Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Saadullah Ayaz
M. Sc. (Forestry), M. Phil (Environmental Sciences)
saad.ayaz@gmail.com
Pakistan is blessed with outstanding physical features, high biological and cultural and historical significance. These
forests have tremendous historical, cultural and biological significance but also provide economic and livelihood
opportunity to thousands of local household, who live here in abject poverty and solely depend on natural resources
within these forests. Tourist activities greatly support economic activities in the area, but related un-planned
development is causing damage to the fragile natural environment within this ecosystem.
These Guidelines have been prepared as a tool raise awareness and consciousness among tourists so as to
encourage environmentally and socially responsible activities. Following these guidelines will maximize pleasure of
recreation for you and other who follow. It will also allow local inhabitants of forest areas of Pakistan keep their natural
and cultural heritage unspoiled by commercial influences.
These guidelines are applicable to all national and foreign tourists visiting forest areas in Pakistan.
Dos
1. Support Local Economy
Consider how will your visit directly benefit the local economy or entire community? This is an integral
part of true ecotourism. Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets. This helps
create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding natural areas by giving locals an economic
alternative to potentially destructive practices.
Donts
You are required to follow the guidelines strictly so that the ecological features of the area in protected for
others who would follow you. Following these Guidelines will not only maximise your pleasure while staying in
forest resorts, but would also support local efforts to conserve very unique ecological features of forests in
Pakistan.
As a thoughtful and responsible tourist there are several things you can do before, during and after your journey
to ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize your impact on the area. It is far
Refrain from any activity which eliminates, damages or alters any of the ecological resources and aesthetic
value of this area.
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*It is strongly recommended to practice safety restraints and seek advice for experienced professional and locals who are familiar with local
condition, culture/customs, social norms and law-in-order situation.
Please consult maps and brochures available for you convenience for your education
Carry all necessary safety gear/equipment and food items before leaving.
Photography might be considered offensive in most of the areas, please ask before you do. It is strongly advised that you mat photography
families and women.
Points to Ponder!
How would you like it if someone from another country came over to your country and
'order' you to change this… and clean up that…? Would you do it? Most likely you'd be
offended. Screaming and stomping your feet won't get you any respect and it certainly
won't get anything accomplished.
The author of this article is working as ‘Coordinator, Climate Change/Clean air Initiative for Asian Cities at IUCN, International
Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource, Pakistan.