Chitral Gol National Park; A paradise or threat for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic conditions of local societies

Abstract

The current study was conducted to investigate the Chitral Gol National Park, as a bliss or risk for biodiversity safeguarding and socio-economic situations of regional people in the park region. The Chitral Gol National Park indicates a vital part in the improvement of the socio-economic situation and also in the management of the biodiversity in park area. The key aim of the park area is generally to enhance the societies’ link in the park area for its better management and conservation through community-based conservation. For this aim, 160 open ended questionnaires were equally distributed and collected in the park area. Results revealed that the local public much satisfied from the park area. 11 villages openly profited from the park area in case of cash, employments and wood fuel etc. The local public greatly concerned in the management of park area. The ecological profits from park were reported well. The administration maintenance was noble in the park area and show energetic role in the management of plantation, flora cover, fauna species etc. Public education and awareness about park areas via education, workshops, seminars, walk campaign, and local government must take obligatory stages for their safeguard and management. Keywords: Chitral Gol National Park, Local Community, Biodiversity Conservation, Socio-economic Conditions, Protected areas