Community Based Forest Conservation Project launched in Chitral

Chirtal: Mountain Society for Research & Development Chitral has launched a six-month project titled, “Community-Based Forest Conservation through Small-Scale Energy Solution” with support of USAID’s Ambassador’s Fund Grant Program (AFGP) in Chitral.

Addressing the launching event, Executive Director, MSRD, A. Ahmad explained the objectives, expected outcomes of the project and explained the context in which this project was conceived. “Overall aim of this project is to provide alternative energy to the local communities of Kalasha- indigenous tribe for their domestic energy requirements,” he said, adding that the project will also help to reduce pressure on the existing forest resources in the area.

He further added, “Under this project bio briquette will be introduced in the area, which is an eco-friendly energy solution and unique idea.” The project would build the capacity of local communities and would provide toolkits for making bio briquettes. All the key stakeholders including Wildlife, NTFP Department and Chitral Forest Division would provide assistance in the execution of this project.

Arshad Ahmad, Divisional Forest Officer, CGNP Chitral, who was the chief guest of the launching ceremony, appreciated the efforts of MSRD in initiating the project in Kalash Valley Chitral. “Energy crisis is one of the major issues in the area. The introduction of bio briquette as an alternative small-scale energy solution in the valley would save the forest resources, and provide hazard-free energy to the people,” he said.

While addressing the launching ceremony, Naveed Ahmad VC Nazim Town said, “There is high pressure on the forest resources especially, in Kalash valley for fuel wood.” The Local Government will extend all sort of support to MSRD in implementation of this significant project, he added.

People mostly from Kalasha indigenous tribe, line departments, local government and other stakeholders participated in the event.