the Forest Department, on any terms and conditions.


to the community or external with another community/company/Government/Person?

There hasn’t been any conflict for the past few years and the reason is that the community members have a proper share in forest and forest land. Social issues and familial disputes exist, but according to the community members, in general this area is most peaceful when compared to all other areas of FATA.

Question 7: Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

Jirga is the most important, powerful, reliable and effective forum for local conflict resolution.




Ijaz Ahmad Range Officer

Noor Dad Khan Construction contractor/forest land owner

Iqbal Govt Employ/ Forest land owner

Abd ur Rehman Govt Employ/ Forest land owner

Abd us Samad Govt Employ/ Forest land owner

Khan Azam Contractor/ Forest land owner

Tariq Jouhar Contractor/ Forest land owner

Musharaf Khan Contractor/ Forest land owner


PATTAN FOREST KOHISTAN, KP


Community Profile


Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

About 66 000

65 000 acres

Ujjars Maliks

78 78% Daily labour (work in local area, nearby villages and other big cities of Pakistan). Labour working outside the country. Farming. Poultry business. Jobs (Government and private sector).

Source: Community consultation in Kohistan, KPK Council Dated April 27, 2017



Province/Territory: KPK Province, Kohistan – Pattan

Name of Respondent: Biradar Khan

Position Forester

Organization: Forest Deparment KP Source: Community consultation in Khyber Agency, FATA Council Dated May 2, 2017


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Not interested

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested


Strategy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No Influence

Mild influence

Strong influence




Police Department Education Department NGOs

Wildlife Department Revenue Department

Local religious leaders

Political leaders Question 4 What REDD+ options, in your opinion, should be implemented?

Community participation through Joint Forest Management Committees Alternate use of timber as fuelwood





According to the local community, 95% of the total land area is under natural habitat and the remaining is covered by houses, shops, hotels, roads etc. The people have agricultural land but only 1% of that land is under cultivation. Main crops of the area are maze and wheat. The local harvesting is not enough for the people of this area even for the families of landowners. That's why people are dependent on the food markets and other life needs around the year. 80% of the total population owns forest land which is communal land. Each tribe and family of tribe has a part in that land. But only 38-40% of total families have agricultural land and it’s not enough to meet the requirements of those families. The concept of landlord and tenant exist, but only 5% of landowners are involved in the practice of Kalang for grazing land. 95% of people live in a joint family system.

According to the Forest Department, employed people use firewood for daily use and for heating homes in winters. About 200-300 Cft fuel wood is used by each family in winter. Most of the population lives in valleys and far from main roads, so they are highly dependent on forest wood for construction. For the past 10 years JFMC (Joint Forest Management committee) is functional in this area and if someone needs wood for construction or for any other purpose, they are asked to consult JFMC and it is the responsibility of the JFMC to coordinate with the Forest Department to provide the required wood to needy families. Men and women of the community have the responsibility of collecting wood for fuel. Women are not involved in any livelihood activates directly, but women help the men in taking care of livestock as well as grazing animals in some valleys. After the earthquake of 2005 and floods of 2010, the local community faced food security problems because the road infrastructure was damaged and not restored for a long period. The issue was resolved with the help of some elders who asked the government by conducting a press conference at Abbottabad to resolve the issue of food shortages. After that, the government took steps and the issue was resolved. The local community define the poor in their areas as: the family having their own home, but no agricultural land and do not have regular sources of income. About 75% of the local families could be considered as poor families as per above mentioned criteria.

Question 1 How has the environment around you changed in the last 20 years? Have you experienced Deforestation? What are the effects of environmental degradation on women? What are the reasons for the changes?

According to community members, they used to cut forest trees near their villages for daily use. Private forest owners, tenants, mafia and forest officials are also responsible for deforestation. Floods that occurred in 2002 and 2010 severely affected forest trees. The earthquake of 2005 also damaged the land structure, after that earthquake the ratio of landslides increased in certain parts of the forest range area. The community also played a pertinent role in environmental degradation by cutting trees for construction of homes, poultry farms and agricultural farms. As the forests used to be near the villages, it was easy for women to collect fuelwood. Now they travel longer distances to collect fuelwood. They also used to fetch water from the forests. Their children used to help them in collecting firewood and fetching water.



Local community/ population


People cut trees for fuelwood for daily use, for heating in winter season and in construction of houses. Demand for fuel wood increases when population rises.

Timber mafia Reduction in number of trees

Mafia was highly involved in cutting of trees for a long time before 2014, but now they are under control because they cannot transport timber outside Kohistan.

Earthquake Reduction in number of trees/ landslides

In emergency situations, the local community cut trees for reconstruction of houses/shelters.

Floods Reduction in number of trees/ land sliding

Deforestation.

Mining of chromite At the moment, we do not see any change but it can be predicted that this industry will degrade the environment of the area

3 years ago, the mining industry started in some locations, but it’s a very small industry at this time, and are still in search of more mine and minerals in the district.


do you notice?

Severe changes in climate have been noticed by the local community of this area. There have been changes in snowfall periods. Earlier the season of snowfall used to start from November and remained until March, now it starts in December and goes until mid or end of February and one rarely sees snowfall on the main Karakuram road. The flow of water in streams is falling. Temperatures are rising every year. There used to be frequent rainfalls but now this area receives off season rain and the ratio of floods has also increased, which are harmful for forests, agriculture and local people living in this district. Question 3 What are the problems in relation to forest management in your

community/district?


High ratio of tree cutting by the timber mafia before 2014

Pattan Forest Range

Black market business of timber. Corruption of the Forest Department Weak control of Forest Department in the area. Forest are near roads.

Excessive grazing of animals

Pattan Forest Range

Lack of forest monitoring, control, staff and resources.

Lake of interest of local community

Pattan Forest Range

The local community is not interested in management and conservation of forest. Now from last few years JFMC is active, but the problem is local community don’t have any alternative resources for construction of homes and grazing animals.


Question 4a What are the changes that you would like to see in forest management/conservation/use in your area? How can the community use forests better?

Government needs to review their forest policies and make it user friendly. Government needs to allow the people to cut the trees, which are now over aged, these trees will benefit the local community and the Forest Department too. Land owners should be involved in the policy making process. Give proper rights to the land owner and users of the forest. Question 4b How can women use forest better?

The female community living near forests is 95% illiterate, so they are unable to suggest how to maintain forests and improve their management. But if the forests are near their home, it would be very easy for them to gather firewood and bring water out of the woods. Question 5 How can these changes be realized?

It is the responsibility of the government to facilitate the local community to provide alternate energy sources (gas and electricity for routine and winter seasons especially). According to the community, people are ready to cooperate with the Forest Department if they work for the interests and betterment of local people. Question 6 Has your community had any conflicts over forest use? Were they internal

to the community or external with another community/company/Government/Person?

There has never been any conflict due to forests because the majority of the people have proper rights of wood collection. But social issues exist everywhere in different ways. Question 7 Describe the conflict resolution mechanisms in your community?

Jirga is the most important, powerful, effective and reliable forum for local conflict resolution in Kohistan.

Field level observation for surveyors: ask to see a close by site where the forest is in good or bad condition and understand the reasons.

There are very few forests along the Karakorum and Indus rivers. But community and forest officials said a rich forest exists in the valleys and is widespread. Forests are not accessible by car and must be visited on foot. A huge amount of wood was observed on the road.



Duraj Khan Politician (X Tehsil nazim)/ Contractor

M. Nazir Timber Contractor

Usman Farmer

Jan Muhammad Timber Contractor

Abdul Gani Forest Guard

Ali Hadir Govt Employ

Biradar Khan Forester

Kurshid Farmer/ Driver


CONCLUSIONS – MAJOR FINDINGS FROM COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

20 community consultations were held in all provinces including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and Federally Administered Areas during March – May 2017. All sites were selected by Provincial Focal Persons designated by the REDD office in Islamabad. These consultations focused on the participation of local communities including females, key influential persons, representatives of community organisations and local forest department officials. An individual report along with attendance sheet for each consultation is also available as an Annex to this report. The following findings have been extracted from the main report around the following topics:

1. Environmental changes observed by the communities in the last 20 years 2. Examples of deforestation observed by the communities in the last 20 years 3. Major reasons of environmental degradation 4. Suggested measures for improving the environmental balance 5. Local conflict management system 1. Environmental Changes / Environmental Degradation in the Last 20 Years

Five community consultations reported that the weather patterns have changed. For example, timings of summer and winter rains and snow have changed. One community consultation reported that the timings of snowfall have changed e.g. the snow falls in February and March, rather than in December and January. Two community consultations reported that the snowfall has decreased to 1-2 feet from 7-10 feet in winters and glaciers are melting. Four community consultations reported that the temperatures have increased and summers have become hotter. Eight Community consultations reported that rainfall patterns have changed and have affected the communities. Rainfall is either too much or non -existent, which directly influences the productivity of crops and other livelihoods. One community consultation reported that the changes in the timings of rains have created confusion about the timings of sowing and harvesting of crops. Two community consultations reported that the frequency of floods has increased. Two community consultations reported that landslides have increased and cause forest degradation and land erosion. One community consultation reported that droughts occur more frequently. In general, communities consulted are feeling the impacts of climate change. 2. Deforestation

Fourteen (14) community consultations reported that the forest density has reduced over several decades. For example, the forest used to be close to communities and they could easily access wood and let their animals graze, but now the forests are located in distant areas. Three community consultations reported that the grazing areas and or fodder have reduced. 17 community consultations highlighted the intense need for fuelwood. Seven of them expressed that there is no alternate to fuelwood, hence they are heavily reliant on fuelwood. It was strongly communicated that there is no alternative energy source available, the winter is harsh and need for fuelwood is very high. Three of them reported the shortage of fuelwood in their respective areas. Five community consultations reported that due to shortage of fuelwood, women have to travel long distances to collect the fuelwood. Two community consultations expressed their unaffordability to buy fuelwood from the market, hence they are forced to cut trees through illegal means. One community consultation reported that the houses are not constructed to economise the fuel consumption, hence the community suffers from the wastage of fuel. Three community consultations reported shortage of water for domestic use. Most community members used to get water from nearby forest areas, but the water sources have dried up and communities now bring water from distant locations, sometimes by truck.


3. Reasons for the Environmental Degradation

Population Increase

Three community consultations reported that population increase, especially in forest dependent communities, has intensified the need for wood for multiple purposes including domestic use. For example, the trees are cut to increase the areas for residential purposes and increasing the land area for agriculture. One community consultation reported that the number of refugees from Afghanistan also contributed to deforestation as a lot of forests were cut and used in the construction of homes and for heating. Land use Planning

Two community consultations reported that there is no land use planning for expanding areas for residential or agriculture purposes. Two community consultations reported that a lot of trees are cut for the construction of houses without realising its impact. Lack of Awareness about Implications of Deforestation

Three community consultations reported that the awareness level concerning the implications of deforestation is low, hence people excessively cut trees for their domestic use, such as for fuel and construction of houses. People also cut trees without differentiating between mature trees and small plants. Hence growth of new trees is affected and is a challenge. Commercial Interests, Political Involvement and Mafia

Nine community consultations highlighted that the commercial interests lead to the political involvement and forest area encroachment. Four of them reported mafia and political involvement for illegal cutting, while one of them reported about the leasing of land for excessive cutting. Private Forest Owners

Two community consultations reported that the private forest owners cut trees to generate fuelwood or give their land for grazing in order to get financial benefits from land in the shape of Kalang (rent). Mining

One community consultation reported that the mining industry of coal has caused a lot of damage to forests. Lack of Interest of State

One community consultation reported that the guards and foresters are not given good salary packages, which encourages them to indulge in corruption. Another community consultation reported that since a forest has only two guards, the current resources are insufficient to monitor without any transport. Two community consultations reported general lack of interest of state as the government itself uses juniper trees for construction purposes. They do not plan for the provision of alternate energy sources in cold areas with heavy dependence on fuelwood. Another community consultation reported that the residents do not have rights to use the dead fallen wood from the adjoining areas, therefore there is massive cutting of standing trees. Line of Control

One community consultation from Azad Kashmir reported that the villages located near the Line of Control and Neelum Valley have been mostly affected by deforestation and depletion of forest due to the conflict situation between India and Pakistan. Indiscriminate mortar shells have led to forest fires in Pakistan.


Natural Disasters

Six community consultations reported that either floods or earthquakes or both have damaged the forests. Communities significantly referred to the 2002 and 2010 floods and the 2005 earthquake as one of the major natural causes of degradation of forests. One community consultation reported that in 1980s, a disease caused by insects damaged thousands of trees. 4. Suggested Measures for Improving the Environmental Balance

Land Use Planning

Population increase has created a lot of pressure for the increase in income/livelihoods and areas for residential purposes. It is extremely important to prepare land use plans before issuing any license to anyone for a housing colony or clearing forest for agricultural purposes. Introduce Heat Proof Housing Designs and Construction Methods

A large number of areas of Pakistan fall into cold zones, such as Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Muree and its adjoining areas, which undergo extreme cold weather. It is extremely important to introduce improved and heat-efficient housing standards, so that houses consume less heat energy e.g. introduction of aluminium structures. Provision of Alternate Energy Sources

Communities are heavily dependent on forest wood for cooking and heating purposes. Unless, or until, alternate energy sources such as LPG or low-priced wood are provided, it will be extremely challenging to reduce the forest cutting for domestic purposes. Alternate Livelihood Measures

Commercial interests are also one of the major reasons of deforestation. It is extremely important to provide alternate and compatible livelihood measures to local people to discourage them from cutting the forests for commercial interests. Awareness Raising at All Levels

Awareness raising of common people of all age groups on the following is extremely important:

1 Importance of forests for environmental balance 2 Informal rights of communities on forests 3 Forest boundaries 4 Difference between dead trees, mature trees and growing trees and which can be cut and

which cannot be cut. Awareness raising about the importance of forests for keeping environmental balance is extremely important for all levels including communities, civil society organisations, state and non-state actors. The mass awareness raising through multiple methods such as celebration of environmental days, debate, quiz and article writing competitions would help in creating a public pressure for improving the situation. The awareness raising in schools may develop change agents that become watchdogs for future campaigns. Engagement of media in raising public awareness may help greatly. Private Nurseries

Introduce and encourage private nurseries at the community level and offer incentives for private nursery growers. Offer incentives to Private Forest Owners

A large number of forest areas are owned by private persons. It is extremely important to extend seed and nursery support to them and encourage them to reserve forests. Awards and


recognitions, as well as fiscal incentives, may encourage them to conserve forests on private land. Strict Controls and Accountability

Enforce strict controls and accountability in forest departments to enable them to work independently without any political pressures and influence of the timber mafia. Strict adherence to the laws and policies that gives rights to the people regarding forest use may help.

Increase in Number of Staff and Support in Forest Department

The number of forest guards compared to the forest areas needs to be increased to be able to help them practice effective monitoring functions. It is also important to extend support such as transport to the Forest Department staff to monitor the assigned area on a regular basis. It is also very important to set a market compatible pay structure for Forest Department staff, which discourages them from taking bribes and allow illegal cutting of forests. Engage Politicians

Engage politicians to promote forestry and environmentally friendly measures. Advocate politicians to promote ecotourism and develop local forest areas for tourists and economic development. For example, local politicians if engaged/influenced to get the funds allocated for roads to Shanter pass can be a game changer. Promote Education in Local Areas

Communities located near forest areas are deprived of basic services such as education and health. It is extremely important to develop local areas for the following:

Education of children would help in raising awareness level of local people about importance of forestry and environmental balance;

Provision of quality and accessible health services would help them reduce their health care burden and be economically active for raising livelihoods.

Introduce Water Conservation Techniques

Some communities are suffering from acute shortage of water and it is extremely important to introduce water conservation and management techniques according to the local context such as construction of small dams, conservation of rain water, desalination plants etc. This would not only provide water but also help in improving the greenery, forestry and land rehabilitation. Introduce Soil Conservation Methods

Some areas are highly vulnerable to landslides and soil erosion. To safeguard forests and keep the soil intact, it is extremely important to introduce soil conservation techniques in close consultation with local people. Introduce plant species that help in reducing landslides and soil erosion and have soil binding capacity. Improve Access and Develop Road Communication Infrastructure

Construct good roads between local areas and near-by cities. The construction of good roads, would help local people in finding better livelihoods compared to their dependence on forests for raising livelihoods. Formation and Strengthening of Joint Forest Management Committees

Engage all local people and stakeholders into Joint Forest Management Committees and keep it alive for monitoring and managing the local forests in an accountable and transparent manner. Promote consultations with all genders and all stakeholders to promote ownership and promote a common mission.


5. Conflict Management System

Although community consultations have not reported any serious conflicts, all groups have unanimously highlighted importance of local communal groups (Jirag), local influencers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Local Support Organisations (LSOs) for conflict management and reconciliation.

© INDUFOR: DRAFT CONSULTATIONS PROCESS REPORT (ID 102710) – July 12, 2017

Annex 1

Survey I to Provincial Forest Officers (drivers of deforestation)

Developing the National REDD+ Strategy and its Implementation Framework in Pakistan

Understanding the Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Survey

Province/Territory:

Respondent Name Organization

Question 1: In your Province/Territory, is deforestation an issue?

a. Deforestation is a major issue; b. Deforestation is a minor issue; c. We do not have deforestation; d. No opinion.

Question 2: In your Province/Territory, is forest degradation an issue?

a. Forest degradation is a major issue; b. Forest degradation is a minor issue; c. We do not have forest degradation; d. No opinion.

Question 3: In your view, what is the difference between deforestation and forest degradation?

How can you tell the difference?

Question 4: What are the main actions that result in deforestation in your Province/Territory?

NOTE: Please distinguish between deforestation and forest degradation – Question 5 will ask about forest degradation.

Commercial Agricultural expansion (list commodity): Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion Mining especially surface mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Industrial tree plantation Forest clearing for livestock grazing Forest Clearing for small scale agriculture Forest clearing for habitation Forest Fires (natural or due to negligence)

Response:

Forest Fires (Intentional) Other:

Question 5: What are the main actions that result in forest degradation in your Province/Territory?

NOTE: Please distinguish between deforestation and forest degradation – Question 4addresses deforestation.

Commercial Agricultural expansion (list commodity):_______________________________________________________

Agricultural expansion for subsistence (list main crops) Unsustainable timber extraction Unsustainable fuelwood extraction Urban expansion Mining Infrastructure Development e.g. roads Industrial tree plantation Forest clearing for livestock grazing Other:

Question 6: In your Province/Territory what are the main causes for deforestation and forest degradation?

Illegal logging Wood energy needs Food security Livelihoods dependent on agricultural subsistence Lack of alternate livelihoods in rural areas Poor extension services Poor land use planning/no land use planning No demarcation of boundaries (especially in coniferous forest of Punjab) Unsustainable forest management (i.e. forest management plans not enforced) Poor implementation of laws (poor governance) Other:

Question 7: Are there any provincial/territorial laws or policies that cause deforestation and/or forest degradation? If yes, please list:

Question 8: What are the main challenges in increasing forest cover through forest restoration in your province or territory?

Investment and financing Financing nurseries for cultivating seedlings Securing land for growing trees/forests Urban expansion Planning and management of new forest areas Maintaining areas where recent plantings have occurred Uncontrolled fires

Uncontrolled grazing of restoration sites Other:

Future Realities and Potential Drivers and Causes of Deforestation and Degradation: Tick as appropriate:

Population is growing Large rural population migrating to urban areas High demand for timber High demand for fuelwood High demand for land for large scale commercial agriculture Increase in local meat consumption Increase in demand for biofuels Other:


Annex 2

Survey II Strategic Elements

Developing the National REDD+ Strategy and its Implementation Framework in Pakistan Consultation for setting goals, targets and principles

Your organization is best described as: Government Research/university NGO/Civil Society Donor/Financier Community Private sector Think Tank Media Association Other: _________________ Prioritize your top 5 (1 being most important, 5 being least important) following REDD+ actions: Potential Goal Priority Comment (optional) Reduce emissions from deforestation ONLY Reduce emissions from forest degradation ONLY Reduce emissions from deforestation AND forest degradation Increase area of Sustainable Forest Management Maintain area of Sustainable forest management Regenerate natural forests with native species Enlarge conservation and protected areas Maintain conservation and protected areas Plantations (timber plantations) Plantations (agroforestry) Conserve biodiversity Enhance ecosystem services Conserve mangroves Develop sustainable fuelwood/charcoal production Energy switch from fuelwood to alternative (gas) Enhance watershed area with native species Green highway infrastructure Increase urban forestry Non-carbon benefits Specify which benefit:

Agricultural intensification Specify which commodity:i

Other Action:

The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a global objective (e.g. 1.5-2 degrees Celsius): Yes No Not sure Comment: _______________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ The national REDD+ Strategy of Pakistan should set national goals working towards a national objective (e.g. Vision 2025): Yes No Not sure Comment: _______________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Setting the REDD+ Strategy Targets The national REDD+ Strategy should include a short-term target 2020 for REDD+: Agree Disagree No opinion The national REDD+ Strategy should include a medium-term target: Agree (see below) Disagree No opinion

a. Link with Vision 2025 b. Link with Paris Agreement 2030 c. Other_____ The national REDD+ Strategy should include a long-term target for REDD+: Agree Disagree No opinion

a. Beyond 2030 b. 2030-2040 c. 2040 d. 2050 e. other ______

Comments on targets: e.g. should targets include non-carbon benefits? which ones? Livelihoods? Biodiversity?

Developing the National REDD+ Strategy and its Implementation Framework in Pakistan

Consultation for setting goals, targets and principles Which 5 principles are of high importance to you, for the implementation of REDD+ in Pakistan? (tick up to 5 which are of high importance)

Contributes to global greenhouse gas reductions

Contributes to national greenhouse gas reductions (NDC)

Contributes to national adaptation objectives

Enhances biodiversity

Enhances ecosystem services

Contributes to sustainable rural development

Strengthens forest dependent livelihoods

Improves forest and land governance

Improves social and economic well-being of all

Recognizes and respects the rights of local forest users/communities

Is fair and equitable

Enhances cross sectoral land management

Prioritizes the needs of people

Prioritizes the needs of women

Transparency and accountability

Contributes to, and promotes peace

Protection and safeguard minorities

Strengthens institutions

Contributes and improves the value added for the forest sector

Contributes to national green growth and sustainable development

i

Other recommended principles:


Annex 3

PROFOR Governance Survey Template

FOREST POLICY, INSTITUTIONS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS IN PAKISTAN

1. Forest Policies and Laws 1.1 Existence and Quality of National Policies

1) Does Pakistan have a national Forest Policy or Strategy?

Possible response

a) There is a formal policy or strategy adopted at a high level, for example, by the legislature or head of government.

b) There is a formal policy adopted by the forest agency.

c) There is a well-understood informal policy of forest management or development.

d) There is no official forest policy, formal or informal.

2) Does the forest law include a specific statement that it is the policy or objective of the country to practice sustainable forestry?

Possible responses

a) Yes

b) No

c) Don’t know

3) Do forest development plans and budgets address the main drivers of deforestation and

forest degradation?

Possible responses National Development Plan

Sector Development Plans

National Forest Plan

Forest Management Plans

Addressing the drivers of deforestation and degradation is high priority

Addressing the drivers of deforestation and degradation is same priority

Addressing the drivers of deforestation and degradation is low priority

4) In forest sector policy making and planning, do the ministries in charge take into consideration activities on private forestlands?

Possible responses

a) Planners always consider activities on private forestlands and the resulting plans reflect that consideration.

b) Planners usually consider activities on private forestlands.

c) Planners sometimes consider activities on private forestlands.

d) Planners rarely or never consider activities on private forestlands.

5) Does the country’s national forest policy/strategy recognize the role of the private sector?

Possible responses

a) The country’s forest strategy recognizes the contribution and role of the private sector and explicitly includes mechanisms directed at fostering an appropriate role for the private sector.

b) The country’s forest strategy recognizes the existence of the private sector but it does not give the private sector appropriate weight, and the strategy fails to foster an appropriate role for the private sector.

c) The country’s forest strategy largely ignores the private sector.

6) Do government policies consider non-market values, such as ecosystem services and traditional social uses of the forest?

Possible responses

a) Government policies always consider non-market values of the forest.

b) Government policies mostly consider non-market values of the forest.

c) Government policies sometimes consider non-market values of the forest.

d) Government policies rarely or never consider non-market values of the forest.

7) Does the forest law require the government to inventory the public forests and create

plans for them?

Possible responses

a) The law requires both inventories and long-term management plans.

b) The law requires inventories or plans but not both.

c) The law requires neither inventories nor plans.

8) When the government procures or consumes forest products, does the law require it to verify that these are legally produced?

Possible responses

a) The law requires that all forest products for the government’s own use be legally produced.

b) The law has these requirements for many products, such as timber, but not for all products.

c) The law has these requirements for just a few products.

d) The law does not have these requirements.

9) Where the law grants discretion to government officials, does the law include standards for exercise of that discretion?

Possible responses

a) The law has clear and specific standards governing forest agency decisions.

b) The law has specific standards in some areas and broad standards in others.

c) The law includes only broad, general standards, such as a requirement to act in the public interest.

d) The law grants authority to the government but without standards on the use of that authority.

1.2 Clarity and Coherence of Policies, Laws, and Regulations Governing Forest Use

and Management

10) Are the laws governing use of forest resources consistent and clear?

Possible responses

a) In general, the laws are consistent and clear.

b) Some of the laws are confusing or conflict with each other.

c) Most of the laws are confusing or in conflict.

11) Are land use policies consistent with forest policy goals and priorities?

Possible responses

a) Land use policies are broadly consistent with forest policy goals and priorities.

b) Land use policies sometimes conflict with forest policy goals and priorities.

c) Land use policies frequently conflict with forest policy goals and priorities.

12) Are forest policy goals and priorities supportive of climate change policies?

Possible responses

a) Forest policy goals and priorities are broadly supportive of climate change policies.

b) Forest policy goals and priorities are sometimes supportive of climate change policies.

c) Forest policy goals and priorities do not support climate change policies.

1.3 Implementation Realities of Forest Laws and Policies

13) Are the laws governing forestry simple or cumbersome?

Possible responses Private Public

a) The laws governing forestry are simple and compliance is easy.

b) Some of the laws governing forestry are complex, but overall, compliance is not hard.

c) Many of the laws governing forestry are complex, to the point where they discourage compliance.

14) Do forest policies and laws incorporate adaptive forest management?

Possible responses

a) Forest policies and laws require adaptive forest management.

b) Forest policies and laws are silent on adaptive forest management but they do not prevent it.

c) Forest policies and laws interfere with adaptive forest management.

15) Does forest policy serve the interests of both genders?

Possible responses

a) Forest policy fully serves the interests of both genders.

b) Forest policy is somewhat biased toward one gender.

c) Forest policy is strongly biased toward one gender.

2. Land Tenure, Ownership and User Rights

16) Beyond land and vegetation, is the ownership of other resources tied to the land (e.g., carbon, genetic resources, wildlife, water, minerals) clear?

Possible responses

a) The law clearly determines who has the rights to resources like carbon, genetic materials, wildlife, water, and minerals.

b) The law clearly determines who has the rights to some of these resources.

c) The law is silent on who has the rights to these resources.

17) Does the law recognize traditional and indigenous rights to forest resources?

Possible responses

a) The law generally recognizes traditional and indigenous rights.

b) The law recognizes traditional and indigenous rights in most cases.

c) The law recognizes traditional and indigenous rights in less than half of the cases.

d) The law does not recognize traditional and indigenous rights.

18) Are formal and informal rights in conflict?

Possible responses

a) The law fully harmonizes formal and informal rights to forest resources.

b) The law partially harmonizes formal and informal rights to forest resources.

c) The law is unsuccessful at harmonizing formal and informal rights to forest resources.

19) Does the tenancy act and other laws provide effective means to resolve disputes related to land tenure, ownership, and use rights?

Possible responses

a) In general, the law provides effective means to resolve disputes.

b) The law provides effective means to resolve most disputes.

c) The law provides effective means to resolve some disputes.

d) The law is not effective in resolving disputes.

20) Does the law include ways for local communities to share or obtain management authority over some public forests?

Possible responses

a) The law requires the government to share or transfer management authority to local communities.

b) The law expressly allows the government to share or transfer management authority to local communities.

c) The law is silent on the matter.

3. Cross-Sectoral Dimension of Forest Policy

21) Do national development policies promote sustainability in the forest sector?

Possible responses

a) National development policies fully support sustainability in the forest sector.

b) National development policies are neutral concerning sustainability in the forest sector.

c) National development policies are inconsistent with sustainability in the forest sector.

22) Do the sectors that directly depend on forests and the sectors that directly affect forests

provide for forest- and tree-related activities in their plans and budgets (e.g. NHA, schools, WAPDA etc.)?

Possible responses Agriculture & Livestock

Energy & Mining

Water Transport & Trade

Tourism Others

Forest-related activities are well provided for in the institutions’ plans and budgets.

Forest-related activities are poorly provided for in the institutions’ plans and budgets.

Forest-related activities are not provided for in the institutions’ plans and budgets.

23) Are there mechanisms within the government to address cross-sectoral forest- related policy, planning, or practice issues?

Possible responses

a) There are several official mechanisms, and they cover coordination comprehensively.

b) There are some official mechanisms for cross-sectoral coordination, but they are not comprehensive.

c) There are no official mechanisms, but there is some informal cross-sectoral coordination.

d) There is no cross-sectoral coordination.

4. Institutional Frameworks 4.1 Clarity and Coherence of Policies, Laws, and Regulations Governing Forest Use

and Management

24) To what extent are forest-related mandates of national and sub-national governments clear and mutually supportive?

Possible responses Forestry Agencies

Cross-Sectoral Agencies

a) Forest-related mandates of national agencies are clearly mutually supportive.

b) Forest-related mandates of national agencies sometimes conflict with each other.

c) Forest-related mandates of national agencies significantly conflict with each other.

25) Are the forest agency budgets based on national goals for sustainable forest management and independent of forest revenues, donor funding, and other distorting factors?

Possible responses Agency 1 Agency 2 Agency 3 Agency 4

a) The budgets are entirely based on national goals for sustainable management of forests.

b) The budgets are somewhat biased — toward high-revenue-producing resources, toward donor-funded projects, or other narrow issues — perhaps to the detriment of sustainable management of all resources.

c) The budgets have a strong bias toward high-revenue-producing resources, donor- funded projects, or other narrow issues.

d) The budgets are entirely based on national goals for sustainable management of forests.

26) Do forest agencies have information technology (e.g., computers and appropriate

software, GPS, GIS) appropriate to carrying out their responsibilities?


a) The agencies have good information technology, appropriate to their needs, and qualified staff to use it.

b) The agencies have good information technology, but lack the qualified staff to use all of it well.

c) The agencies have some information technology, but not enough to do their jobs well.

d) The agencies have a serious lack of appropriate information technology or staff trained to use it.

e) The agencies are 50 years behind the times, with no modern information technology or qualified people to use it.

NATIONAL PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING

1. Stakeholder Participation

27) Do laws give stakeholders opportunities for input in the creation of forest policies, public forest management plans, and subsidiary rules?

Possible responses

a) The law gives stakeholders formal opportunities for input in the creation of all of these.

b) The law gives stakeholders formal opportunities for input in the creation of some of these.

c) The law does not give stakeholders opportunities for input in the creation of these.

28) For people who are affected by forest policy, are there any formal mechanisms for them

to influence it?

Possible responses

a) Mechanisms are adequate, used, and respected.

b) Mechanisms are adequate, used, but not widely respected.

c) Mechanisms are adequate but not used.

d) Mechanisms are inadequate.

e) Mechanisms do not exist.

29) For public forests, are consultations with stakeholders carried out and is the feedback used in decision making?

Possible responses Forest Agency 1

Forest Agency 2

Forest Agency 3

Forest Agency 4

a) The stakeholders are regularly consulted about ongoing and proposed actions and the feedback is used in decision making.

b) The stakeholders are often consulted about ongoing and proposed actions and the feedback is often used in decision making.

c) The stakeholders are seldom consulted about ongoing and proposed actions or the feedback is seldom used in decision making.

d) The stakeholders are never consulted about ongoing proposed actions or the feedback is never used in decision making.

30) To what extent is participation in forestry decision-making processes gender sensitive?

Possible responses

a) Women fully participate in forestry decision-making processes.

b) Women sometimes participate in forestry decision-making processes.

c) Women seldom participate in forestry decision-making processes.

31) What is the extent to which government engages with, creates space for, and supports the participation of civil society, indigenous peoples (IPs), and forest-dependent communities in forest-related planning and decision making?

Possible responses Civil Society

IPS Forest-dependent communities

a) Government routinely encourages stakeholder engagement in forest-related planning and decision making.

b) Government sometimes encourages stakeholder engagement in forest-related planning and decision making.

c) Government seldom encourages stakeholder engagement in forest-related planning and decision making.

2. Capacity

32) Does the forest sector have credible, strong, and independent civil society organizations, including monitors and watchdogs?

Possible responses

a) Yes, it has such civil society organizations and they function as effective monitors and watchdogs.

b) There are civil society organizations, but they are not fully effective as monitors and watchdogs.

c) No, there are no credible and independent civil society organizations.

33) Do stakeholders have the capacity to be actively involved in forest management and

planning?

Possible responses IPS CSOs SMEs OTHERS

a) In most cases, stakeholders have the capacity to be effectively involved in forest management and planning.

b) In only a few cases do stakeholders have the capacity to be effectively involved in forest management and planning.

c) Stakeholders do not have enough capacity to be effectively involved in forest management and planning.

34) Have large private sector actors in the forest sector (including banks) adopted and

implemented voluntary environmental and social safeguards?

Possible responses

a) Most have adopted and implemented environmental and social safeguards.

b) Only some have adopted and implemented environmental and social safeguards.

c) Only a few or none have adopted and implemented environmental and social safeguards.

35) Do forest industries (private operators like sawmillers, timber dealers, etc.) have a private

code of conduct, including provisions against participating in corruption?

Possible responses

a) There are private codes of conduct that apply to most companies doing business in the forest sector.

b) There are private codes of conduct that apply to some groups or associations of companies doing business in the forest sector.

c) A few individual companies in the sector have adopted codes of conduct.

d) No companies in the sector have adopted codes of conduct.

36) Does the government encourage corporate entities and businesses operating in the forest sector to comply with recommended international codes of conduct and standards and safeguards?

Possible responses

a) The government provides significant incentives and education to encourage corporate entities and businesses operating in the forest sector to follow recommended international codes of conduct and standards and safeguards.

b) The government provides some incentives and education to encourage corporate entities and businesses operating in the forest sector to follow recommended international codes of conduct and standards and safeguards.

c) The government does not provide incentives and education to encourage corporate entities and businesses operating in the forest sector to follow recommended international codes of conduct and standards and safeguards.

37) Do governments (at all levels) have capacity to engage stakeholders on forest- related decision-making processes and implementation?

Possible responses

a) Governments (at all levels) have adequate capacity to engage stakeholders on forest-related decision-making processes and implementation.

b) Some arms of government lack adequate capacity to engage stakeholders on forest-related decision-making processes and implementation.

c) Most arms of government lack adequate capacity to engage stakeholders on forest-related decision-making processes and implementation.

38) Are there practical and effective avenues for stakeholders to seek review or reconsideration of the decisions of the forest agency?

Possible responses

a) All stakeholders have practical and effective avenues to seek review of the decisions of the forest agency.

b) Some stakeholders have practical and effective avenues to seek review of the decisions of the forest agency.

c) Few or no stakeholders have practical and effective avenues to seek review of the decisions of the forest agency.

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

39) Does the legal framework support public access to information about forestry?

Possible responses

a) The legal framework broadly supports public access to information about forestry.

b) The legal framework supports public access to information about forestry in limited cases.

c) The legal framework is silent about public access to information about forestry.

40) Does the legal framework provide for sanctions in case of failures of agencies to meet their obligations to disclose information?

Possible responses

a) Yes

b) No

41) Do relevant authorities give public notice of proposed forest policies, programs, laws, and projects?

Possible responses

a) The authorities give clear, timely notice of all proposed policies, programs, laws, and projects.

b) The authorities give clear, timely notice of most proposed policies, programs, laws, and projects.

c) The authorities give clear, timely notice of less than half of the proposed policies, programs, laws, and projects.

d) The authorities seldom or never give clear, timely notice of proposed policies, programs, laws, and projects.

42) Are inventory data, management plans, laws, and budgets for government-owned forests

easily accessible to the public in a user-friendly format?

Possible responses

a) All of the above are accessible in a user-friendly format (language, statistics, and maps).

b) Most of the above are accessible in a user-friendly format.

c) Only some of the above data are accessible, or they are in a format that is difficult to use.

d) None of the above are available.

43) Are concession and sale allocation processes transparent and free of corruption?

Possible responses Agency 1 Agency 2 Agency 3

a) Concession and sale allocation processes are transparent and free of corruption.

b) Some concession and sale allocation processes are non-transparent or corrupt.

c) All or almost all concession and sale allocation processes are non-transparent or corrupt.

44) Does the government have a transparent, credible, and comprehensive system of

tracking its revenues and expenditures in the sector?

Possible responses

a) Yes, the government has such as system, and the system works well.

b) Yes, but the system does not always work well.

c) No.

45) Are the external monitors and evaluators of forestry agencies’ activities independent of the people whose activities they monitor?

Possible responses Agency 1 Agency 2 Agency 3

a) External oversight is routinely independent from internal functions.

b) External oversight is not routinely independent.

c) There is no effective external oversight.

46) Are routine performance evaluations carried out for all forest officials?

Possible responses

a) Routine performance evaluations are carried out at all levels.

b) Routine performance evaluations are carried out at most levels.

c) Routine performance evaluations are carried out at some levels.

d) There are no routine performance evaluations.

47) Are forest agency officials held accountable if they fail to perform their duties or fail to act

lawfully?

Possible responses

a) As a matter of routine, forest officials are held accountable for their performance.

b) Sometimes forest officials are held accountable, but it is not a routine practice.

c) There is no real accountability.

48) Do private agencies, corporate entities, businesses, and civil society organizations operating in the forest sector function in an open and transparent manner with adherence to the rule of law?

Possible responses

a) All private agencies, corporate entities, businesses, and civil society organizations function in an open and transparent manner with adherence to the rule of law.

b) Most private agencies, corporate entities, businesses, and civil society organizations function in an open and transparent manner with adherence to the rule of law.

c) Some private agencies, corporate entities, businesses, and civil society organizations function in an open and transparent manner with adherence to the rule of law.

d) Private agencies, corporate entities, businesses, and civil society organizations seldom function in an open and transparent manner with adherence to the rule of law.

49) Is the forest agency free from political interference?


a) The agency is by and large independent of political interference.

b) Political interference affects the agency’s overall budget and direction, but does not influence day-to-day or technical decisions.

c) Political interference occasionally reaches down and affects specific agency activities and decisions, including technical matters.

d) Political interference frequently reaches down and affects agency activities and decisions, including technical matters.

a) The agency is by and large independent of political interference.

50) Do political appointees fill technical posts in the forest agencies?


a) There are no political appointees in the forest agencies, or if there are they fill only policy-making and high managerial posts.

b) Some political appointees fill technical posts that have little connection to policy making or high-level management.

c) Most political appointees are in technical posts that have no connection to policy making or high-level management.

51) Are the media independent and free to publish reports on forests and their management in a format widely accessible to the public?

Possible responses

a) The country has free and independent media, regularly publishing reports on activities in the forest sector, in local languages.

b) The country has free media, but the depth or frequency of coverage of the forest sector is limited and may not be in local languages.

c) There are further limitations: either the media represents limited points of view, or its distribution is limited.

d) There is little or no coverage of the forest sector in the media.

PERFORMANCE CULTURE

1. Quality of Decision Making

52) Are forest agency budgets reviewed and revised on a regular schedule?


a) Budgets are routinely reviewed and revised according to a regular schedule.

b) There is a schedule for reviewing and revising budgets, but the agency does not always follow it.

c) There is no schedule for reviewing or revising budgets; the agency reviews and revises its budgets when it wants.

d) The agency seldom or never revises budgets.

53) Do all public forests have current valid management plans?

Possible responses

a) All public forests have current valid management plans.

b) Most public forests have current valid management plans.

c) Few public forests have current valid management plans.

d) No public forests have current valid management plans.

54) Are there checks and balances that discourage rapid and arbitrary changes in forest laws, policies, and plans?

Possible responses

a) Changes in laws, policies, and plans require systematic reviews, consultations, or other deliberative actions.

b) Changes in laws, policies, and plans can be made any time without any reviews or consultations.

55) Does the government use supply and demand information in making forest-related decisions?

Possible responses

a) The government routinely considers supply and demand information in making forest-related decisions.

b) The government considers supply and demand information in making the decisions most of the time.

c) The government sometimes considers supply and demand information in making these decisions.

d) The government never considers supply and demand information in making these decisions.

56) Does the government’s decision making give consideration to non-marketed goods and

services that are closely related to forest resources, such as ecosystem integrity, water quality, or cultural resources?

Possible responses

a) Government decisions routinely reflect consideration a wide variety of non-marketed resources.

b) Government decisions sometimes reflect consideration of a wide variety of non-market resources, or routinely reflect consideration of a limited range of non-market resources.

c) Government decisions seldom or never reflect consideration of these resources.

57) Are the agency’s mission statement, strategy, or goals widely disseminated to agency

staff at all levels?

Possible responses

a) Yes

b) No

58) Do forest agencies only hire people whose qualifications match advertised job descriptions?


a) The agencies only hire people whose qualifications match advertised job descriptions.

b) Most people’s qualifications match advertised job descriptions, but occasionally the agencies hire under-qualified people.

c) The agencies often hire people whose qualifications do not match advertised job descriptions.

d) It is impossible to say, because most positions do not have advertised job descriptions with required qualifications.

59) Is the salary and benefit package for agency staff adequate to attract and retain competent staff? (deputation policy)


a) Salaries are adequate at all levels.

b) Salaries are adequate for most levels.

c) Salaries are adequate for some levels.

d) Salaries are generally inadequate.

60) Do the agencies’ field foresters have the capacity to oversee the areas assigned to them?


a) All field foresters have the skills and resources to effectively oversee their assigned areas.

b) At least half of the field foresters have the necessary capacity, but not all.

c) Less than half of the field foresters have the necessary capacity.

d) The assigned areas are too large for the foresters to oversee effectively, given the field conditions, skills, and resources available.

61) Is there a system for assessing the impacts and outcomes of public forestry expenditures?

Possible responses

a) There is effective and comprehensive assessment of the impacts and outcomes of government forest programs and expenditures.

b) There is effective assessment of the impacts and outcomes of some government forest programs and expenditures.

c) Assessment is weak.

d) There is no assessment.

62) Do stakeholders perceive the forest agency as being trustworthy and competent?


a) The agency has a high level of respect, and most stakeholders consider it to be highly trustworthy and competent.

b) The agency is respected, and most stakeholders consider it fairly trustworthy

Possible responses Agency 1 Agency 2 Agency 3 Agency 4 and competent.

c) Only some stakeholders see the agency as being trustworthy and competent.

d) No stakeholders outside of the government see the agency as being trustworthy and competent.

63) Does the agency record and report its management activities?


a) The agency creates a reliable, complete, and easy to review record of its management activities.

b) Recordkeeping is reliable, complete, and easy to review in some parts of the country but not in others.

c) The agency keeps records of management activities but these are not necessarily reliable, complete, or easy to review.

d) The agency does not keep records of management activities.

64) Do forest agencies use information technology (e.g., computers and appropriate

software, GPS, GIS) appropriately to carry out their responsibilities?


a) The agencies have good information technology, appropriate to their needs, and qualified staff to use it.

b) The agencies have good information technology, but lack the qualified staff to use all of it well.

c) The agencies have some information technology, but not enough to do their jobs well. They need more or better technology and staff trained to use it.

d) The agencies have a serious lack of appropriate information technology or staff trained to use it.

65) Is the forest inventory and growth information comprehensive (all you need for its application), up-to-date (according to accepted cycles), and used in decision making and planning by the agency?


a) It is comprehensive and up-to-date for all forested areas and is used in planning and decision making.

b) It is comprehensive and up-to-date for most areas and is used in planning and decision making.

c) It is comprehensive and up-to-date for only a few areas or is not used in planning and decision making.

d) No forested area has comprehensive and up-to-date inventory information.

2. Implementation

66) Are the collection, sharing, and redistribution of forest taxes, royalties, charges, and rents effective?


a) The collection, sharing, and redistribution systems are highly effective.

b) The collection, sharing, and redistribution systems are somewhat effective but need improvement.

c) The collection, sharing, and redistribution systems are largely ineffective.

67) Is the government fully implementing the forest laws?

Possible responses

a) The government is fully implementing the laws that affect the forests.

b) The government is implementing most of the laws.

c) The government is implementing less than half of the laws’ provisions.

d) The laws are largely unimplemented.

68) Does the forest agency’s spending follow its published budget?

Possible responses

a) Spending matches the published budget fully in both total amount and division among programs.

Possible responses

b) Spending mostly follows the budget, but there are sometimes shortfalls, or changes in allocations among programs.

c) Spending sometimes follows the budget, but the total amount and program allocations often change.

d) Total spending or allocations among programs do not consistently follow the budget.

69) Do forest agencies implement existing management plans for public forests?


a) All forest management plans are routinely implemented.

b) Most forest management plans are implemented.

c) Only some forest management plans are implemented.

d) No plans are implemented.

3. Forest Law Enforcement

70) Are the sanctions for forest offences large enough and graduated to fit the offense?

Possible responses

a) Sanctions are almost always appropriate.

b) Most sanctions are appropriate.

c) Sanctions are appropriate less than half the time.

d) Sanctions are typically inappropriate or ineffective.

71) Does the government’s forest law enforcement strategy include effective measures for prevention, detection, and suppression of forest crimes?

Possible responses Prevention Detection Suppression

a) The government has an effective strategy to address forest crimes.

b) The government has a strategy to address forest crimes but it should be somewhat stronger.

c) The government has a strategy to address forest crimes but it needs to be much stronger.

d) The government does not have any strategy in place.

72) Are reports of serious forest crimes routinely investigated?

Possible responses

a) In all cases, reports of serious forest crimes are promptly investigated.

Possible responses

b) Most serious crimes are promptly investigated after being reported.

c) Less than half of reported serious crimes are promptly investigated.

d) Forest crimes are seldom or never investigated.

73) Does the government have adequate capacity to address forest-related crimes and illegal activities?

Possible responses Prevention Detection Suppression

a) The government has adequate capacity to address forest crimes.

b) The government has some capacity to address forest crimes but it needs to be somewhat strengthened.

c) The government has limited capacity to address forest crimes and it needs to be significantly strengthened.

d) The government has no real capacity to address forest crimes.

74) Does the government effort against forest crimes cover the whole forest supply chain,

including transport, processing, and trade?

Possible responses

a) There is a strong effort to fight crime in the forest supply chain as a whole.

b) The effort is fragmented: it covers some points outside the forest but not others.

c) The effort focuses on the forest and perhaps also transport out of the forest, but not much else.

d) There is no real effort.

75) Are prosecutors and judges knowledgeable about the effects of forest offenses and supportive of suppression of illegal activities?

Possible responses

a) Judges and prosecutors are generally knowledgeable about the effects of forest offenses.

b) Most judges and prosecutors are knowledgeable about the effects of forest offenses.

c) Some judges and prosecutors are knowledgeable about the effects of forest offenses.

d) Generally judges and prosecutors are not knowledgeable about the effects of forest offenses.

ADMINISTRATION OF LAND TENURE AND PROPERTY RIGHTS

76) Are forest boundaries clearly surveyed and demarcated on the ground?

Possible responses AJK BN FATA

GB ICT KP PB SD

a) Forest boundaries are generally clearly surveyed and demarcated.

b) Forest boundaries are clearly surveyed and demarcated in most places.

c) Forest boundaries are clearly surveyed and demarcated only in some places.

d) Forest boundaries are generally not clearly surveyed and demarcated.

77) Are there serious conflicts between the state and stakeholders that interfere with forest use?

Possible responses

a) Conflicts between the state and stakeholders are not serious and rarely interfere with forest use.

b) Serious conflicts occur and occasionally interfere with forest use.

c) Conflicts frequently interfere with forest use.

d) Conflicts make it impossible for the government to enforce laws and control forest management.

78) Are there serious conflicts between different communities and user groups in the context of forest access and use?

Possible responses

a) There are no serious conflicts between communities or users.

b) There are chronic conflicts, but they do not interfere with forest management or use.

c) Conflicts are making some forests difficult to manage or use.

d) Conflicts are making some forests impossible to manage, and leading to clearly unsustainable uses.

79) Do conflicts over forest resource use and management tend to persist or do they get resolved?

Possible responses

a) Conflicts tend to be resolved quickly and efficiently.

b) The resolution of conflicts is variable: some are resolved efficiently while others persist.

c) Conflicts get resolved (or resolve by themselves) slowly, imperfectly, or at great expense.

d) Conflicts tend to persist indefinitely.

80) Are informal ways of resolving conflicts over forest resources and management widely used?

Possible responses

a) There are informal ways that are socially acceptable and widely used.

b) Informal ways have limited use.

c) Informal ways are not used at all.


Annex 4

Community Consultation Template

1

COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS TEMPLATE

1. Place, time

2. Participants

3. Consultation content

INSERT AGENDA

4. Describe general land use in the community

Local socio-economic situation

Land area Population Ethnic minorities rate

Number of villages

Poverty rate

Main income sources

Properties

Description of natural resources and community dependence. Description of organizations within the community that facilitate natural resource management (includes land, fisheries, livestock) at a very general level (see example at end)

5. Changes related to forest from 2000 to 2015

General changes

Indicator Plantations/land use Natural forest

Tendency Reason Tendency Reason

Area Increase/Decrease/ stable

Increase/Decrease/ stable

Quality Increase/Decrease/ stable





2

6. The extent and issues for forest management and use in the community

Problem (Examples)

Area/Location Reason

Encroachment of cassava and Acacia crops

Illegal exploitation of natural forests

Ownerless Forest

NTFP collection is not well controlled

Management, using efficiency of forest owners IF APPLICABLE (Punjab, AJK) (Not all provinces)

Owner Efficiency

7. Role performed and relationship with community

Adjacent villages

Collaborated forest protection

Employment Interest share

8. Problems in relationship and localities and recommended measures.

Issues Reasons Recommendation

Encroached (example only)

Local communities do not have any benefits

9. Solution for conflicts or disputes

Summarize conflict resolution mechanisms in community

3

10. Participants

No. Full name Position

1

2

3


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Documents

DRAFT MASTER Consultations Process Report · 2019-07-15 · sustainable forest management, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks, particularly through regenerating natural