The rare flora and fauna of the park have gained worldwide recognition. The park provides a rare habitat for unique wildlife. Conservator of Forests Quetta
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Islamabad (UrduPoint News International/ Sputnik - International Press Agency - January 02, 2025) As a hub of eco-tourism, Ziarat National Park needs to be promoted globally to increase the number of tourists and generate income for local communities. Located about 15 kilometers from Ziarat city, the park, spread over approximately 112,185 hectares, is home to one of the largest and oldest forests in the world, a symbol of Pakistan’s natural heritage and serving as an important ecological resource. Its rare flora and fauna have gained worldwide recognition. The park provides a rare habitat for unique wildlife.
Speaking to Wealth Pak, Niaz Khan Kakkar, Conservator of Forests Quetta and Project Director of Wildlife, highlighted the importance of juniper trees and termed them not only a natural wonder but also an integral part of the ecosystem. These trees act as carbon sinks and help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Juniper trees also play an important role in maintaining the regional water cycle by regulating groundwater recharge and ensuring a constant supply of water for the local population. Maintaining this ecological balance is essential for both human well-being and environmental health.
He said that there are many other tourist attractions near the park including Zarzari Picnic Spot, Jamia Masjid Ziarat, the historic Quaid-e-Azam Residency built in 1892 during the British rule, Prospect Point Ziarat is located on the top of the hill at an altitude of 2,713 meters, surrounded by the city of Ziarat, Faran Tangi Ziarat, Chotiar Tangi Ziarat, Mana Dam and the second highest peak of Balochistan with a height of 3,847 meters.
He said that promoting eco-tourism would not only help in protecting this natural asset but would also be a source of income generation for the local communities. Various measures can be taken such as training community members, conducting guided tours, organizing handicraft markets and providing homestays for tourists. Empowering local communities as stewards of the environment can empower the local people as it ensures the long-term viable sustainability of environmentally responsible conservation efforts.
Conservator Forest Quetta said that it is necessary to allow control of the number of visitors at the national level. The Conservator of Forest also stressed the need to limit the number of tourists in the park. There should be proper signboards on the paths and roads with clear instructions about directions, safety precautions and conservation guidelines to help promote responsible tourism practices to protect the park’s ecosystem.
Apart from this, he stressed the importance of trained tour guides to deal with any untoward situation. He suggested creating a resource-rich library to attract students and researchers to the park. Dad Tareen, Director Culture and Focal Person for Tourism Department Balochistan, said that promoting the park would not only attract local and international tourists but would also increase the sense of security in the patron. He stressed the need for coordination between government departments, international agencies, non-governmental organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders to highlight the environmental aspect of the Ziarat National Park spotlight. He said that it is very important to develop eco-friendly infrastructure, accommodation, and visitor guidance centers to make the park more enjoyable. He said that a campaign should be launched to create awareness among local communities about the importance of conservation so that they can act as custodians of nature.
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