Nasir Iqbal Malik - WWF - Pakistan

Interaction with communities during field visit - Zulfiqar Ali/ WWF - Pakistan
the village with electricity at night. This also meant
that they save money which was previously used for
kerosene lanterns.
“Abundant cutting of Typha has degraded bird
habitats. Realizing this, the Jhole Maari Welfare and
Development Organisation has taken an initiative to
declare a “no cutting zone” by conducting a series
of meetings with the communities of different villages
as well as influential people of the area for the
restoration of nesting sites of birds and fish” said
Azam Jakhro during an interaction with another
young member of the same CBO.
Abdul Qadir informed the programme team that they
have got very good results by adopting this step. A
protected habitat was provided to the water birds for
nesting, staging and breeding purpose as well as for
their survival. Now the birds were having no
disturbance in the Jhole Maari ‘no cutting zone’.
“We have planned to improve some more
dimensions of the area in near future. Many water
birds have been saved by taking such small
initiatives at local level”, said Abdul Qadir.
CBO members have a clear vision regarding the
sustainable management of the natural resources at
local level as well as addressing different social
issues. They are enjoying the alternate energy
schemes (biogas, solar energy units), education for
girls at village level only by adopting “self help”
and, “participatory development approach”.
Every one is participating in this initiative because
this is the step towards success which is due to the
willingness of the community members.
October 2009 WWF - Pakistan Natura 21