Analysis of the People–Forests Relationship in Lower Galliyat, Abbottabad Pakistan

Abstract

Galliyat—the mountainous region in district Abbottabad of Hazara division in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province—is rich in natural vegetation. On the basis of elevation above sea level, Galliyat is categorized into Upper and Lower subdivisions. Like other regions in northern Pakistan, the forests of Galliyat are intensively utilized for the collection of fuelwood and harvesting of timber. However, effects of the human population on forests are still unknown except in Ayubia National Park. This study was conducted to explore the requirements for fuelwood and sawn timber of population members dependent on forests, and the role of socio-economic status on deforestation, in Bagnotar in Lower Galliyat. A survey was conducted to gather information about fuelwood and sawn timber demands to assess the effects on vegetation, as well as socio-economic status of local population to purchase fuelwood and sawn timber. It was found that the diversity, abundance, frequency and density of woody species were relatively higher in reserved forests than community forests. Deforestation has been greatest in community forests, which has shifted the population pressure towards reserved forests. Moreover, the privately owned lands play an important role in fuelwood supply. Timber collection has more devastating effects on forests than fuelwood collection. The present study has been carried out in a disadvantaged region and reveals people–forests relationship that would help the wise management of forests.