MCNP aims to raise awareness about forest protection, wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Community participation will be encouraged to help protect mountain ecosystems for future generations.
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is home to some of Pakistan’s most remarkable mountain landscapes, forests, glaciers, and wildlife habitats. Its natural resources support local livelihoods, water systems, biodiversity, tourism, and ecological balance. However, limited forest cover, pressure on natural resources, habitat disturbance, climate change, and human-wildlife interactions create important conservation challenges.
EcoCivic Development Services (EDS) aims to support sustainable natural resource management through research, community engagement, GIS mapping, environmental awareness, project planning, and monitoring and evaluation services.
3.58% — Natural forest cover
The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Forest Department reports approximately 249,205 hectares of natural forest, equivalent to about 3.58% of the region’s geographical area, according to its published forest information.
34% — Mountainous landscape
The department’s regional profile describes approximately 34% of GB as mountainous terrain and 46% as natural rangelands. These landscapes provide important habitats and support pastoral livelihoods and ecosystem services.
5 — National parks
The department’s published forest profile lists five national parks in GB, alongside two wildlife sanctuaries, four game reserves, and 48 Community Controlled Hunting Areas. These figures reflect the department’s published information and should be checked against the latest official notifications before being treated as a current inventory.
66 — Government forest plantations
The department’s published forest information also reports 66 government plantations and 56 nurseries across the region, highlighting the role of forest restoration and plantation management.
Sources: Forest, Wildlife & Environment Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Figures reflect published departmental information and may refer to different reporting years.
We support forest-related research, community awareness, sustainable forest management planning, plantation assessments, and studies of local dependence on forest resources.
We provide research and project support for wildlife monitoring, habitat conservation, community-based conservation, and awareness of native species such as the Astore markhor, Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, and Himalayan brown bear.
We support biodiversity assessments, habitat mapping, environmental education, and conservation planning to help protect mountain ecosystems and native plant and animal species.
We facilitate community consultations, stakeholder engagement, social mobilization, and local participation in conservation planning. We recognize that conservation initiatives are more sustainable when local knowledge, community priorities, and livelihood needs are considered.
We support research and planning on climate-related pressures affecting forests, wildlife habitats, rangelands, glaciers, and water resources. Our services can help organizations identify local risks and develop appropriate adaptation and resource management plans.
We provide support for baseline studies, field surveys, GIS mapping, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, and technical reporting to inform conservation planning and project implementation.
Located across parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Central Karakoram National Park contains major mountain and glacial landscapes and habitats for species including the snow leopard, markhor, Himalayan ibex, and blue sheep. Its ecological importance makes conservation planning, responsible tourism, and community engagement valuable priorities.
Situated near Skardu and Astore, Deosai is an important high-altitude ecosystem known for its alpine landscapes and Himalayan brown bear habitat. Research, visitor awareness, habitat monitoring, and responsible tourism can help support its long-term conservation.
Located in Upper Hunza near the Pakistan–China border, Khunjerab National Park protects high-altitude habitats and wildlife, including the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan ibex, and blue sheep.
These examples demonstrate why conservation services must consider the different ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and community needs found across GB.
EDS aims to provide professional services to government departments, conservation organizations, NGOs, INGOs, development partners, and private institutions through:
Conservation research and community needs assessments.
Environmental awareness and social mobilization.
GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
Forest and wildlife project planning support.
Monitoring, evaluation, and technical reporting.
Stakeholder consultations and capacity building.
Assessments of conservation-related livelihood opportunities.
EDS aims to contribute to the long-term conservation of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity in Gilgit-Baltistan through locally informed research, professional services, and approaches that recognize the relationship between healthy ecosystems and resilient mountain communities.
For current statistics, conservation reports, and official information, consult the Forest, Wildlife & Environment Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan:
Forest information and statistics
National parks and protected areas
Wildlife survey reports
Forest inventory and environmental publications
GB Forest Department — National Parks
Forest Department Gilgit-Baltistan
GB Forest Department — Wildlife and environmental reports
Forest Department Gilgit-Baltistan
GB Forest Department — Publications
Forest Department Gilgit-Baltistan
