MoU Signed to Promote Integrated Natural Resource Management in Gilgit-Baltistan

The Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Wildlife Conservation and Development Society (WCDS) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote integrated natural resource management across the region

GILGIT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2026) The Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Wildlife Conservation and Development Society (WCDS) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote integrated natural resource management across the region.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the office of the Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment in Gilgit. Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment Syed Abdul Waheed Shah signed the agreement on behalf of the department, while Dr. Mayoor Khan chief executive officer of WCDS represented the organisation. Senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

According to officials, the agreement is aimed at strengthening local community governance structures, promote community-based wildlife conservation and improve livelihoods through sustainable management of natural

resources in the mountainous landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Under the agreement, both sides will jointly work to promote biodiversity conservation, conduct annual wildlife population surveys and undertake targeted research.

The collaboration will also support integrated forest and natural resource management initiatives in the region.

The MoU also emphasises strengthening community-based institutions and establishing Community Managed Conservancies (CMCs), besides promoting conservation education and public awareness.

Officials said the agreement would also facilitate the implementation of field-based conservation projects and climate change resilience programmes across Gilgit-Baltistan.

WCDS has been supporting the government in establishing and strengthening community-based organisations and Community Managed Conservancies/Controlled Hunting Areas across the region.

Through these collaborative efforts, the organisation has contributed to the recovery of several key wildlife species in Gilgit-Baltistan, including the flare-horned markhor, Ladakh urial and woolly flying squirrel, along with the protection

of their habitats.