Chilgoza Pin Revival: la Restauration du Pakistan, des Forêts et de la Protection de la Noix de Pin
The chilgoza pine forests of Northern Pakistan, located in the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalaya region, are undergoing a significant transformation through the efforts of the Restoration Initiative (TRI). These forests, which provide valuable resources such as pine nuts, face threats from illegal harvesting and overexploitation. They are also essential for local biodiversity, including endangered species like the snow leopard, and provide valuable resources such as chilgoza pine nuts, which are a significant source of income for local communities. TRI’s project aims to restore these vital ecosystems by promoting sustainable harvesting practices, establishing forest protection committees, and supporting natural regeneration.
Sustainable Harvesting of Chilgoza Pine Nuts
Since its inception, the TRI project in Pakistan has made notable progress in restoring degraded landscapes. The project has successfully brought 5,279 hectares of land under restoration, and improved the management of 66,756 hectares. These restoration efforts have provided essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and enhanced biodiversity.
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the project’s success. The project has benefited 30,388 direct beneficiaries through various training sessions, capacity-building activities, and support for income-generating activities. The introduction of chilgoza pine nut processing units has been a game-changer for local communities. These units have enabled locals to add value to their harvests, significantly increasing their income. In 2021 and 2022, the collective production and processing units yielded 24,709.3 metric tons of chilgoza, generating a noteworthy revenue of Rs. 149.07 million (roughly USD 1.8 million) for the local communities and stakeholders involved in this value chain.
To address varying contextual challenges to effective restoration, the project has employed a central focus surrounding the development of community forests and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.… Read the rest