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‘Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines’

for Tourists visiting Forest Areas in Pakistan

Saadullah Ayaz
M. Sc. (Forestry), M. Phil (Environmental Sciences)
saad.ayaz@gmail.com

Pakistan is blessed with outstanding physical features, high biological and cultural and historical significance. These
forests have tremendous historical, cultural and biological significance but also provide economic and livelihood
opportunity to thousands of local household, who live here in abject poverty and solely depend on natural resources
within these forests. Tourist activities greatly support economic activities in the area, but related un-planned
development is causing damage to the fragile natural environment within this ecosystem.

These Guidelines have been prepared as a tool raise awareness and consciousness among tourists so as to
encourage environmentally and socially responsible activities. Following these guidelines will maximize pleasure of
recreation for you and other who follow. It will also allow local inhabitants of forest areas of Pakistan keep their natural
and cultural heritage unspoiled by commercial influences.

These guidelines are applicable to all national and foreign tourists visiting forest areas in Pakistan.

Dos
1. Support Local Economy
Consider how will your visit directly benefit the local economy or entire community? This is an integral
part of true ecotourism. Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets. This helps
create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding natural areas by giving locals an economic
alternative to potentially destructive practices.

2. Be Part of the Efforts


Support local conservation efforts through playing your role but supporting and appreciating. Also
based on your own knowledge try to educate people around you about importance of natural resource
and how to conserve them through small individual measures.

Donts
You are required to follow the guidelines strictly so that the ecological features of the area in protected for
others who would follow you. Following these Guidelines will not only maximise your pleasure while staying in
forest resorts, but would also support local efforts to conserve very unique ecological features of forests in
Pakistan.

As a thoughtful and responsible tourist there are several things you can do before, during and after your journey
to ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize your impact on the area. It is far

Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines for Tourists in Pakistan


easier to simply go on vacation as an uninformed tourist but making the choice to be an informed traveller can
have far reaching impacts on the things around. The more you put into your trip the more you'll get out of it.

Refrain from any activity which eliminates, damages or alters any of the ecological resources and aesthetic
value of this area.

After arriving at forest areas

3. Watch out for Things you Bring


Do not bring along any of the material such and animal and plant and animal derivatives along you.
Such as seeds (including nuts and cereals), flowers, leaves, root or shoot parts. Animal derivatives
such as skin/hide/wool, ivory/bone products, horns etc. As such items may contain diseases and
species which have alien or invasive behavior. Please declare such items at airport to local authorities
or dispose them properly before arrival in forest area. Any such practice may also be a violation of
intentional and local law.

4. Prepare for your Trip


Educate yourself about your destination, travel conditions, safety situation and time to travel. Be on the
lookout for news and current events about the area. Learn about local history, customs and culture as
well as vital ecosystems. Learn at least the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or
thank you goes a long way. Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe.

5. Consult your Guide


Do consult your guide of any local who is familiar with places, culture and norms to brief you about
things that you should keep in mind while stay and planning your activates in forest area. It is strong
advised that you should be accompanied by a local guide.

6. Respect Local Traditions and Etiquette


Most of the areas in Pakistan are culturally very sensitive, where traditional values are strict. Wear
clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed;
always ask first. Observe local customs and respect local culture and religious values.

7. Avoid Ostentatious Display


What may not seem a display of wealth to you may be considered extravagant by another culture. Tuck
showy and expensive items away when visiting rural communities. Leave jewelry and other
unnecessary valuables at home. Don't hand out sweets and loose change, this only serves to corrupt
and create a begging mentality where none existed before.

*While Camping and going out

8. Do not Pollute Land, Soil and Water


Polluting land, soil and water bodies with any of the materials which are not desirable and does not
belong to the area. Such as, littering, contamination with oil, surfactants and other material brought
along you. Please minimize your waste or otherwise carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty
bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must be buried, or preferably be properly and safely at designated
places or within your hotel/guest house.

Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines for Tourists in Pakistan


In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand.
Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.

9. Cut Noise Pollution


Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment. This is not only
necessary for reducing disturbance in animals refuge but also very must to avoid any un-necessary
interference with cultural and religious values in forest area.

10. Manage Fire


While camping and outing, do not make fire as this would cause heavy air pollution and also extra
burden on natural ecosystem and may lead to eruption of forest fire. In case you require making up fire,
please follow safety precautions to avoid any un-controlled spread. Use kerosene, liquefied gas, fuel
tablets instead of wood. Burry residue with dirt or sand while leaving. Do not through cigarette butts or
make open fires in the forests.

11. Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules


Do not disturb vegetation/trees including; trampling, picking flowers and plants (including medicinal
plants). Follow roads and already established paths. Please respect nature and serenity. Do not get
involved in illicit activities such as collection of wood or other forest produces, as such activates could
cause degradation of forest resources and may become cause of disease spread.

12. Admire from a Distance


Learn about wildlife viewing and appropriate behaviours before you go. Be sure to maintain a respectful
distance when viewing and photographing wildlife. Avoid scaring or stressing wildlife, and do your part
to protect natural wildlife habitats to make the most of your wildlife viewing experiences.

13. Get Educated about Nature and Discourage Trade


Learn about locally endangered animals and plants and do not allow clients to purchase any biological
products, especially those made from any of the derivates from these endangered species. Please
purchase local handicrafts instead.

_________________________
*It is strongly recommended to practice safety restraints and seek advice for experienced professional and locals who are familiar with local
condition, culture/customs, social norms and law-in-order situation.

Please consult maps and brochures available for you convenience for your education

Carry all necessary safety gear/equipment and food items before leaving.

Photography might be considered offensive in most of the areas, please ask before you do. It is strongly advised that you mat photography
families and women.

Plan your visits as to reach back on time.

Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines for Tourists in Pakistan


While leaving from forest areas

14. Check your Luggage


Do not carry any of the local material (except handicrafts and souvenirs) which is made of any of the
natural resources including derived products from plants and animals, such as hides/skin/wool.

15. Continued Tourism


Tourism doesn't need to end with your flight home. Follow through on your commitment to
conservation in your everyday life. Share your experiences with others to foster a greater
understanding of our world. You will have seen and learned much from your journey. While it is still
fresh in your heart and mind take action using the various agencies, grassroots organizations
and resources available to you.

Points to Ponder!

How would you like it if someone from another country came over to your country and
'order' you to change this… and clean up that…? Would you do it? Most likely you'd be
offended. Screaming and stomping your feet won't get you any respect and it certainly
won't get anything accomplished.

YOUR ACTIONS DO MATTER! DO YOUR SMALL BIT

The author of this article is working as ‘Coordinator, Climate Change/Clean air Initiative for Asian Cities at IUCN, International
Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource, Pakistan.

Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines for Tourists in Pakistan

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