Environmental Challenges and Responses of Pakistan

Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 AN ERA OF ENVIRONMENTAL UNAWARENESS

The word “environment” was unfamiliar to people of Pakistan even after promulgation of the1983 Environmental Protection Ordinance. Pakistan Environmental Protection Council-an apexbody for setting up environmental policies, met for the first time after 9 years since the Ordinance became effective. Even the rules to operate the 1983 Ordinance could not be formulated in 13 years span till it was replaced with a new act of Parliament in 1997. Environmental institutions atthe federal and provincial levels were too weak to enforce the laws. Environmental awareness was non-existence and whatever efforts exerted made a little change due to low literacy rate. In that way, a decade passed without happening a significant event in the environmental history ofPakistan since the 1983 Ordinance promulgated.

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT

In 1992, heads of many countries signed Agenda 21 on the eve of Earth Summit in Rio de

Janeiro. The Summit was a global commitment to protect environment, and promote sustainable development. That was a time when Pakistan prepared its National Conservation Strategy (NCS), which showed path of sustainable development and determined environmental improvement agenda for the country. At present, the environmental institutions have become custodian of environmental protection and the civil society and media have assumed role of watchdog. The government institutions, NGOs and the media made significant efforts in creating awareness among all sectors of society. The Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development recently carried out a mid term review of the achievements, impacts and prospects of the NCS. An independent team of local and foreign experts conducted this task and concluded that environmental awareness has been raised and institutions have been built. The review team admitted that civil society institutions were strengthened and their influence enhanced.

The most significant achievements in the recent years are incorporation of environmental concerns in government policies and initiation of process of Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) in the development schemes. In the forestry sector, a culture of collective effort has been introduced and every sector of society-the institutions, schools and NGOs now realize that planting of trees is their responsibility. Energy conservation, which has importance in the context of emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants but was not attracting attention in the past,now considered a vital tool for the protection of environment. Fuel efficiency in transport, industry and domestic sector has been taken into Government policies and plans.

1.3 TIME TO TRANSLATE POLICIES INTO ACTIONS

After the NCS and raising environmental awareness in the country, the next challenging task before the Ministry was to translate environmental policies into actions. Different organization within and outside the Ministry implemented environmental projects but that approach was fragmented. After the Mid-Term Review of the NCS, the Ministry developed a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) which focuses on four core areas viz. clean air; clean water;solid waste management; and echo-system management. An integrated approach with involvement of provincial and local government has been adopted to implement the plan.

CHAPTER 2

POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Pakistan’s Environmental Policy is based on participatory approach to achieving objectives of sustainable development through legally, administratively and technically sound institutions.

2.2 NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY

The conservation challenge in Pakistan, as in the most of the developing world, is to developstrategies that will meet the resource needs of the local communities while also protecting and preserving the natural resources and Mother Nature. The National Conservation Strategy of Pakistan was adopted in 1992 after a long and protracted process of consultation with governmental agencies, academia, NGOs, and civil society organizations engaged in the domainof the natural resource conservation, environmental preservation and sustainable development. The National Conservation Strategy of the Government of Pakistan provides a broad frameworkfor addressing environmental concerns in the country. It comprises 14 core areas viz. integratingpopulation and environment programmes, supporting institutions for the common resources, preserving cultural heritage, preventing and abating pollution, conservation of bio-diversity, increasing energy efficiency, restoring range land and improving livestock, maintaining the soil in croplands, increasing irrigation efficiency, protecting watersheds, supporting forestry andplantations and protecting water bodies and sustaining fisheries, developing and deployingrenewable, and Managing urban waste. The NCS identifies a need for concrete action in 14 core programmes areas. Under the aegis of the Cabinet Implementation Committee, the NCS Plan of Action/Programme has been divided into four components viz. strengthening of institutions, creation of supportive framework of regulation and economic incentives, broad based communications campaign of mass awareness and the implementation of projects in NCS core areas. The National Conservation Strategy Unit of Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development serves as the Secretariat for the implementation of the National Conservation Strategy and it’s Plan of Action. Keeping in view the wider range and scope of the activities in the domain of the NCS implementation it was felt substantive that the Cabinet Committee for Implementation of NCS is reviewed and made active. Hence the CabinetCommittee was reconstituted and notified in April 2000.

2.3 MID-TERM REVIEW OF NCS

Given the life of the NCS implementation since 1992, it became imperative to carry out a Mid Term Review (MTR). The process of the MTR was initiated in late 1999 and Mid Term Review (MTR) of the National Conservation Strategy (NCS) was carried out in May-June 2000 by an independent review team comprising local and foreign experts. The MTR report concludes that achievements under the NCS have been primarily awareness raising and institution building and strengthened civil society institutions and their influence. The MTR emphasized on improvement in implementation capacity and need to reinvigorating and refocusing through development of anNCS-2 with more focused approach to serve as Pakistan's Sustainable Development Strategy for 2002-2012 with a greater emphasis on poverty reduction and economic development in addition to environmental sustainability.

In terms of investment, NCS Mid-Term Review indicated that a total investment of Rs. 77billion was realized in 9 years against Rs. 150 billion over a period of 10 years envisaged in theNCS.

2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act was enacted on 6th December 1997 to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of environment, for theprevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development. The Act particularly focuses on implementation of Council’s policies, delegation of powers to government agencies, enforcement of National Environmental Quality Standards, introduction of EIA/IEEreview procedures/system, regulatory regime for hazardous substances/wastes, resourcegeneration through establishment of Provincial Sustainable Development Fund and levy of Pollution Charge and providing appellant forum for environmental cases.

OPERATIONALIZATION OF ACT

Soon after the enactment of new law, Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development set its priorities to operationalize its provisions. The following series of actions weretaken:

Drafting and notifying rules and regulations under section 31 and 33

The following rules and regulations have so far been finalized in consultation with

stakeholders:

i) National Environmental Quality Standards (Self-monitoring and Reporting by Industries) Rules, 2001

ii) Environmental Samples Rules, 2001 iii) Provincial Sustainable Development Fund (Procedure ) Rules, 2001 iv) Provincial Sustainable Development Fund (Utilization) Rules, 2001 v) Pollution Charge for Industry (Calculation and Collection )Rules, 2001

vi) Composition of Offences and Payment of Administrative Penalty Rules 2000 vii) Hazardous Substances Rules, 2000 viii) National Environmental Quality Standards (Environmental Laboratories

Certification) Regulations, 2000 ix) Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA Regulations,

2000)

While the two regulations viz. Environmental Laboratories Certification Regulations and Review of IEE/EIA Regulations are in place, all the other rules are being notified.

Delegation of Powers to Provincial Governments under section 26

Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development had delegated its functions and powers of it and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency under section 26 of the Act to the Provincial Governments. The Provincial Governments have further delegated these powers and functions to Environmental Protection Agencies and also planning to sub-delegate selected powers to the local government.

Establishment of Environmental Tribunals under section 20

The Federal Government has established two Environmental Tribunals-one each in Karachi and Lahore. The Karachi Tribunal has jurisdiction over the Sindh and Balochistan provinces while Lahore Tribunal covers Punjab and NWFP Provinces. It is intended to establish three moreTribunals so as to have independent Tribunal in each province and in the federal capital.

Designation of Environmental Magistrates under section 24

The Federal and Provincial Governments have designated senior civil judges as Environmental Magistrates to take all contraventions punishable in respect of handling of hazardous substances and pollution caused by motor vehicles.

Certification of Environmental Laboratory under section 6(1)(k)

An Environmental Laboratory Certification Regulation 2000 has been notified whereby a network of technically sound laboratories is being established through out the country. The certified laboratories will be authorized to test environmental samples and assist public and private sector to get their levels of emissions tested.

Establishment of Sustainable Development Board/Fund

The Governments of Punjab, NWFP and Balochistan have reported establishment of Sustainable Development Board /Fund under section 9 and 10 of the Act. The Governors of NWFP and Balochistan have approved a grant of Rs. 5.0 million for the Sustainable DevelopmentFund in their respective province.

CHAPTER 3

INSTITUTIONAL SETUP

3.1 THE MINISTRY

The Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development, which was earliernamed as Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Wildlife, was established in 1994. A Federal Minister heads the Ministry while the Secretary holds the administrative charge. AdditionalSecretary is responsible for different sections dealing with environment, forestry, local government and urban affairs. A National Conservation Unit is responsible for coordination ofimplementation of the country’s Conservation Strategy. The Local Government Wing of the Ministry comprises of Local Government and Rural Development sections. The Local Government deals with the matters pertaining to new local government system introduced on 14th August 2001. The Rural Development side deals with the infrastructure development programmesprimarily in rural areas such as Khushhal Pakistan and donor assisted rural access roads projects.

Ministry has a web site http://www.environment.gov.pk which contains useful information about its charter, legislation, programmes, news/events and implementation status of international conventions and protocols.

3.2 PAKISTAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COUNCIL

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) was first constituted in 1984 under section 3 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983 with President of Pakistan asits Chairman. In 1994, an amendment was made in the Ordinance to provide for the PrimeMinister or his nominee to be the head of the Council. The Council was reconstituted after enactment of the new law i.e. Pakistan Environmental Act 1997. Pakistan Environmental Protection Council is an apex statutory body. The Chief Executive is the Chairperson of the Council and the Federal Minister for Environment, Local Government and Rural Development asits Vice Chairperson and Governors of all the provinces are its members besides others. The Council is represented by trade and industry, leading NGOs, educational intuitions,experts, journalists and concerned ministries.

FUNCTIONS OF COUNCIL

The Major functions of the Council include:

· Coordinate and supervise enforcement of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act;

· Approve comprehensive national environmental policies and ensure their implementationwithin framework of a national conservation strategy as may be approved by the Federal Government from time to time;

· Approve the National Environmental Quality Standards;

· Provide guidelines for the protection and conservation of species, habitats and biodiversity in general and for conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources;

· Coordinate integration of the principles and concerns of sustainable development into national development plans and policies; and

· Consider the national environment report and give appropriate directions thereof.

3.3 ATTACHED DEPARTMENTS

PAKISTAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (PAK-EPA)

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency was created with thin staff and meager resourcesunder the 1983 Ordinance. This department is responsible for pollution control. After enactment of 1997 Act, the functions and responsibilities of the department enhanced and this departmentwas strengthened technically and logistically to meet the environmental challenges. Pak-EPA also provide technical support to the Ministry of Environment.

ENERGY CONSERVATION (ENERCON)

ENERCON was created in 1986 to serve all energy conservation activities, including policy formulation. ENERCON soon thereafter began its activities as the Government’s implementingbody for the National Energy Conservation Plan. Under

the plan, ENERCON was charged with a wide range of responsibilities including: (i) formulating energy conservation programmes in all the main energy consuming sectors (ii)planning and initiating energy conservation actions nationwide; (iii) outlining policy guidelines to support energy conservation initiatives; (iv) developing a comprehensive data base on opportunities for energy conservation; (v) supporting training activities on energy conservation applications; (vi) undertaking field research and pilot demonstration activities on specific energy conservation options and technologies; and (vii) monitoring the implementation of conservationprograms by other public and/or private sector entities.

ENERCON has been successful in building up a capability for collecting data, undertakingvarious forms of field research to identify energy saving opportunities and initiating a number of activities (e.g. information dissemination and outreach, training etc.) to raise public awareness. ENERCON has been able to “identify” opportunities that would yield over Rs. 3500 million inenergy savings, and also to implement a series of specific energy conservation measures astargeted technical services to enable end-users in key sectors to realize about one third of thepotential savings. ENERCON’s comprehensive approach to energy conservation-which targets all sectors of the economy- is unique among developing countries: it applies a dynamic combination of strategies, including technical assistance, awareness campaigns and financial incentives. This approach has contributed to the success of ENERCON’s field research and pilot demonstration activities and has made Pakistan’s energy conservation efforts a model for other developingcountries.

PAKISTAN FOREST INSTITUTE

The Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar (PFI) is a national organization mandated for training and research in forestry and allied disciplines, for the conservation and management of naturalrenewable resources in the country. It was established in 1947 and at present is functioning as an attached department to the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development, Islamabad. For these reasons, it has got an international recognition as well as a forestry institution of regional importance. Since its inception, the research activities of PFI remained focused mainly on applied research and development of technology packages for the promotion and scientific management of natural renewable resources. In this regard a major break through has been achieved in dry-zone afforestation techniques, biological rehabilitation of degraded lands, rehabilitation of waterlogged and saline areas to increase their productivity and combatdesertification.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE (NCCW)

This organization was established in July 1974 and is working under the guidance of Inspector General of Forests formulate appropriate policies for the conservation of wildlife,coordinate implementation of the policies by the Provinces and liaison with International Agenciesand non-Government Societies for conservation of wildlife. NCCW tried to fulfill its functions efficiently, during the last one and half year. The department gets policy guidelines from theCouncil headed by the Minister with representation of civil society and provincial wildlifedepartment. NCCW coordinates the efforts of Provincial Wildlife Departments for wildlife conservation. In addition, it also fulfills the obligations of conventions and protocols to which Government of Pakistan is a signatory.

ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT

Zoological Survey Department was established in 1948 and is now functioning as an attacheddepartment of the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development with the objectives to obtain information on distribution and population dynamics of faunal species; set upand maintain standard zoological collections for reference; set up Zoological Museum for reference in provinces with emphasis on the fauna of the region; undertake research on the ecology, biology, physiology and biochemistry of important marine animals; advise thegovernment on all zoological matters including conservation, management, export and import ofwildlife; and impart wildlife education and create public awareness about wildlife conservation.

A.H. NATIONAL CENTRE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPALADMINISTRATION

Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development and Municipal Administration (AHK NCRD & MA) was established as a federal training and research institution in the year 1979. It was declared as an attached department of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in 1988 and was re-named as Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development & Municipal Administration (AHK NCRD & MA) in the year 2000 in recognition

of invaluable services rendered by Late Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan for the cause of community development, strengthening of civil society and socio-economic empowerment of the poor and marginalized people living in informal settlements in Pakistan. The main functions of thisInstitution is training and research in the field of Local Government, Rural Development, and allied disciplines i.e. Training Courses; Conferences, Seminars and Workshops; Research; Liaison with International Agencies and Organizations; Policy Support to the Ministry; Collaboration with Provincial Local Govt.& Rural Development Academies.

CHAPTER 4

STATE OF ENVIRONMENT

4.1 BASIC FACTS

Pakistan is basically an agricultural country with a population of 138 million, 65% of whichlives in the rural areas. Literacy rate is approximately 30%. Access of rural population to safedrinking water is 48% while only 23% rural population has sanitation facilities. Agriculture, thelargest economic sector, contributes 25% to GDP. Out of a reported area of 59.32 million hectares, only 21.92 million hectares is cultivated while 24.62 million hectares is not available for cultivation due to one or the other reasons. Excessive use of fertilizer, pesticides and aerial spray leads to serious environmental and health problems for rural community and wildlife. Development schemes like construction of roads, electrification, setting up of industry and sometimes mega projects like construction of dams and oil and gas exploration not only cause environmental degradation but also uproot rural community

According to a study conducted by Brandon of World Bank in 1992-1993 and later updatedby Mathew in 1997, the environmental cost to Pakistan economy in six sectors was estimated asUS $ 1.8 billion. The cost to economy in terms of urban air pollution was estimated US $ 369 million per year. This cost was associated with expenditures on health, economic and productionloss due to absentees in factories, offices and schools.

AIR POLLUTION

Pollution control/abatement is one of the core areas of the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS) approved by the Government. One of the emerging environmental issues is gradation of ambient air quality particularly in urban areas. Various surveys show that air pollution levels in cities have either crossed safe limits or have reached the threshold values. The most serious issue of air quality in Pakistan is the presence of excessive suspended particulate matters (SPM) present in the ambient air. The major sources of SPM are vehicles, industry, burning of solid waste, brick kilns and natural dust.

Pakistan is an arid country with rainfall ranging as low as 80 mm in the south to as high as 1600 mm in the north. Moreover, the wind speed, which is essential for flushing of pollution, is

also low in our cities. In the dry and low wind days, natural dust and anthrapogenic pollution, when generated in access, takes longer time to disperse off. Over the last few years averagerainfall has declined in many parts of the country. The levels of suspended particulate matters and other pollutants, which have active co-relation with meteorological conditions, are likely to increase if the dry air condition prevails.

Recently, Pakistan EPA with the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) carried out ambient air quality study in three major cities namely Lahore; Rawalpindi; and Islamabad to assess pollution levels in traffic-congested areas. The study revealed that the average suspended particulate matters in our cities were 6.4 times higher than WHO Guidelines and 3.8 times higher than Japanese standards. The levels of Sulphur Dioxide, Oxides of Nitrogen and Carbon Monoxide were found in excess of acceptable standards in some areas but the averagelevels were found below WHO guidelines. Presence of such a high levels of suspended particulate matters in the air is certainly a matter of concern due to its serious health implications for public.

INCREASING TRAFFIC TRENDS

In Pakistan, the number of vehicles have jumped from 0.8 million to about 4.0 million within 20 years showing an overall increase of more than 400%. The average compound growth of vehicles is about 11 percent per annum. Since 1980, the maximum growth has been seen in 2-stroke vehicles i.e delivery vans which is 1751%, followed by Motor cycles 541% and Rickshaws 159%. According to a World Bank study carried out in Bangladesh and India, the major cause of suspended particulate matters was due to 2- stroke vehicles using straight mineral oil (instead of 2T oil) as lubricant and use of excessive quantity oflubricant (12%) instead of 2% for motor cycles and 3% for three wheelers.

Diesel trucks and buses have also increased at an alarming rate of 200-300% since 1980.Diesel vehicles due to overloading, faulty injection nozzles and weak engine emit excessive graphitic carbon (visible smoke). This situation is very common in our country. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which is a device used in many countries to control emission in diesel vehicles, cannot be used in Pakistan as it requires low sulphur diesel i.e 0.05-0.5% sulphur (available diesel in market contains 1% sulphur).

USE OF LEADED PETROL

Another serious issue is that of high content of lead in petrol, which presently is 0.35gram/liter. Different studies carried out by Pakistan Medical and Dental Association and Agha Khan Medical Hospital have confirmed presence of high concentration of blood lead levels in school children, traffic police and adults. Road side air samples also showed high lead in air.Many countries of the region including Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Philippines, Thailand and almost all Europeans countries have banned lead in gasoline.

WATER POLLUTION

Per capita water availability in Pakistan has been decreasing at an alarming rate. In 1951 percapita availability was 53,000 cubic meter which has now decreased to 12000 cubic meter just touching water scarcity level of 1000 cubic meter (World Bank study). The existing water resources are under threat due to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastes to riverand other surface water reservoirs. Municipal water is treated only in two cities viz. Karachi and Islamabad though the capacity of these treatment plants is much less than the actual quantum ofwastewater. The effluent of other cities mostly dumped into the rivers having high BOD(Biological Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemicals Oxygen Demand). A recent study conducted by Pak-EPA indicated BOD of river Ravi as high as 300 mg/l as compared to acceptable limit of 9 mg/l.

Our industry imports chemicals worth Rs 4,500 million and dyes/colors worth Rs. 5,000 million every year. About 525 types of chemicals are being imported in the country for use in different processing industries. Import data of 1997-98 indicates that industry imported 3,000 tonnes of formic acid (a carcinogenic chemical), 2,052 tonnes phenols, 4,200 tonnes isocyanides,31 tonnes mercury, 22,817 tonnes inks/dyes, 234 tonnes Arsenic, 1,615 tonnes chromium salt and so on. Local production of chemicals is limited to only a few categories viz. Soda ash, sulphuricacid, caustic soda, chlorine, fertilizers, pesticides, paint/varnishes and polishes and creams. All these chemicals are entering into the environment every year. Their processing generates wastesand pose potential risk to public health.

A recent survey of 150 industrial units in five potentially toxic groups completed by EPAs in the three provinces, reported extreme deviation from the levels prescribed in the NationalEnvironmental Quality Standards. Another survey carried out by Federal Environmental Protection Agency showed that tanneries located in Kasure and Sialkot are discharging effluent with chrome concentration ranging between 182-222 mg/litre against standards of 1 mg/litre and Chemical Oxygen demand ranging between 5002-7320 mg/litre against limit of 150 mg/litre prescribed in the NEQS. A chromium salt producing unit near Rawalpindi isreportedly discharging chromium rich effluent in a water stream causing severe implications forresidents of the adjacent areas. In such case, we have to differentiate between NEQS violation and environmental crime.

LAND POLLUTION

Pakistan generates 47,920 tonnes of solid wastes per day (urban waste: 19,190 tonnes rural: 28,730 tonnes). About 3,600 tonnes of chemical fertilizer is annually produced in the country while 18,000 tonnes of pesticides are imported each year. Collection efficiency of solid wastes isabout 54% in the urban centers. A total of 9856 industries surveyed showed that they weregenerating 21,175 tonnes of waste. These included chemicals, fertilizers, tanneries and textileunits. Since none of the city in Pakistan has proper waste collection and disposal system formunicipal or hazardous waste, land in urban areas is getting polluted. Excessive use of pesticides has adversely affected biomass of agriculture land. According to NCS report 96% land has low biomass

DEFORESTATION

According to Forestry Sector Master Plan (GoP), forests, scrub and trees on farmlands cover 4.2 million hectares or 4.8% of the country. The deforestation rate has been estimated as 0.2-0.5% per annum-the world’s second highest rate of deforestation. Two recent studies revealed thatPakistan’s woody biomass is declining at a rate of 4-6% per year. The mangrove forests of Indus delta show a similarly dramatic decline. The principal cause of deforestation is the consumption of fuel wood and timber.

. HIGH ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Prosperity of a nation is function of its energy self-dependence. We on the other hand, areheavily dependent on imported oil and spend around 3 billion US dollars on oil importation. Coupled with this, our energy use in characterized by high degree of waste and inefficiency as we have one of the highest energy intensity ratios in the world. The spiraling energy costs continue to dampen the entire gamut of economic activity. This trend needs to be controlled if the country is to achieve the desirable GDP growth levels.

Energy Conservation offers an opportunity that presents a workable solution to the aboveproblems. It is cost-effective alternate to conventional energy supply options; it has short gestation periods; it results in substantial foreign exchange savings and it provides a strong news sustainabledevelopment. Energy Conservation also offers a means to ensure equitable access to energy to all sections of population and thereby provides a basic element of the effort to combat poverty.

Energy Conservation has been given the name of “Fifth Fuel”. Energy Conservation is anintelligent and judicious use of energy without sacrificing productivity, quality and comfort.

URBANIZATION

The urbanization rate (4.5% per annum) is quite alarming and leading to expansion of citiesand towns. The NCS envisaged that if the current trends were not reversed, our cities will be predominant urban in the second decade of the 21st Century.

LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

The ecological trend of greatest concern in the country is the continuing loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats. This is affecting with out exception forests, rangelands, and freshwater and marine ecosystem. Of equal concern is the decline in many native species of animals and plants. Some species are already extinct, many are internationally threatened, and more still are of national concern. The degradation of agro-ecosystems and the accelerating loss ofdomestic genetic diversity are areas that need to be looked into (Biodiversity Action Plan of Pakistan 2000).

There are six fundamental causes of loss of biodiversity:

· The unsustainably high rate of human population growth and consumption

· Economic systems that fail to value the environment and its resources

· Inequity in the ownership, management and flow of benefits from both use

and conservation of biological resources;

· Deficiencies in knowledge and its application;

· Legal and institutional systems that promote unsustainable exploitation; and

· The steadily narrowing spectrum of traded products from agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

VANISHING WILDLIFE

The wildlife experts are of the view that at least four mammal species are known to have extinct from Pakistan within the last 400 years. These include tiger, swamp deer, lion and Indian one-horned rhinoceros. In the recent decade, cheetah and hungul have also extinct. Blackbuck and Asiatic wild ass are believed to be threatened with extinction in Pakistan.

IMPLICATION OF TRADE -ENVIRONMENT LINKAGE

With the movement of trade liberalization, WTO established trade linkages with environment. International standards like ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 are recognized as quality criteria for products and environmental performance. International market demands environment-friendly products but Pakistani export industry is not tuned to meet this challenge and seek incentives from the government to comply with the environmental standards. Government and industrial associations are striving to create awareness among entrepreneurs and promoting adoption of ISO standards. On the other hand, industrial sector in Pakistan has serious problem of capital investment due to recession. There is no line of credit available for adoption of ISO standards or procurement of anti-pollution technology.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Average global temperature has been rising for more than a century, either as a result ofnatural fluctuation or from the build-up of greenhouse gases. Climate change is likely to reducebiodiversity, and the goods and services that ecosystem supply to Pakistan by:

· Increasing desertification in arid and semi-arid areas;

· Increasing seawater intrusion of the Indus delta with a consequent

reduction in mangrove cover, and a loss of sandy beaches;

· Increasing summer flooding in monsoon-affected areas;

· The retreat of glaciers and an upwards shift in ecological zones in the

Himalaya-Hindu Kush-Karakorum ranges;

· The desiccation and die-back of forests;

· Reduced agricultural production; and

· Changes in marine fisheries.

DROUGHT

Pakistan is one of the countries affected by the drought conditions prevailing in certain parts of south and central Asia. An estimated number of 42 million people have been affected and the extent of damage has been estimated at over one billion dollars. Worst hit are the 32 districts of the country, which rely on seasonal rains for crop irrigation. The wheat crop in these districts has been damaged by 70 percent and millions of domestic and farm animals have died. Effects of water scarcity in Sindh have not only threatened crop yields, they have even resulted in loweringthe supply of drinking water to urban areas including Karachi. Similarly in the case of theBalochistan province, in many cities, including its capital, Quetta, water table has receded by up to3 m adversely affecting the discharge of bore-wells supplying drinking water to these cities.

INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT

In Pakistan, a number of laws give and protected the proprietary rights, and the rights to access to and use of natural resources. Laws have also been promulgated at different occasions fordifferent purposes including urban and rural development, and for establishment of authorities forimplementation of these development programmes that include acquisition of private propertiesfor the development of these programmes.

The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (LLA) has been the most commonly used law for acquisition of land and other properties for development projects. Although it lays down detailed procedures for the acquisition of private properties for public purposes and their compensation, the LAA or any other law of the land, however, does not cover resettlement and rehabilitation of persons in a manner perceived today.

CHAPTER 5RESPONSES

5.1 LANDMARK POLICY DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL

The Council has held nine meetings since it's inception and took decisions of national importance to protect and conserve country’s environment. The Council approved the National Environmental Quality Standards, set its rules and made advances in dealing with a variety of critical national environmental issues, such as deforestation, industrial andvehicular pollution and hazardous/ hospital land wastes. The council succeeded in incorporating

environmental concerns in governmental policies and plans. In the ninth meeting held under thechairmanship of Gen. Pervez Musharraf, President/Chief Executive of Pakistan approveda National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) with the aim to improve environmental conditionsin the country with special emphasis on providing clean air; clean water; solid waste management; and eco-system management. The Councils directives are reproduced below:

(i) Environmental protection should be treated as a movement by active participation ofGovernment, civil society and private sector. Education, training and mass awareness would besupported to create required public pressure for greening of industry and its products. Government agencies should set examples by selective interventions with high demonstrative value.

(ii) All government policies in different sectors of economy like power, trade, fisheries, agriculture, education shall be made sensitive to environmental consideration. Environmental protection will be an integral part of these policies before these are considered and approved by the Government

(iii) All future development projects having potential adverse effect on environment shall be subjected to Environmental Impact Assessment, review and approval procedures. For this purpose, capacity of all environmental regulatory agencies shall be strengthened. All projects in the privatesector presented for investment to the banks and national development financial institutions shall be subjected to environmental screening and review.

(iv) An Environmental Fund shall be established at the Federal level to support and financedecisions and directives of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council to give requiredleverage to the implementation and follow-up of the Council decision. The Federal Government will provide seed money for its establishment.

(v) Forest cover in the country may be gradually increased to attain a reasonable level of these resources for ecological, water and other socio-economic development needs.

(vi) Proper management of National Parks should be emphasized and a phased programme for bringing additional areas under National Parks may be prepared.

(vii) A pilot programme for clean-up of selected Lakes and Rivers, Cities and Towns, and Villages may be initiated and financed with the active participation of the Provincial Governmentsand involvement of civic agencies, NGOs private sector.

(viii) Ministry of Information and Media Development shall allocate more time forenvironmental awareness. In this regard, support of the private and corporate sector shall also beencouraged.

(ix) A national award shall be instituted for outstanding accomplishments in the field of environment.

5.2 INVESTMENT IN NCS IMPLEMENTATION

Pakistan’s NCS envisaged an investment of Rs. 150 billion over the ten years period. The Mid-term review of the NCS revealed that the actual investment of Rs. 77 billion was realized in 14 core areas over 9 years period. The detail is given below:

INVESTMENTIN NCS CORE AREAS (SECTOR WISE)

Rs. in million

NCS Core Area Total Allocation

Utilization % Utilized

Core Area1 - Maintaining soil in croplands 20887.156

6956.678 33%

Core Area 2 –Increasing Irrigation Efficiency 23304.919

21387.436 92%

Core area 3 – Protecting Watersheds 1231.668

1141.051 93%

Core area 4 – Supporting Forestry and Plantation 7387.087

6272.356 85%

Core area 5 – Restoring Rangelands and ImprovingLivestock 2699.588

2024.588 75%

Core area 6 – Protecting Water Bodies and SustainingFisheries 3550.123

3087.100 87%

Core area 7 – Conserving Biodiversity 996.420

951.982 96%

Core area 8 – Increasing Energy Efficiency 2542.892

2279.959 90%

Core area 9 – Developing and Deploying Renewables 741.284

648.738 88%

Core area 10 – Preventing and Abating Pollution1 428.610

985.206 69%

Core area 11 – Managing Urban Wastes 870.367

450.145 52%

Core area 12 – Supporting Institutions for Common Resources 6751.385

6187.719 92%

Core area 13 – Integrating Population and Environment Programme 3495.563

3466.248 99%

Core area 14 – Preserving Cultural Heritage 941.103

758.008 81%

INVESTMENT IN NCS CORE AREAS (PROVINCE WISE)

Total Allocation Utilization % Utilized

FederalLevel 941.103758.088 81%

Punjab 15744.293

14570.909 93%

Sindh 6581.443

5827.073 89%

NWFP 10407.475

8884.334 85%

Balochistan 6755.4804615.208 68%

NorthernAreas 434.953 419.005 96%

AJK 5940.498

5009.544 84%

The above tables show that maximum investment has been made in the agriculture and forestry sector. Punjab has made the highest investment in the NCS core areas followed by NWFP,Sindh, AJK, Balochistan, Federal government and Northern areas.

5.3 EIA/IEE OF DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES INITIATED

Introducing EIA culture in a country like Pakistan was a difficult and challenging taskparticularly when the environmental institutions were weak and awareness level was low. It isquite encouraging that now the EIA process has begun in the country in an organized manner afternotification of EIA Regulations 2000 and availability of IEE/EIA reports and review Guidelines (developed through a long consultative process). The Federal and Provincial EPAs have developed their capacity to review and issue environmental clearances. The review process iscarried out through public participation. Further capacity of EPAs being enhanced through on the job training.

The EIA process has further augmented after the Chief Executive’s directive to financial institutions on restriction of loan without environmental clearance from concerned institution. Media role on highlighting projects without EIA is a motive force.

Pak-EPA has developed the following sector specific EIA guidelines to facilitate project proponents:

· Major thermal power stations · Major roads

· Major chemical and manufacturing plants · Oil and gas exploration and production

· New township development · Water supply projects

· Industrial estates · Municipal waste disposal

· Sewerage schemes

5.4 DEVELOPMENT OF RESETTLEMENT POLICY

So far there was no specific policy for resettlement and rehabilitation of person and

community whose properties are acquired for development purposes. Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development has formulated a draft policy on involuntary resettlement to safe guard livelihoods of non-titled community living in the project area. The policy is supported by detailed technical guidelines for Planning and Implementation of

Resettlement. Based on the draft policy a resettlement of affected person ordinance has also been worked out which will supplement the existing Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The draft policy and the ordinance are in the consultative process with the provincial governments and other stakeholders.

5.5 INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION CONTROL

STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONALENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS

Bringing industrial pollution levels of existing industry to the limits specified in the NationalEnvironmental Quality Standards (NEQS) is one of the priority areas of the Council and theMinistry. After the establishment of NEQS, initial response of industrial sector to pollutioncontrol was discouraging perhaps due to unawareness, non-availability of indigenous technology and lack of resources Changing minds-set and convincing industrial community of the harmful effects of emission was a difficult task. A two pronged approach is being adopted to effectivelyimplement the NEQS viz. introduction of self-monitoring and reporting system coupled with development of Environmental Improvement Plans (EIPs); The second approach is to enforce the NEQS through issuance of Environmental Protection Orders under section 16 of the Act. The former is a “common sense approach” whereby the industry will voluntarily provide their levels ofpollution to EPAs on regular basis and meantime develop their EIPs as part of future planning. The later is a “command and control approach” for those industries neither willing to join self-monitoring programme nor desirous to improve their environmental conditions.

On the advise of the Council, the Ministry of Environment opened dialogue with the industry. Consequently, the industry which was initially reluctant to adopt environmental measures soon realized that pollution control is not a luxury but essential for the market economy and public health. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other industrial associations took initiative and created environmental cells within their organizations. FPCCI, with the assistance of Dutch funding, initiated Environment Technology Programme for Industry (ETPI) at a cost of Rs. 260 million. This was perhaps the first break through which instigatedindustrial units to make investment in the environmental improvement. Industry claims that an investment of Rs. 2700 million has been realized during the last four years and they planned further improvement of Rs.1740 million in the near future. Despite these achievements, extra efforts are still required to promote green productivity and adoption of ISO 14000. The linkages are being strengthened between trade and environment to promote manufacture of environment-friendly products for competing international export market.

LEVY OF POLLUTION CHARGE

After several meetings with trade and industry and the provincial governments consensus wasbuilt on the mechanism of calculation, collection and deposition of Pollution Charge. The pollution charge will be deposited in Sustainable Development Fund. The Government of Punjab and NWFP has officially communicated their consent to the proposed mechanism while thegovernment of Sindh and Balochistan have not taken action despite reminders.

ESTABLISHMENT OF SAMPLING PROCEDURES AND ANALYTICALMETHODS FOR TESTING

The Council constituted a technical sub-committee to propose sampling and analytical methods. Later on these methods were made part of the self-monitoring and reporting package. The industry is following these methods for testing their effluent. Pak-EPA has been directed to review and update these methods from time to time.

IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTALSTANDARDS COMMITTEE

After expiry of the NEQS grace period granted to the industry, the industry representatives requested deferment of implementation of the NEQS for some years to enable industry to prepare and take corrective actions. They also pointed out stringency of the standards and suggested theiramendment. The Government did not agree to defer implementation of the NEQS, however, a high level committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Shamsh Kasim Lakha was constituted to determine the modalities for enforcement of the National Environmental Quality Standards. The Committee was also mandated to review the standards and propose amendments, if and where deemed necessary. The Committee was represented by, Trade and Industry, NGOs, Environmental Experts and government institutions. This Committee came up with a set of recommendations that included amendment in the NEQS; certification of laboratories; introducing self-monitoring and reporting system; levy of Pollution Charge in accordance with agreed formula; and awarding incentives to industry

The Council accepted recommendations of the Committee. The Ministry of Environment in consultation with stakeholders revised the National Environmental Quality Standards and notifiedEnvironmental Laboratories Certification Regulations, 2000. A Pilot phase of self-monitoring and reporting system was initiated for 50 industrial units at the federal level and was completed successfully in March 2001. Now a full-scale implementation is to be undertaken by the provincial EPAs. The Federal Government also offered incentives to industry in terms of reduction of custom duty on import of anti-pollution equipment. The Pollution Charge formula was consented by theCouncil while the mechanism for its collection and deposition was negotiated with the industry representatives who agreed to follow mechanism on the line of Export Development Fund (EDF). Following EDF mechanism the Pollution Charge collected, will first be deposited in the provincialtreasury and then the provincial governments will provide grant equivalent to the deposited amount in the Provincial Sustainable Development Fund to be established by each province underthe Environmental Protection Act 1997).

INVESTMENT BY INDUSTRY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT

The industry claims that a sizeable investment has been made in the industrial sector since the NEQS were established.

It has been estimated that at present about Rs. 800 million per annum is the size of

environmental investments in the industry sector of Pakistan. . It is assumed that growth rate of

environmental investments will be in the range of 5-8% per annum and with this growth rate, the environmental investments in the country by year 2010 will be in the range of 1.3-1.7 billion perannum (The Environmental Market of Pakistan by Azher Uddin Khan, November, 2000). It is expected that the international market pressure, enforcement efforts by the federal and provincialEPAs, and better macro-economic and governance conditions, the environmental investments will further enhance.

LEGAL ACTION AGAINST POLLUTERS

For the first time, EPAs have started issuing Environmental Protection Orders to pollutersunder section 16 of the Act aw. It has been reported that EPA, Punjab has served 143 EPOs; EPA Balochistan 89 and Federal EPA 3 EPOs to polluting industry while EPA Sindh issued several show cause notices but due to compliance by the industry they did not served EPOs. On public complaints, a few industrial units, which were causing excessive pollution, were even closed down or served with warning notices. Government had established two environmental Protection Tribunals-one in Karachi and other in Lahore to decide environmental cases and appeals against the orders of EPAs. Three more Tribunals will be set up in different cities.

CONSTITUTION OF NEQS IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development had constituted a NEQS Implementation Committee headed by Dr. Pervez Hassan and comprising representatives of trade and industry, NGOs and other stakeholders. The Committee will supervise Self-monitoring and Reporting Programme for the industry and advise the Ministry on ways and means to effectively implement the NEQS in the country.

STRENGTHENING OF EPAs

The Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development took variousinitiatives and policy decision to support environmental institutions to effectively implement theAct. The Ministry initiated Environment Protection and Resource Conservation Project funded by the World Bank to strengthen Federal and provincial EPAs by providing them with additional staff,operating budget, equipment, and technical assistance.

ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEANER PRODUCTION CENTER

One cleaner production center for petroleum sector is already functioning with the assistance of UNIDO and other for leather industry in the public sector will start soon in Sialkot. These CPs will promote adoption of ISO 14000 and help improve environmental performance of the industry. Combined waste treatment plant for Kasur tanneries is in the final stage of completion whilesimilar arrangements are being planned in Sialkot and Karachi.

IMPROVING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

Realizing the issue of degradation of air quality the Government has taken various steps forits improvement to protect public from excessive exposure to pollution. Some significant measures taken in the recent years are:

· Establishment of motor vehicle emission standards and review of strengthening of Motor Vehicle Examination system in the country.

· Implementing lead and sulphur phase out programmes for providing clean fuels.

· Due to incentive regime offered by the Government, about 150,000 petrol vehicles have sofar been converted to CNG and a number of new CNG stations have set up in the country. Efforts are also being made to convert diesel vehicles to CNG

· Setting up of 15 tune up stations for petrol and diesel vehicles and establishing a revolvingloan of US $ 3 million to encourage installation of additional tune up stations in the private sector.

· Constitution of Environmental Squads of traffic police at federal and provincial levels.

· Implementing of industrial emission standards.

INTRODUCTION OF CLEAN AND ALTERNATE FUELS

Government’s clean fuel programme is under implementation to reduce air pollution causedby vehicular emission. Initially, it was planned to introduce unleaded gasoline in year 2005 but the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources is now planning to review the programme schedule so that unleaded gasoline and low sulphur diesel could be made available in the market in nearfuture. As part of the clean air programme, 200,000 cars have been switched over to CNG. Rickshaws (three wheelers) have also been successfully converted to CNG with the assistance of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Although this has been done on experimental basis but at the same time efforts are being made to promote use of CNG in Rickshaws through motivation and some incentive schemes. ENERCON has setup tune up stations in different locations and now a line of credit is being established to encourage privatesector to set up tune up stations for vehicles.

DISBANDING PRESSURE HORNS

After the Cabinet decision on banning of pressure horns, campaign was launched at the federal and provincial levels. Thousands of pressure horns were removed from vehicles while negotiations with pressure horn manufacturers have been initiated to discourage manufacturing of multi-stage pressure horns. Noise standards are also being formulated for the first time in Pakistan.

INVESTIGATION OF BONE DEFORMITY DISEASE IN KALANAWALA

News clippings attracted attention of the Ministry of Environment towards Kalanwala bone deformation disease among children. Preliminary investigations by local authorities could not uncover the root cause. Now, under the Federal Minister’s directive, a thorough investigation is

being undertaken with the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A team of local and Japanese experts (environmentalists and doctors) will be formed who will investigate the issue both from pollution and epidemiological aspects.

5.6 ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT

ENERCON is also implementing the first ever UNDP/GEF funded $ 7.00 Million “Fuel Efficiency in the Road Transport Project”. The project aims to reduce at source emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutants by improving fuel efficiency of road transport vehicles in Pakistan. It will provide benefits at various levels. The vehicle owners will benefitfrom fuel savings and lower fuel bills. The workshop owners will benefit form the increased business in vehicle maintenance. The country will benefit from reduced fuel imports. The global environmental benefits will be in the form of reduced GHG emissions.

To date ten (10) demonstration tune-up centers in various major cities of the country have been established, wherein more than 18,000 vehicles have been tuned. Thirty-six (36) training workshops (of 3-weeks duration each) were held in all major cities of the country, wherein 800 mechanics were trained in the operation of instrumented tune up equipment. Twenty (20)workshop (of 2-days duration each) were held in major cities, wherein 443 workshop owners were trained in the establishment and operation of instrumented tune-up centers. Twenty-three (23)scopes of work for special studies were identified and developed in close collaboration with the stakeholders/professionals, of which eighteen (18) are being conducted through private sectorconsulting firms. In addition to extensive media campaign, the project has celebrated World Environment Days, Earth days, etc. by conducting free tune-up camps throughout the country in association with key stakeholders, such as, EPAs/EPDs, Serena Environmental Society Quetta, Association of Road Users of Pakistan, WWF, Islamabad Traffic Police Environment Squad and private sector (primarily oil distribution companies, vehicle manufacturers and private sector workshops). The project also prepared a gender strategy and is practically encouraged mainstreaming of women in the sector.

5.7 GENDER STRATEGY

NCS Unit is also preparing a Gender Strategy for the Ministry given our national as well as international commitments in the light of the National Plan of Action on Women Advancement. In this regard a one day workshop on Gender and Environment was held on April, 2000. The NCS Unit has prepared a draft on Gender Strategy for MOELG&RD and consultative regarding the draft gender strategy has been completed. A working Committee for the gender strategy has beennotified and has been entrusted to redraft the gender strategy in the light of the comments on the first draft received from various wings/attached departments of MOELG&RD as well as the PEPpartners. It is hoped that in few months a 2nd draft of the gender strategy will be in hand to besubmitted to the competent authority.

5.8 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NGOS

Involvement of NGOs in the implementation process of the National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is one of the key elements. Accordingly, Ministry of Environment, LG&RD has beenproviding financial assistance, to Non-Government Organizations, since 1991-92,to support them to work as partners with Government for the implementation of Small Environment Related Development Projects in the 14 core areas of the NCS (National Conservation Strategy).

NGO Fund Management Committee under the Federal Minister had held various meetings and approved 76 projects of 76 NGOs against the budget allocations for the year 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. NGO are implementing the Projects in close coordination with the concerned provincial Governments.

5.9 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Given the mandate of NCS, a mass environmental awareness programme has been startedwith Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) since October 1999. This involves broadcasting of the environmental awareness spots on Radio Pakistan, FM 101 and FM 100 for the purpose ofcreating mass awareness about the natural resource management and halting the environmental degradation. The NCS Unit intends to launch radio spots in four regional languages also. The NCS Unit has printed a handbook on the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy which has beenprovided free of cost to various governmental/non-governmental organizations, schools, and Pakistani Missions abroad for information.

5.10 FORESTRY PROGRAMME

NATIONAL FOREST POLICY OF PAKISTAN, 2001

Pakistan inherited the comprehensive 1894 forest policy, developed for the IndianSubcontinent at a time when there were abundant forests and low human and livestockpopulations. This was superseded by the policy statement of 1955 with subsequent revisions occurring in 1962, 1975, 1980 and 1991.According to the Forestry Sector Master Plan 1992, the wooded area of Pakistan at that time was about 3.584 million ha. However, the rate of naturalresource depletion has reached alarming levels during the last three decades, with added pressures from socio-economic, political and institutional forces.

Significant efforts have been made for increasing forest cover at an average annual rate of about 33,000 ha. During 1950s, 26,000 ha. In 1998-99 and 11,800 ha. In 1999-2000. Through aggressive forest extension programmes, interest in farmland planting estimating to about 225,000 ha. Of compact forest plantations has been advocated thus bringing the forests to the forefront ofnational consciousness.

Nevertheless, the need for an overarching National Forest Policy of Pakistan has remained forproviding the guiding framework for sustainable forest management practices as well as widerparticipation of all stakeholders. The current draft National Forest Policy of Pakistan 2001,highlights the need to conserve and develop the renewable natural resources, such as forests andbiodiversity of Pakistan. This draft policy seeks to initiate a process for eliminating the

fundamental causes of the depletion of renewable natural resource through participation of all the concerned agencies and stakeholders, to enable the sustainable development of the resources in the form of an umbrella policy which guides the Provincial and District level policy processes.

The goal of the draft National Forest Policy is to foster the sustainable development of forestsgrazing-lands and biodiversity of Pakistan, for the maintenance and rehabilitation of its environment and the enhancement of the sustainable livelihoods of its rural masses, especially women and children. This goal is aspired through key elements of the draft policy:-

Ø Reducing the impact of socio-economic causes;

Ø Reducing political interference in the Forestry and other environmental Departments;

Ø Renovating and invigorating the institutions responsible for management of renewablenatural resources; and

Ø Preparing and implementing policies for fragile ecosystems.

It is in these various key elements that the specific policy guidelines are suggested for all stakeholders for implementation and further action planning.

In order to deliberate on the contents of the draft National Forest Policy and consult with allstakeholders, a Consultative Workshop was organized on 9-10 July, 2001 by the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with IUCN-The World Conservation Union, Pakistan. The new forest Policy 2001 will be finalized within next 2-3 months and submitted to Federal Cabinet for approval.

REGULATING COMMERCIAL HARVEST OF FORESTS

Pakistan has a meager forest cover of 4.22 million ha. (4.8% of 88 million ha.). About 80% of these forests are dispersed in the northern upland watersheds of Pakistan including AJK andN.As. These forests are burdened with multiplying rights of timber, firewood and grazing etc. Forests and trees in watersheds play a significant role to conserve soil and water to enhance life span of Tarbela and Mangla Dams for sustained supply of irrigation water and hydropower generation.

With very limited forest cover in Pakistan, the task of sustainable forest management fulfilling the multiple and conflicting needs including ecological protection of highland watershed areas, commercial timber demands and subsistence requirements of local forest communities, demands high level policy commitment coupled with sound and elaborate planning framework, implementation mechanisms and effective monitoring and evaluation systems. These strategic objectives require the following pre-requisites:

i. Development of a sustainable forest planning and management framework taking into consideration the diverse demands on the existing forest resources; and

ii. Participation of communities in forest protection, management and development with aview to creating their stake in the forest management system.

FORESTRY SECTOR MASTER PLAN (FSMP)

The Government of Pakistan prepared this long term Plan for the development of forestry sector over a period of 25 years from 1993-2018. The Plan reviewed in detail the state ofPakistan's forestry and suggested a number of approaches, policies, strategies and programmes to meet wood demand, improve environment and promote social and economic well-being of rural communities. It also identified the social, economic and physical causes of forest depletion in the country, and proposed five areas of development programmes, namely; Soil Conservation andWatershed Management, Forest Management, Wood Production and Industrial Development, Ecosystem and Biodiversity and Provincial and Federal Institutional Strengthening. Theprogrammes were presented as investment profiles, giving objectives, scope, strategies, costs and benefits.

The FSMP, highlighting the forestry issues at national and provincial levels, stipulates investment of Rs.48 billion during the next 25 years with resultant increase in forestry resource from the existing 5% to 10%. Based on the recommendations of this plan, World Bank preparedan investment programme of $ 25 million for forestry development in Punjab. Similarly, the Asian Development Bank prepared an investment programme of $ 42 million for forest sectordevelopment in NWFP with $ 1.5 million as Federal component for monitoring and updating theFSMP.

Strengthening of the Forestry Wing at Federal Level for Sustained Monitoring ofImplementation of the Forestry Sector Master Plan” This project is under implementation since 1998 at a cost of Rs:48.36 million with FEC Rs:39.06 million provided by the Asian Development Bank. The objectives of the project are as under:

1. Design a system for coordinating investment activities, identification and preparation offorestry projects for donor and domestic funding within the framework of the FSMP.2. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various programmes in forestry sector and institutionalize thesystem countrywide.3. Review and refine the FMSP priorities and strategies by undertaking special studies of national importance in research, education/extension, policy, land tenurial systems, forest management, marketing of forest products and codification of legal instruments.4.Develop a forestry database and update the FSMP.

To accomplish the above objectives following activities have been envisaged for refinement of Forestry Sector Master Plan:

1. Establishment of Forestry Database 2. 2. Conduct of Applied Research Studies

3. Recruitment of three Local Consultants for Database Management, Forest Management & carry out economic analysis for future planning of the sector.

4. Countrywide monitoring and evaluation of forestry sector master plan programmes being implemented / accomplished.

5. Policy and institutional reforms.

FORESTS MANAGEMENT

Recently, the Government reviewed forest management and set the following guidelines toensure sustainable forest management, rapid afforestation and enforcement of forest laws:

i. Long-term forest working plans should be prepared in consultation with the local communities and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Federal Government from time to time. The Federal Government in consultation with the Provincial Forest Departments will review the implementation of the working plans periodically. The Federal Forestry Board (FFB) will be activated for this purpose as well as to monitor changes in Forest Cover and to formulateand review Forest Policy, institutional arrangements, etc;

ii. Commercial felling of trees from any forest area without a sustainable working plan should not be carried out;

iii. The depleted forest areas should be protected and a programme of afforestation bedeveloped;

iv. Forest harvest shall only be carried out when funds to regenerate the cut-over area are assured. Reforestation of cut over areas shall be carried out immediately after the completion of felling operations along with strict enforcement of protection measures;

v. Reserved forests of conifer types are not burdened with rights of the communities. Harvestof trees from these natural forests should be restricted to hygienic felling only through Joint Forest Management Committees where such committees exist. Rights of easement in such forests may be maintained;

vi. Timber of dead, dry and wind fallen trees should be immediately salvaged. In AJK, about 12 million cft of timber is lying in forests logged by Azad Kashmir Logging and Saw MillingCorporation (AKLASC). No commercial felling of forests in AJK may be undertaken till the timber is salvaged;

vii. In Northern Areas, movement and disposal of timber will be rationalized in consultationwith the office of I.G. Forests to avoid illicit cutting of forests;

viii. Where private ownership rights in forests are 60% or more, protection/management mechanisms may be left to the communities under legal cover, which will be based on workingplans. Management cost of such forests should be borne by the communities out of income fromtimber sales. Forest Departments will continue to assist the village communities in preparation of

sustainable working plans and to monitor the activities regarding protection and management of their forests;

ix. A system of forest check posts should be strengthened with the assistance of civil administration and Civil Armed Forces to monitor the movement of timber within the province. For inter-provincial movement of wood, office of IGF will regulate in consultation with Provincial Forest Departments including N.As and AJK;

x. The forest offenders may be strictly dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Forest Laws. To deal with forest offence cases, schedule of compensation and fines will be revised/rationalized; and

xi. A system of Monitoring and Evaluation of Forest Management may be established to monitor change in forest cover in consultation with Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development and Provincial Forest Departments.

xii. All Government Departments, NGOs, Educational Institutions, Local Communities and Forest owners be involved in afforestation activities so as to increase the forest cover in the country.

xiii. Institutional strengthening of Forest Department through necessary reforms focusing ontransparency, effective enforcement of laws, community participation and strict action againstcorrupt elements.

xiv. Progress on implementation of the above decisions will be reviewed by the Federal Cabinet after one year.

The Forestry Wing is monitoring implementation of the decision of the Federal Cabinet.

PROGRESS OF TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGNS

Pakistan has a meager forest cover of 4.22 million ha. In order to enhance tree cover in the country, tree planting campaigns are launched at the national level during Spring and Monsoon seasons. During tree planting campaigns all the Government Departments, private organizationsand NGOs are involved in planting activities.

The achievements made since 1999 are summarized as under:

(Plants in Million)

Years Spring Monsoon Total

1999 110.050 61.860 171.910

2000 94.561 55.263 149.824

2001 83.039 In Progress

TOTAL 1490.182 882.139 2,289.282

Since October 1999, 232.863 million saplings have been planted and a target of 59 millionhas been fixed for current monsoon season.

FEDERAL FORESTRY BOARD (FFB)

The Central Forestry Board, which was constituted in 1954 to provide a platform for the

improvement of Forest Policy remained dormant for most of the time. This board has been re-constituted and named as “Federal Forestry Board (FFB)”. The first meeting of the board was held in April 2001 to discuss various issues related to the Forestry Sector. The board comprisesrepresentatives from the Provincial Forest Departments including AJK and Northern Areas, NGOs, Progressive Farmers and other stakeholders. The purpose of the board is to develop policies and strategies related to the Forestry Sector and also monitor the activities of the Provincial Forest Departments including the forest cover changes, data taking place at the national level.

5.11 WILDLIFE PROTECTION

NCCW like the main Ministry i.e. Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development under the its Minister tried to fulfill its functions efficiently, during the last one and half year. Since the Department gets the policy guidelines from the Council headed by the Minister, it was necessary to hold meetings of NCCW more frequently to get advice and report theprogress on regular basis. During this period, two meetings of the Council i.e. in July 2000. March 2001 and 7th August, 2001 were held. NCCW decided the issue of exemptions in the proposed ban on hunting. The quota for trophy hunting of Markhor, Urial and Ibex was decided. It was also decided to ban the menace of bear baiting.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council took considered decision to declare thefollowing national symbols:

National Tree Deodar

National animal-Flare Horned Markhor

National bird Chukar (Chakor)

National Flower Jasmine

TROPHY HUNTING

In 1983 the Wildlife Wing of the NWFP’s Forest Department began the Chitral Conservation Hunting Programme, a trophy hunting programme for Markhor. This was not strictly a

community-based conservation program because all proceeds went to the government. The programme lasted for 8 years until the GoP banned the export of trophies along with all big game hunting throughout Pakistan.

In July 2000, NCCW recommended that Community-based Trophy Hunting Programme(CTHPs) be exempted from the hunting ban. In August 2000, the Federal Cabinet officially banned big game hunting, except for exemptions recommended by NCCW for CTHPs. This banapplies to all big game species and provides a role to NCCW for regulating harvest of both CITES and non-CITES species such as ibex, blue sheep and urial.

The longest running CTHP in Pakistan is the Torghar Conservation Project (TCP) on tribal lands in the Torghar range of northwest Balochistan. The late Nawab Taimur Shah Jogezai initiated this project and Sardar Naseer Tareen in response to concerns about the status of Afghan Urial and Suleiman Markhor population in the Torghar Hills. With technical input from US wildlife biologist, TCP initiated a conservation programme to stop poaching. Using revenue fromthe sale of a small number of trophy hunts local people were hired as wildlife guards. TCP was formalized as a registered NGO – the Society for Torghar Environmental Protection (STEP). In the first 10 years, STEP generated about US $ 460,000 from hunts for 14 Markhor and 20 Urial.

Two senior conservation NGOs are major proponents of CTHPs in Pakistan. Pakistan was the second to develop the CTHPs beginning in the Barr Valley in Northern Areas. Asiatic or Himalayan ibex have been the focus of WWF’s CTHPs. IUCN-Pakistan’ s involvement in trophy hunting also began and it implemented a Pre-investment Feasibility (PRIF) project- Maintaining Biodiversity in Pakistan with Rural Community Development.

PROTECTED AREAS/ NATIONAL PARKS MANAGEMENT

NCCW have encouraged the Provincial Wildlife Departments for better management of protected areas particularly national parks of the country. After a consultative process, following national parks have been short listed for their management at global standards:-

1．Lal Sohanra National Park (Punjab).

2. Kirthar National Park (Sindh).

3. Khunjerab National Park (Northern Areas).

4. Chiltan Hazarganji National Park (Balochistan).

5. Margallah Hills National Park (ICT).

6. Chitral Gol National Park (NWFP).

Provincial Wildlife Departments are also being encouraged to bring more areas under the protected areas network.

NCCW in collaboration with Provincial Governments got control of bear baiting practice,which was causing a bad name for the country. The effective advocacy and control measures have reduced the bear baiting events in the country, which has been acknowledge by World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA).

CHAPTER 6

IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS/PROTOCOLS

Pakistan is signatory to various international conventions and protocols. Different projects areunder implementation and various activities are underway to discourage use of ozone depletingsubstances, protection of biodiversity, promoting use of renewable energy, energy conservation in road transport sector, enhancing forestry cover etc.

6.1 WORLD SUBMIT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (WSSD)

The World Summit on Sustainable Development ( also known as Rio+10), will be a summit gathering from 2-11 September 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, of world governments, concerned citizens, United Nations agencies, multilateral financial institutions and other majoractors to assess global change since the historic United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), of 1992. In Johannesburg, the world will take a critical look back at UNCED, and aim to arrive at a comprehensive, frank and useful review of the past ten years. The 55th General Assembly session decided in December 2000 that the CSD would serve as the central organizing body for the upcoming 2002 World Summit

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) will aim to assess what has been accomplished since UNCED – the progress and way ahead. The preparations for Rio+10 are underway at three distinct levels:

(i) International level – series of meetings of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and holding Thematic Global Roundtables;

(ii) Regional level – developing regional assessment report, holding dialogues, sharingexperience and establishing a regional platform; and

(iii) National level – preparing review and assessment reports, raising awareness and mobilizing stakeholders.

The Government of Pakistan (GoP) is also gearing up to participate in the WSSD in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CSD. The GoP has notified a Pakistan National Steering Committee for WSSD with representatives from government, private sector, civil society and UN organizations. At an operational level, a WSSD Executive Committee is also established

to oversee the preparations process. Following activities are planned for the Pakistan’sPreparation for WSSD.

-Preparation of Country Assessment Report

- 101 Ways to Sustainable Development

-Children’s Agenda 21 Poster Competition

- Media mobilization

To undertake the planned activities as per national preparations guidelines of CSD Secretariat, a WSSD Cell will shortly be established within the Ministry of Environment, the Celll will coordinate and carryout activities planned for development of Pakistan’s National Assessment Report for WSSD.

The South Asia Preparatory Meeting was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 27-28 September2001. Pakistan also participated in the meeting.

6.2 PAKISTAN NATIONAL COMMUNICATION TO UNFCCC

Pakistan signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 and ratified it in 1994. the ratification of the Convention triggered a series of activities in Pakistan regarding climate change issues. These included the Asia Least-cost Greenhouse Gas Abatement Strategy (ALGAS) project completed in 1998, which was the first comprehensivenational project on climate change and that covered both quantification of emissions and the setting out of a long-term emissions reduction programme as well as the Country Case Study onClimate Change Impacts and Adaptation Assessments in Pakistan which was also completed in 1998 and which assessed the impact of Climate Change on four major sectors of economy, i.e. agriculture, forestry, water resources, and meteorology.

All parties to the Convention are required to prepare a National Communication to theUNFCCC, which contains an inventory of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), and also indicates policiesand measures which the government will take to adapt to or mitigate the adverse impacts of Climate Change. In response to the Convention’s requirement of submission of a National Communication, the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development (MELG&RD), constituted a National Study Team (NST) to prepare the report. The NST consisted of consultants, Pakistan Agriculture Council, Pakistan Forest Institute, National Institutes of Oceanography, Pakistan Science Foundation, ENVORK – environmental consultant firm, MarineInvestigators and some independent sector experts. The Pakistan National Communication (PNC) has been prepared by the National Study Team (NST).

6.3 PREPARATION OF BIOSAFETY GUIDELINES IN GENETIC ENGINEERINGAND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Pakistan is Party to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Article 19 of CBD provides that the parties may need to consider setting out appropriate procedures for safe transfer, handling and use of any living modifies organism resulting from biotechnology that may have adverseaffect on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Pakistan has prepared these guidelines to fulfill the obligation. The Guidelines were discussed in a national workshop organized by this Ministry and will soon be finalized.

6.4 PREPARATION OF BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN FOR PAKISTAN (BAP)

Pakistan being party to CBD is required to prepare national strategy and action plan for theconservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. A Biodiversity Action Plan for Pakistan has been finalized and printed for dissemination to all concerned Government Institutions/NGOs and other stakeholders. The broad objectives of BAP are to:

1) To create a policy framework that fosters the sustainable use of biological resources andthe maintenance of biodiversity.

2) To strengthen and promote national biodiversity conservation programmes and developsinternational and regional cooperation.

3) To create conditions and incentives for biodiversity conservation at the local community level.

4) To strengthen and apply more broadly the tools and technologies for conserving biodiversity.

5) To strengthen human knowledge, will and capacity to conserve biodiversity.

To oversee the implementation and coordination of BAP, a Federal Steering Committee has been established. A Biodiversity Working Group is also being established which will be anadvisory group on biodiversity issues. Provincial Steering Committees are also being establishedin the provinces.

6.5 PREPARATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (NAP) IN PAKISTAN

For fulfilling its obligations under CCD, Pakistan has prepared a national programme to combat desertification in Pakistan. The final draft of NAP has been prepared after wideconsultation of all relevant organizations/individuals. It will be presented to the next meeting of PEPC for its approval. The programme of action aims at:

a) Providing a guidelines/framework for sustainable development of the natural resources andpreservation of biological diversity in different agro-ecological regions of the country.

b) Alleviating poverty and improving living standard of the people of arid lands by adoptingimproved technologies and by having access to extension and support services.

c) Providing an effective institutional mechanism at various levels of formulating policy and plans and conducting research and development in the aridlands.

d) Human resource development through capacity building and creating awareness among themasses for identification and tackling area specific problems.

e) Gender-balanced decision making and effective participation through the recognition of theeconomic value of women’s work.

6.6 PREPARATION OF NATIONAL COUNTRY REPORTS ON THEIMPLEMENTATION OF CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD) IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan being party to CBD since 1994 is required to submit reports on the implementation of CBD. First and second National Reports on the implementation of CBD have been prepared through a wide consultation process involving all relevant Government Institutions/NGOs.

6.7 PREPARATION OF NATIONAL COUNTRY REPORT ON THEIMPLEMENTATION OF CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION ANDDROUGHT (CCD) IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is party to CCD since 1997 and is required to regularly submit reports on theimplementation of CCD in Pakistan. First National Report on the implementation of CCD hasbeen prepared and submitted to CCD Secretariat.

6.8 PREPARATION OF CHAPTER ON ENVIRONMENT FOR MARITIME POLICY

Maritime Policy for Pakistan is being prepared for which MELG&RD has contributedChapter 6 which relates with environmental issue along the coast and in the sea.

6.9 FOCAL POINT OF CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Pakistan is party to CCD since 1997. Ministry of Environment, LG&RD is focal point forCCD in Pakistan. Ministry is coordinating with CCD Secretariat in disseminating relevant information about the Convention from the Secretariat to all stakeholders in Pakistan and preparing country reports on the implementation of CCD and other information required to theSecretariat. ERNP sub-projects were also engaged in the World Environment Day 2001celebrations at their headquarters in Punjab and NWFP.

6.10 WILDLIFE RELATED CONVENTIONS (CITES, RAMSAR and CMS)

NCCW is implementing the obligations of the following three Conventions to which Government of Pakistan is signatory:

a. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES).

b. Convention on Wetland of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar).

c. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

A ban on commercial export of CITES Appendix-I and II species was implemented with exception of scientific use. Similarly the export of mammals and reptiles, which are not common in the country, remained closed. The commercial export of common birds, mostly captive bred species was encouraged. This policy was regulated by NCCW in collaboration with Ministry ofCommerce and Provincial Wildlife Departments.

For better implementation of Ramsar Convention, Pakistan had notified eight Ramsar sites in collaboration with Ramsar Bureau. With the addition of eight new wetlands, now there are 16 Ramsar Sites notified for conservation of wetland associated biodiversity. This recent increase in Ramsar Sites enhanced the image of the country in conservation circle.

NCCW also encouraged the Provincial Wildlife Departments to implement the obligations of Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) also known as Bonn Convention. The threatened migratory species like cranes, geese, storks, pelicans etc. are protectedin most of the provinces. NCCW, as an obligation of MOU signed under CMS, is trying to protect the threatened Siberian crane in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan and NWFP WildlifeDepartment. Similarly another Conservation Plan and MOU is under consideration for conservation of marine turtles. NCCW is also trying to minimize the hunting pressure on Houbara bustard and falcon species in collaboration with Houbara/Falcon FoundationInternational-Pakistan.

CHAPTER 7

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

7.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS, DIRECT ELECTIONS OF UNIONCOUNCILS:

The Local Government Elocutions have been completed in all the district.

7.2 INDIRECT ELECTIONS OF TEHSILE COUNCILS AND DISTRICT COUNCILS

Indirect elections of District Councils and Tehsile councils which included District/Tehsile /Town Nazim and Naib Nazim, women, peasant/worker and minority were held on August 2, 2001. The Union Councillors notified as elected and their names appeared in the electoral roll ofCouncillors were made eligible to cast vote in the indirect elections. There was no bar on casting vote before taking oath of office as member elect.

7.3 TRAINING OF LOCAL COUNCILLORS

The elected Local Government representatives are being imparted training on various aspects of the Local Government under a phased programme. First phase of training has been completedand planning for the subsequent phases is in final stage. Providing training to elected leadership would be a continuous process.

7.4 KHUSHHAL PAKISTAN PROGRAMME/ KHUSHHAL KASHMIRPROGRAMME

Khushhal Pakistan Programme has been launched by the Federal Government for poverty alleviation, development of infrastructure and service delivery assets in March 2000. Theprogramme is aimed at enhancement of well being of the poor, creation of employment andincreasing income of rural and urban poor. The programme is being implemented in a decentralized manner covering 12 major sectors through the districts.

So far 13560 development schemes with the cost of Rs.14922 million have been approved out of which 8082 schemes are completed, 4270 schemes are at various stages of completion. About 2 million job opportunities have been created. The programme will cover about 78 million population.

7.5 POVERTY ALLEVIATION THROUGH DISTRIBUTION OF UNUTILIZED STATE LAND

It is now established globally that there is no trade-off between economic investment andpoverty alleviation. In fact in countries like Pakistan, where a large portion of the population lives in abject deprivation, economic growth is possible only if poverty alleviation is kept at the center of planning. Since the overwhelming majority lives in rural areas, this means that ruraldevelopment is the key to Pakistan’s economic growth. Previous public sector efforts at rural poverty alleviation have been mostly welfare-oriented and limited in scope. Land reforms of 1959and 1972 have had mixed results and there is a need to learn lessons from these experiments. Experience has led to the realization that traditional isolated efforts at development (such as building latrines, paving streets or electrifying villages) are not as successful in alleviating rural poverty as integrated development. Thus, the Government is committed to removing this systemic bias and integrating the rural poor in national development through delivering land to the landless and good governance. The Local Government Plan represents enormous scope for empowering at the grassroots, and offers the enabling environment needed to tackle rural poverty. The full benefits of the land to landless scheme may thus be reaped through integrated efforts that address core problems together, and that relate closely to the Devolution Plan.

On the Directive of Chief Executive of Pakistan, the Ministry of ELG&RD is working on preparation of policy framework for distribution of state land to landless farmers. The Minister forELG&RD has constituted a Committee, who is working on the details of the policy framework. According to the data available, approximately 2612619 acres of unutilized state land of varioustypes are available for distribution to the landless farmers.

7.6 DEVOLUTION PLAN 2000

The new local government plan 2000 ensured introduction of democracy at the grass roots level to serve as the foundation on which will be built the edifice of genuine democracy. Power has thus been transferred to the peoples representatives at grass roots levels along with responsibility and administrative authority coupled with checks and balances to preclude the abuse of power or authority. This entail establishing a three tier local government system i.e. Union Councils over a cluster of villages, Tehsil Councils in each Tehsil and District Councils at the District level through elections. 33% representation for women and 5% for other marginalizedgroups like laborers, workers peasants and the minorities is also made part of this system first time in the history of Pakistan. Elections of local councils all over Pakistan have been completed andnew District/Tehsil governments have started working since 14th August, 2001.

The elected Local Government representatives are being provided training on various aspects of the Local Government under a phased programme. First phase of training has been completedand planning for the subsequent phases is in final stage. Providing training to elected leadership would be a continuous process.

7.7 KACHI ABADIS

Katchi Abadis resulted as consequence of un-precedented growth of population, rural-urbanmigration and non provision of built houses/serviced plots for the low income. The deteriorationof old urban settlement has further aggravated the issue. According to Katchi Abadis Policy 1985, there were 2242 Katchi Abadis with a population of 5.10 million living over an area of 36,022 acres. The estimates for the urban population living in Katchi Abadis and in unserviced plots range from 35-50% . The growth of Katchi Abadis in the past is a direct result of the shortcoming in the housing delivery system and lack of access to affordable tenure by the poor. In metropolitan cities of Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Quetta 40% of the populations are completedto live in Katchi Abadis.

Housing is one of the basic human needs. According to 1998 census, the estimated housingbacklog was 4.30 million housing units.

However, against annual additional requirements of around 570,000 housing units, the annualsupply is around is 300,000 units. Considering Katachi Abadis as a reality, Government formulated a pragmatic and feasible policy in January 2001 to deal with the issue in acomprehensive manner. Which among others stipulates that the residents of all Katchi Abadis consisting of at least 40 dwellings, who were in occupation upto 23rd March, 1985, were entitled to be granted proprietary rights in those Katchi Abadis, through a process called ‘Regularizationof Katchi Abadis’. For those Katachi Abadis which have to be relocated due to practical reasons, the residents will be shifted after preparing re-settlement plans for such settlements by the Land Owning Agencies. The government has also made it compulsory for all government housing schemes to include plots for low income people which shall be offered to them at affordable prices.These decisions will help check mushrooming of the slums alongwith protection against ahdoc evictions of Katachi Abadis.

The Minister for Environment, Local Government and Rural Development held series of meetings with the respective provincial governors, chief secretary’s and concerned officialimpressed upon them the need to deal with the issue in totality and initiate necessary measures toimplement the decisions of Chief Executive in also held three inter-provincial meetings of all the concerned provincial governments/ Land Owning Agencies at Islamabad to review the progress.

KACHI ABADIS AND EFFORTS MADE BY PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS/LANDOWING AGENCIES

In Punjab, according to latest report, there were 913 Katchi Abadis to be regularized. Out of it 595 Katchi Abadis have already been regularized leaving a balance of 318 Katchi Abadis which are at present in the process of regularization. Against 318 Katchi Abadis, NOCs of 143 Katchi Abadis have been received (111 complete and 24 partial). Further more 59 Katchi Abadis have so far been identified by various LOAs for shifting/relocation. The resettlement plans for these Abadis are being prepared. Moreover, formalities are being completed to grant proprietary rightsto 87180 dwelling have been granted by the Chief Executive. The concerned Development Authorities/Local councils are also preparing rough cost estimates for undertaking main development works on felt basis for 178 Katchi Abadis.

In Sindh, moreover, Minister for Environment, Local Government and Rural Development had a meeting with the Governor of Sindh and Chief Secretary Sindh May 5, 2001 and variousdecisions were taken. So far government of Sindh has finalized detailed regularization and re-settlement plans other than Katchi Abadis located on Pak Railway, Civil Aviation Authority and evacuee Trust Property Board lands. Necessary negotiation with these agencies in on-going.

Government of Balochistan has prepared a Model Urban Shelter Project over an area of 100acres to provide shelter to shelterless especially to the emigrants of the Quetta City. The same willact as model to replicate in other cities later on.

Out of 11 Katchi Abadis existing in Islamabad, 5 Abadis are to be removed/relocated owing to their locations in right of way of roads and sensitive areas. CDA has finalized the Model Urban Shelter Project for re-location of Muslim Colony Imam Bari to new site at Farash. The land leveling work is in progress. Moreover, Survey of Katchi Abadis dwellers has also been completed.

Ministry of Railways has identified 196 Katchi Abadis on the Railway lands. Out of this, they have granted NOCs in respect of 18 Katchi Abadis completely and 25 Katchi Abadis partially.

In the review meeting chaired by the Minister for Environment, Local Government & RuralDevelopment held on 25th June, 2001, it was observed that there has been some progress with regard to issuance of NOCs by land-owning agencies, verification of beneficiaries, up-gradationwork and preparatory work for resettlement of Abadis in dangerous/operational areas. However, a number of issues have also emerged that require resolution for the smooth implementation of thedecisions taken inn the January 15, 2001 meeting. The main problem being encountered relates to the responsibility for provision of alternate land for preparing resettlement plans. As a result

resettlement plans, as had been decided in the meeting, have not been received by the Ministry as were required to be done by the end of June. The Minister also reviewed the progress in a meeting held on 13-9-2001and observed that the Punjab and Sindh a substantial work has been done.

Accordingly the Minister for Environment, Local Government and Rural Development requested President of Pakistan to extend 30-06-2001 deadlines for resettlement plans by anotherthree months period from end June onward up to 30th September, 2001. During this period land owing agencies and Provincial Governments will prepare inventories for all the pre-1985 Katchi Abadis as well as preparation of regularization & up-gradation plans. There will be no summary evictions except of commercial buildings. However, this will be done through the committeescomprising of land owning agencies, district administration and the representatives of Army Monitoring Team. Moreover re-settlement plans will be prepared by 31st October, 2001 for those Katchi Abadis which are to be re-located /shifted.

CHAPTER 8

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

8.1 RURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Environmental issues in rural areas in Pakistan are somewhat different in nature from the urban areas.

DEGRADATION OF SOIL AND LAND

The major causes of land degradation and low productivity in Pakistan are water and wind erosion, water logging and salinity, flooding and loss of organic matter in soil. Water erosion is quite extensive in northern areas, wind erosion in arid and sandy desert areas; flooding and pounding is mostly in the province of Punjab while water logging and salinity is a problem in all the four provinces. The land degradation includes water erosion 17%, wind erosion 7.6%, and salinity/sodicity 8.6% of total surveyed area. It is estimated that 96% of the arable soil has inadequate organic matter content. The crop yield per acre in Pakistan is far less than majority of the other countries of the world.

URBAN GROWTH ON RURAL LAND

With the increase in urban population, cities are expanding horizontally and encroaching upon agricultural land. In the last few years many new housing schemes in Punjab, Sindh and NWFP have come up on fertile land. It is important to protect and conserve good agriculture land from further depletion.

EXCESSIVE USE OF PESTICIDES AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS

Pakistan produces 3600 tonnes chemical fertilizer and in addition imports another 1.25million tonnes for use in agriculture. About 18000 tonnes of pesticides are being imported in the country for local consumption. Over-use of fertilizer and pesticides generates considerable run offs, which pollute surface and underground water resources.

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Some 314.9 million tons of wet weight animal excreta are produced each year. Only half of animal manure is collected; of the collected, only half is returned to the soil, while the other half is burnt as fuel for cooking purposes. This causes high indoor air pollution in rural areas. Respiratory diseases are quite common among villagers. The installation of biogas plants in this context would provide part answer to this problem but efforts on the part of government to propagate these plants have not been very successful. The Government has planned to deal with this issue through one of the components viz. Clean Air Programme under the umbrella of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) recently approved by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council.

HUMAN SETTLEMENT

Pakistan has more than 45000 villages. Only 20% of the villages have more than 2000people, 61% have between 200 and 2000 inhabitants, 14% are mere hamlets with fewer than 200 residents and 4% are abandoned or seasonally inhabited dwellings. Rural densities vary across the country by a factor of 200 i.e 2 persons per kilometer in arid areas of Balochistan province to 400 person per kilometer in the irrigated districts of Punjab and NWFP provinces. This variation is mainly due to availability of water and to soil quality. Ministry of Population and Welfare has brought down population growth from 3.1% to 2.1% through its effective campaigning. This wide variation in population density has adverse implications for infrastructure development.

OVER GRAZING

Since independence, growth in the grazing livestock population in Pakistan has been dramatic. This growth has been realized mostly on field borders, between tracks of cultivated land and along riverbanks in intensively managed irrigated lands. Approximately 78% of the total dry matter consumed as livestock fodder is produced within these irrigated areas. Overgrazing in rural areas is very common due to which greenery particularly in arid zones is being affected.

INFANT MORTALITY

The infant mortality rate in Pakistan is 90 per 1000 live births and rural areas is 1.5 times higher than the urban areas. The ratio has increased since 1984-88 with increase in urban and rural population due to skewed health facilities and environmental unawareness. Government is executing different social action programmes focusing on health and education to further bringdown infant mortality.

EXCESSIVE PUMPING OF GROUND WATER

In the past due to incentives and liberal policies of the Government, farmers were attracted touse ground water for agriculture. This approach meets the demand of the farmers but encourages an unsustainable consumption pattern. Some efforts have been made by Government to discourage over pumping of ground water by enhancing the power rates.

8.2 RESPONSE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR

At the time of independence, Pakistan’s social infrastructure was poor and underdeveloped. The government’s preoccupation with the objective of GNP maximization through import substitution industrialization precluded proper development of the social sector. The condition of social sector further deteriorated due to a high population growth. Consequently, the link between economic growth and its distribution became weak and lead to social disparities.

Gradually and over the years a multi-sectoral approach for development of physical andsocial infrastructure has been adopted. It aims at realizing fully the productive potential of rural areas and spreading benefits of development to the rural masses. The implementation strategy consists of construction of roads, supply of potable water, village electrification, provision of education and health facilities etc.

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY (NCS)

The significant NCS core areas in the context of rural environment are: maintaining soil andcrop lands; increasing irrigation efficiency; protecting watershed; supporting forestry andplantation; restoring rangeland and improving livestock; and conserving bio-diversity. The NCS specified various measures for environmental conservation keeping in view rural developmentbeing carried out through different public and private sector programmes. Role of federal and provincial governments and NGOs has been clearly defined to achieve objectives of NCS.

SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMME

The Government designed a comprehensive development programme through Social Action Programme (SAP I&II) to overcome the social, health and environmental issues. This Programme mainly focuses on improvement of elementary education, primary health care and population welfare but also has rural water supply and sanitation content. The programme has a built in participatory development programme whereby linkages are established at grassroots level in identification and planning of schemes, decision-making and management of service delivery in atripartite partnership with government, NGOs and beneficiary communities. The government role is limited to policy formulation and arranging support funding. It is expected that besidesachievements in other areas, infant mortality rate is likely to decrease from 90 to 88 per 1,000 live births. The coverage of safe water supply is estimated to enhance from 48% to 61.1%. Access ofrural population to sanitation is likely to exceed from 23% to 26.8%.

KHUSHAL PAKISTAN PROGRAMME

The present Government has initiated a comprehensive programme for poverty alleviation under the title ‘Khushal Pakistan’ through small social and infrastructure development works at grass roots level, with an allocation of Rs. 19.2 billion during the financial year 2000-2001.

Identification of schemes/projects under the Programme is the responsibility of the District Administration with active participation of the community, NGOs and CBOs. The followingprojects/schemes are qualified for funding:

1. Farm to market roads 2. Rehabilitation of water supply schemes; 3. Lining of water courses channels and desilting of canals; 4. Repair and resurfacing of small rural roads; 5. Maintenance/creation of water reservoirs/ponds; 6. Essential repairs of existing primary and high schools; 7. Pavement of streets, drains, storm channels in the village; 8. Small soil conservation structures and spurs; 9. Sewerage and garbage collection schemes; 10. Provision and renovation of civic amenities in town committees, municipal

committees, municipal corporations and metropolitan corporations; 11. Procurement of equipment/machines for existing vocational centres.

12. Establishment of new centers for vocational training and computer literacy

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (CIP)

The CIP is implemented by the Local Government, and Rural Development Department in the NWFP. It was started in July 1995. It concentrates on community development andupgrading/providing basic infrastructure in 55 low-income communities through out the province.

The CIP is being executed according to the following policy framework: -

i) The project provides integrated physical, social and economic infrastructure to 55 low income communities in selected urban and rural areas of NWFP;

ii) It gives priority to those communities which demonstrate commitment through theircapacity for social organization and financial contribution;

iii) Communities organized in CBOs or user groups, participate in and are jointly responsible for the design, preparation and implementation of the infrastructure services and are fully responsible for management and financing of O&M of the complete facilities;

iv) Infrastructure is developed according to planning, design and construction standards suited to and affordable by the communities concerned;

v) Communities demonstrate ownership of the project by contributing any land required and at least 20% share of the capital cost of community infrastructure plus 100% of the O&M cost;

vi) Local Councils contribute a 10% share of the capital cost of infrastructure; and

vii) Provincial Government funds 30% of the cost of the primary infrastructure while 70% is

funded by IDA.

The following is the selection criteria of communities/beneficiaries:

· Majority of the people are low income

· Lack of basic infrastructure

· Size of settlement above 3,000 persons

· Geographic spread across Province

· Urban/Rural balance

· Willingness of Community & Local Council to participate & contribute resources. · Allow women to participate in the CIP programme

· Resource Availability (Trunk infrastructure & Land).

· Environmental Sustainability

· Technical Viability.

· Sustainability through O&M and financial contributions.

REFORESTATION

With a view to promoting forestry in the country, the Government has recently announced a

Forest Policy. Under the new Policy long-term forest working plans will be prepared in consultation with the local communities in accordance with the guidelines issued by the FederalGovernment. Commercial felling of trees from any forest area without a sustainable working plan is not allowed. Where private ownership rights in forests are 60% or more,protection/management mechanisms is left to the communities under legal cover and based on working plans. According to the new Policy, management cost of such forests will be borne by thecommunities out of income from timber sales. Forest Departments will continue to assist thevillage communities in preparation of sustainable working plans and to monitor the activities regarding protection and management of their forests.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Government is in the process of introducing a new local government system with the objective of devolution of power to the grass roots level. The proposed Local Government Planintegrates the rural with the urban local governments on the one hand, and the bureaucracy with the local government on the other, into one coherent structure in which the district administration and police are answerable to the elected chief executive of the district. Citizen monitoring through elected representatives, the civil society’s involvement with development, and a system of effective checks and balances, completes the hard core of the political structure and system of theLocal Government.

The Local Government design is based on five fundamentals: devolution of political power,decentralization of administrative authority, deconcentration of management functions, diffusionof the power-authority nexus, and distribution of resources to the district level. It is designed to ensure that the genuine interests of the people are served and their rights safeguarded. The new system will create an enabling environment in which the people can start participating in community welfare and be the masters of their own destiny.

Financial resources will be distributed to local governments through formula-based provincial fiscal transfers and decentralization of specified taxation powers. Prescribed lists of taxes will be finalized within the framework(s) of provincial fiscal transfers to districts. This will enable theLocal Government to effect credible development and service delivery.

Local Governments will be formed at three levels: District, Tehsil and Union Council. Each will comprise its Nazim and Naib Nazim, its elected body, and its administrative structures. To involve people more actively in community development, grass root organization like the Village Councils and Citizen Community Boards are envisaged. Among the government departments,environment is envisaged to be one at the district level to take care of environmental issues at the local level.

AGHA KHAN RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Besides public sector’s rural development programmes, the NGOs, CBOs and private sector is being encouraged to participate in the rural uplift programmes. The Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) are the two main NGOs driven programmes funded by the donors. AKRSP initiated its innovative rural development schemes in 1982 in the villages of Gilgit and Ghizer districts of Northern Areas to improve quality of life of villages in programme area through income generating opportunity like agriculture, social forestry and livestock. More than 3500 village organizations and 2300 women’s organizations have been formed. Out of 2000 infrastructure schemes, 1700 have been completed.The projects have benefited 100,000 households. There was remarkable success in many areas. From the environment point of view, some 15 million forest plants have been provided to communities in northern areas, while village organizations themselves have planted 8 million trees, established 1500 forest nurseries and 1300 village forestry specialists trained. Over one millionfruit trees were also planted and about 55000 kanals of new land has been brought under cultivation. Agriculture yield of cereal, fodder, and potato seed has been improved. The key toAKRSP’s approach is the community mobilization through broad based coalition of all those

village residents whose common interest is best served by forming a multi-purpose development organization.

NATIONAL RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME

The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) was registered as a Limited Company in 1991 to foster a country-wide network of community organizations at the grassroots level andenable them to plan, manage and implement their development plans on their own. The main objective of the programme is to reduce intensity of poverty and improve quality of life. NRSP is working in 21 Districts of Pakistan and consists of biggest partnerships, involving the government, NGOs, banks and donors. One of the key areas is natural resource management. Some 1,483 infrastructure schemes have been completed which benefited 39153 households. NSRP has facilitated in forming 7,339 community organizations having 167,819 members.

In order to mobilize people’s willingness through social guidance, National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) ensures that:

- Baseline information is collected through social poverty profiles & village profiles;

- The willing community is introduced to the philosophy of NRSP, based on which it

organizes itself into a socially viable group called the Community Organization (CO).

- True and genuine activities are identified from amongst the members for harnessing thepotential of the communities to help them. They are also trained by NRSP in community management skills.

- Micro investment plans identifying opportunities at the household, group and village level are prepared to meet the prioritized needs of the community.

- A skill enhancement-training programme is offered to the community members to enable them to carry out their activities on an individual or collective basis.

CHAPTER 9

DEVELOPMEN\T PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS

9.1 TARBELA WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Tarbela Watershed Management Project (Phase-III) is under implementation since 1993 at acost of Rs.753.122 million (KfW Germany Rs.257.127 Million, WFP 336.538 Million GOP 159.457 Million). The project completion date was 30 June 2001. However an extension of thisproject from 30-6-2002 is under process to utilize the balance un-utilized funds.

The objectives of the project are as under:

· Create awareness and self reliance in local population regarding forest management andenvironment conservation.

· Increase useful life of Tarbela-Mangla reservoirs, through afforestation and soil conservation measures.

· Contain the ecological degradation in the project area.

· Improve socio-economic conditions of the target population.

· Increase forest and vegetative cover.

· Improve land use and productivity of farm lands.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT.

S.No. Item of Works Unit Achievements to date.

1. Departmental Afforestation

Nurseries Acres 562

Departmental planting Acres 69,534

Direct Sowing Acres 18,163

Linear plantation Km 177

Other Cost (Replanting) Acre 17,093

2. Social Forestry

Jeep Road Km 104

Paths/fire breaks Km 152

Community nurseries Acres 89

Community plantations Acres 19,314

Local Group Building Group 41

Support to women groups Group 21

3. Soil conservation/bad land stab.

Cut of drains Km 73

Check Dams Acres 18,799

New Terracing Acres 1,735

Terracing Rehabilitation Acres 6,503

4. Range and pasture activities

Water ponds Piece 106

Support to communities Nos. 70

9.2 RACHNA DOAB AFFORESTATION PROJECT

Rachna Doab Afforestation Project is under implementation since July 1995 The duration ofthe project has been extended up to June 2005 at a cost of Rs.485.382 million. This scheme is being executed between Rivers Ravi and Jhelum covering civil districts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura and Gujrat. The project objective includes block plantation on 28000 Acres and Linear plantation on 2000 Acres. It has been targeted to plant a total of 13.05 million trees.

Against the total target of 30000 Acres/AVMs, so far 19483 Acres/ AVMs have been completed i.e. 65% target has been achieved by utilizing 49.36% allocated funds. Year-wiseplantation state is as under:-

2001/2002 2554 - -

2002/2003 2454 - -

2003/2004 2754 - -

2004/2005 2755 - -

Plantation Works.

Block/Linear. Two types of plantation are being undertaken under Rachna Doab Afforestation Scheme i.e. block and linear plantation. Blocks ranging between 25 acres to 650Acres have been created depending upon the availability of land.

Species. A number of species have been planted in our scheme. For initial 2-3 years, more bias was laid on Eucalyptus but gradually it has been reduced to 20% only, that too in saline/water logged areas. Details of species planted are:-

Servival Species Percentage

1. Eucalyptus 60

2. Shisham 303. Willow 5

4. Other species 5

Nurseries. A number of nurseries have been established containing millions ofstumps/saplings. Small nurseries have been established in the close vicinity of plantation sites to meet restocking requirements.

Survival Percentage. Above 85% survival rate is being maintained in our project. The deficiency of 15% has been re-stocked during current Monsoon.

9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION IN NWFP AND PUNJAB PROJECT

The Environmental Rehabilitation in NWFP and Punjab (ERNP) project has been started in the two provinces to halt the process of environmental degradation with the assistance of the European Commission. The project life span is spread over seven years i.e. 97-2003. The NCS Unit of the M/o ELG&PD is the co-coordinating agency while the provincial governments ofNWFP and Punjab are executing agencies for the project activities. The project activities are undergoing in three upland areas i.e. Murree Kahuta and Kotli Satian Tehsil in Punjab, and Galiat-Abbottabad and Dir-Kohistan in NWFP. The project took off slowly due to the indirect channel of funds flow i.e. From EC Headquarters in Brussels to New York to Islamabad, due to non-availability of the banking facility in Euro Currency. However, this biggest hurdle in theimplementation of the ERNP project has been overcome. Since opening of the Euro account the flow of funds has become smooth and geared up resulting into the disbursal of substantial amount for the project activities in three subproject areas. Resultantly activities in these three subprojectareas have also enhanced

9.4 MOUNTAIN AREA CONSERVANCY PROJECT

The MACP has been launched for implementation in Northern Areas and NWFP over an area of 16,000 sq.k.m. with a cost of US $ 10.35 million, aiming at protection of the rich ecological landscapes and biodiversity of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Western Himalayan mountainranges. The focus is on empowering local communities to manage biodiversity, making them accountable for the quality of their resource stewardship. Share of communities and government in the revenues from trophy hunting would be 75% and 25%, respectively. Proceeds from trophy hunting and other sustainable use initiatives will be deposited in community’s fund, which they would use on collective development and conservation projects for welfare of the communities.

9.5 PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT PROJECT (PAMP)

The PAMP has been approved by ECNEC and negotiations made with the World Bank forimplementation of the project which is to be commenced soon. The objectives of the project is to conserve globally important species and habitats of three national parks in Pakistan including; Chitral Goal NP (NWFP), Hingol NP (Balochistan) and Machiara NP (AJK). The project has been

funded by GEF through the World Bank for an amount of 10.735 million and will be implemented by respective provincial governments for duration of 5 years.

The project will ensure increased involvement of National Research Institutions in Park Management, strengthen park management and tourism amenities in Pakistan, strengthen technical capacity of park staff and establish an effective park communication system. Integration of custodian communities in park management will be done through formulation and effectiveness of village/park level conservation and local advisory committees.

9.6 PAKISTAN WETLANDS PROJECT

NCCW in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan is implementing the PDF-B phase of GEF

funded “Pakistan Wetlands Project” with a total cost of US $ 367,000. The purpose of this PDF-Bphase is to prepare GEF Project Brief for a full-scale project for better management of wetlands, particularly the Ramsar Sites of the country for their wise use and conservation of biodiversity. Since the project is being implemented on participatory approach, a series of workshops was organized by the project for consultation with major stakeholders. The two meetings of Project Steering Committee (PSC) were also convened to monitor the progress of the project. In thesecond meeting of PSC which was held on 26 July 2001, four wetland complexes were selectedfor full scale project with expected funding of GEF over 10 million US $.

9.7 FUEL EFFICIENCY IN ROAD TRANSPORT SECTOR PROJECT (FERTS)

FERTS project was originally formulated during the pilot phase of Global Environment

Facility at a cost of US $ 7.0 million funded by UNDP/GEF and Rupees 10.35 million providedby the Federal Government. The anticipated duration of the project is 5 years. The main objectiveof the project is to achieve reduction in the emissions of carbon dioxide, the principal GHG contributing to Global Climate Change, by improving the fuel efficiency of road transport vehicles in Pakistan. This is to be undertaken through the introduction and promotion of state-of-the-art vehicle tune-up technology, and the setting up of a revolving loan funds (RLF) to assist in thepurchase of vehicle tune-up equipment. The project is also expected to conduct special studiesthat could assist in the development of policies and strategies for achieving fuel saving in the long term. A high level Project Steering Committee (PSC) was established in November 1999, to bechaired by the Secretary, MELG&RD, to provide policy guidance and monitor the progress and performance of the project. The project has successfully established 10 gasolines tune up stations and 5 for diesel vehicles.

9.8 ADB ASSISTED RURAL ACCESS ROADS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The Rural Access Roads Construction Project is a part of ongoing and continuous programme launched by the Government. Under this programme in previous phases 2280 kilometers of Rural Access Roads have been constructed in four provinces with total cost of about six billion.

The third phase of this programme is ongoing. Under this phase 1940 kilometers of Rural Roads are at various levels of construction. 1600 Kms have been completed in all respects while

340 Kms are expected for completion by December 2001. The total cost of this phase is Rs.8293 million. These roads are playing very important role in national economy and their socio-economic impact has been tremendous.

9.9 JAPANESE ASSISTED RURAL ROADS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (RRCP)

The Rural Roads Construction Project (RRCP) was commenced in May, 1995 with the assistance of Donor Agency JBIC – Japan. 730 Kms rural roads are planned to be constructed in 30 selected districts of all four provinces of the country at a total cost of Pak Rs. 3910 million.

CHAPTER 10

FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES

10.1 NEAP SUPPORT PROGRAMME

NEAP Support Program (NEAP-SP) is a product of joint efforts of the Ministry of Environment, LG&RD and UNDP to achieve environmental sustainability throughimplementation of NEAP. Towards this aim, NEAP-SP proposes a wide range of technical, institutional, regulatory, social and economic interventions in terms of different projects grouped under the following six major sub-programmes; (a) policy coordination and environmental governance; (b) pollution control; (c) ecosystems management and natural resources conservation; energy conservation and renewable; (e) dry land management; and (f) grassroots initiatives. Totalprogramme costs amount to US $ 42.7 million in five years (2001-2006).

These sub programmes, in addition to pursuing their technical objectives will strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of relevant GoP institutions for participating in the international conventions/forums and contribute to the implementation of the conventions/treaties on natural resources protection and environmental management. Moreover, the proposed program will promote equal participation of women in project level activities.

The programme proposes a give year programme of work to be implemented in three phases with some overlapping on a time scale; planning phase ( 1 year), implementation phase (4-5 years), and results consolidation phase (half year). The projects with secured through the establishment of a Programme Management and Implementation Unit (PMIU) to be housed in the MoELG&RD, and Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) to be housed in respective implementingagencies. In addition to these units, a Programme Steering Committee (PSC) and a Programme Implementation Committee (PIC) will be established. Stakeholders participation at thesub-program level will be secured by forming Sub-Programme Implementation Committee(SPICs). All these committees will play important roles of coordination, supervision and monitoring program implementation at different levels.

10.2 FUTURE TARGETS

The following future targets have been set to strengthen implementation of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act.

• Air and water quality standards

• Notification of all Rules and Regulations

• Seek Cooperation of Stakeholders in implementation of the Act

• Implement of Self-Monitoring Programme and Linking it with Environmental Improvement Plans of Industry

• Advocacy for Clean Fuels( Phasing out of Lead and Sulphur) and

• Alternate Fuels

• Strengthen EIA/IEE Procedures

• Disseminate Information through web pages

• Create Physical Infrastructure at Federal and Provincial Levels through establishment of continuous Air and Surface Water Monitoring Stations

• Advocacy Through Provincial EPAs to strengthen MVEs And Enhance Capability of Traffic Police to curb smoke emitting vehicles

• Establishing regulatory system for hazardous substances and waste

The future environmental programmes have been planned to translate policies into actions.The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council has approved National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), which prioritized four core areas for more focused actions. These include i) Clean Air; ii) Clean Water; iii) Solid Waste Management; and iv) Echo System Management. Theinstitutional set up of NEAP has been so designed that the local governments could get adequate technical support from appropriate level and at the same time enjoy financial autonomy. The Plan will be executed at the federal, provincial, local and grass-root levels with active involvementof government and non-government institutions. NEAP is expected to be implemented with thegrant assistance of Asian Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. Other donors have also indicated support to this plan.

10.3 NCS-2

NCS-2 will develop a strong Federal Policy for Sustainable Development focused on key development aims including nature conservation. It would set an enabling framework in which civil society, private sector and local communities and all levels of government can workeffectively towards sustainability objectives. In other words NCS-2 might support the provincial,district and sectoral initiatives aimed at integrating environment and the sustainable development.

10.4 FORESTRY

The following seven studies approved by the Asian Development Bank will be undertaken to update Forestry Sector Master Plan and provide information for refinement of the future Forest Sector Policy:

a. Land ownership pattern and tenurial arrangements in forests and rangelands.

b. Survey to assess wood vegetation and wood volume on non-forest areas in Pakistan.

c. National Forest and Rangelands Resource Assessment

d. Role of private and public forest industries in development of forestry sector

e. Marketing and pricing systems of non-wood forest produce in Pakistan

f. Supply and demand of fuel wood and timber for household and industrial

g. Sectors and consumption pattern of wood and wood products in Pakistan.

h. Impacts of different forestry programmes on participating communities since 1992.

10.5 PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL FOR TPN-6, LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT

Pakistan has been selected for hosting the Thematic Programme Network-6 (TPN-6), which is Local Area Development. Pakistan is required to prepare a proposal for the implementation of TPN-6 activities under the regional action programme on desertification under CCD Secretariat. The proposal will be prepared in collaboration with relevant organizations in Pakistan.

10.6 SIGNING OF POPS CONVENTION

Stolkholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has been finalized and opened for signature. MELG&RD intends to get approval of the Cabinet for signing this Convention by Pakistan. After Pakistan signs this Convention the process of preparing the National Chemical Plan will be initiated.

10.7 APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NAP

National Action Programme t Combat Desertification in Pakistan has been finalized and will be submitted to the next meeting of Pakistan Environmental Protection Council for approval. After the approval, efforts will be made to coordinate the implementation of NAP in the country.

10.8 FORESTRY RESEARCH AND TRAINING

The main focus of PFI activities remained on forestry research and training of professionals in forestry and allied disciplines. These activities of PFI are briefly described as under:

10.9 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES/FIELD TRIALS

On research side, appropriate practices of watershed management have been developed to improve water quality and yield. Farm forestry/agro-forestry practices have also been developed and standardized through the introduction of fast growing exotic and indigenous tree species for the production of industrial wood on farmlands alongwith crop production. Tree improvement works through selection and breeding have been taken up to improve growth and health of forest stands. Environment friendly methods and techniques of forest protection and pest control have been developed and applied.

Herbal medicine plays an important role to provide health care at the door steps of remote and poor rural folks in Pakistan. Quantitative and marketing surveys of medicinal plants and their in-and ex-situ cultivation was carried out to improve and propagate this system of medicine for the benefit of masses.

Since 1999, the experiments in different forestry and allied disciplines already established/initiated remained under maintenance and both field and laboratory data werecollected and compiled in the form of Annual Progress Reports. These activities of research comprised of:

- Comparative growth studies on exotic and indigenous tree species in different ecological zones.

- Investigation on dry zone afforestation techniques to increase the productivity of desert lands, desertification control and environmental stability.

- Integrated watershed management research to control runoff and soil degradation for increased fertility/productivity and rehabilitation of mountain ecosystem.

- Increase in the health and production of forest stands through research in forest geneticsand tree improvement through selection and breeding.

- For the quick and accurate assessment of wood volume and biomass, volume and biomasstables for various tree species were prepared.

- Range management research for the improvement of productivity of forage and livestock.

- Farm and agro-forestry research was conducted to develop appropriate agro-forestry models to increase timber and fuel wood production from the farmlands.

- To economize wood use research on the improved utilization of timber species grown in Pakistan for various end uses was carried out.

- Environment friendly pest control measures were developed and applied to control forest and nursery pests.

- For the promotion of plant drug trade and utilization, in-situ and ex-situ cultivation ofmedicinal plants and drug market surveys were carried out.

- To increase the domestic production of silk yarn, research on the hybrid silk seed production, multiplication and maintenance of pure breeding stock continued.

- To provide ground facts about forestry, collection and compilation of forestry statistics forPakistan remained in progress and a publication of the Forestry Statistics of Pakistan was prepared every year.

10.10 PEOPLE AND RESOURCE DYNAMICS PROJECT (PARDYP)

This project is in operation at Hilkot in Mansehra District, Hazara with the assistance ofICIMOD, Nepal. The objectives of this project are to improve the land productivity and socio-economic condition of the local communities through integrated management of watershed areas with peoples participation. Besides research studies the project activities comprised ofvarious interventions like soil consecration to reduce runoff and erosion and increase ground water recharge, improvement of agricultural practices, raising of tree plantations for the supply of timber, fuel wood and fodder for local use and motivation of the local communities for the conservation ofwatershed ecosystems through training and participation.

10.11 IN-SITU CONSERVATION AND REGENERATION OF TEMPERATEMEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.

This project has recently been initiated with the help of IDRC, Canada. The objectives of thisproject are to study marketing and in-situ and ex-situ cultivation of fast selling drug species to enhance the income of local farmers as well as to reduce the collection pressure on the naturaldrug plant resources.

10.12 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTER FOR ADVANCE TRAINING IN FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AT THE PAKISTAN FOREST INSTITUTE, PESHAWAR.

The total financial outlay of this project is Rs.45.446 million with a foreign exchange component of Rs.34.005 million. The objectives of this proposal are the development of higherforestry training facilities locally to reduce dependence on foreign countries and advance training of nearly 300 forestry professional through in-service training in various forestry and allieddisciplines. This will contribute to the optimization of productive and protective functions of forestry resources on sustained basis in consonance with the national policy objectives anddemand.

10.13 PRODUCTION OF SILK SEED AT THE PAKISTAN FOREST INSTITUTE.

This project is in the advance stages of approval with Government of Pakistan.

Acronyms and Abbreviation

AKLASC Azad Kashmir Logging and Sano Milling Corporation

AKH NCRD Akhtar Hameed Khan National Center for Rural Development

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CNG Compressed Natural Gas

CIDA Canadian International Development Agency

CCD Convention to Combat Desertification

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CTHP Country-based Trophy Hunting Project

CMS Conservation of Migratory Species

DPF Diesel Particulate Filter

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ERNP Environmental Rehabilitation in NWFP and Punjab

ETPI Environment Technology Programme for Industry

EIPs Environmental Improvement Plans

EIA Environment Impact Assessment

EDF Export Development Fund

EPO Environment Protection Ordinance

FFB Federal Forestry Board

FERTS Fuel Efficiency in Roads Transport Sector

FSMP Forest Sector Master Plan

FPCCI Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

GEF Global Environment Facility

GCC Global Climate Change

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency

JBIC Japan Bank of International Cooperation

MACP Mountain Area Conservation Project

MTR Mid Term Review

MoELG&RD Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development

NPA National Plan of Action

NCS National Conservation Strategy

NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards

NEAP National Environment Action Plan

NCCW National Council for Conservation of Wildlife

NFP National Forest Policy

PEP Pakistan Environment Programme

PAMP Protected Area Management Project

PRIF Pre Investment Feasibility

PEPC Pakistan Environmental Protection Council

PSC Project Steering Committee

PFI Pakistan Forest Institute

RRCP Rural Roads Construction Project

RLF Revolving Loan Funds

STEP Society for Torghar Environmental Protection

SPM Suspended Particulate Matters

TCP Toghar Conservation Project

UNIDO United National Industrial Development Organization

WWF World Wide Fund – for Nature

WHO World Health Organization

WSPA World Society for Protection of Animals

Source: http://www.environment.gov.pk/ 10/2001