The Northwestern mountainous regions of Pakistan were endowed with a thick forest cover and biodiversity. The last four decades have been a period of unprecedented deforestation, which the experts (recorded) at the rate of 4.2 to five percent annually. Since the 1990s, a number of studies have documented the causes and factors responsible for deforestation, environmental degradation and their associated effects (Ali et al. 2006; Shahbaz et al. 2007; Khan et al. 2007; Sultan-i-Rome 2005 and 2006; Suleri 2002; Pellegrini 2007; Shahbaz and Ali 2004; and Yusuf 2007 and 2009). Most of the literature has looked at the problem of...
The paper has a qualitative approach using a combination of primary and secondary sources. The focus is on the local context in a selective area in order to draw inferences for analysis. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted to make the analysis reflective of the specific local situation and provide so far unrecorded facts regarding forest management and resource rights. Moreover, participatory observations were used to validate and supplement the findings. Apart from these, the researcher hails from the area and has first hand knowledge of the governance issues. This local acculturation helped the researcher to understand the...
The study areas selected have witnessed three distinct historical phases of management and rights regimes: pre-Wali² era, Wali era and lastly post-Wali era. Each era is characterized by its distinctive management and rights system that regulated the owners and users resources rights, each with its own implications for natural resource use.
The study areas were Lalku Valley, Sulatan, Chitkarai and Kalam Tract in the Swat district of North West Frontier Province (NWFP)³. Each of them has distinctive features regarding forest management and resources rights. The Lalku Valley consists of Bar Lalku, Koz Lalku and Lalku Gharai, whereas Ghoz Kass, Achar,...
During this time, the management of natural resources, particularly forests in the main Swat Valley and Swat Kohistan, remained under different management systems. The systems not only varied in terms of management techniques, but also in terms of implementation. In the pre-Wali era, the management in the main Swat Valley was entirely governed by the Shiekh Mali Wesh System. Shiekh Mali, a Yousafzai notable, crafted the system in the 16th century after the invasion of the Swat Valley by the Yousafzais. This system was locally known as Garzinda Wesh, literally meaning moveable or rotational re-allotment. The allotment was done at...
As mentioned in Section 4.1, community management of natural resources was the characteristic of pre Swat State era. Natural resources were in abundance and not under pressure, so they enjoyed natural protection from degradation and unsustainable use.
State management replaced the community management system in 1920s. However, the First Wali of Swat State was not naïve to the local situation and he involved the local influential tribal elders, the Khans, Maliks, even at the village level, to protect the forests in tandem with the state officials. Thus, the Wali did not offset the community system (customary law), although he signed...
The management of natural resources and the resource rights system was framed by Sheik Mali known as ‘Garzinda wesh’ (rotational re-allotment) after the occupation of Swat by the Yousafzai Pukhtoons. The community managed the resources under their customary laws (Riwaj) for centuries but these laws were biased in favor of ethnic Pukhtoons, for centuries. The management was characterized by the absence of divergence and conflicting interests. Natural resources, particularly forests, had enjoyed natural protection as the resources were in abundance in proportion to the population. The community could use them for subsistence / domestic use only.
With the emergence of...
It is recommended that the Forest Department should convene Jirgas, of all stakeholders, particularly customary de jure and de facto owners, in collaboration with the local government to settle the resource rights issue. Such Jirgas should be held at grass root level, even, on union council level. A grand Jirga on district level may not settle an issue involving property rights at the village level. The new resource right mechanism should include initiatives for reforestation and its sustainable use. Therefore, it is suggested that the Forest Department should initiate a process of dialogue and negotiation for a new social contract...
