36. Implication of METT framework for assessing the performance of ecosystems and biodiversity in three protected areas of Balochistan being managed with different mechanism
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Abstract
Abstract
The Biodiversity conservation is facing great challenge in the era of climate change. The conservation of Biodiversity with different procedures is being exercised. The approaches used for effective management of Protected Areas (PAs) are not only accepted globally but also target increasing the size of PAs up to 17% of terrestrial area till 2020. In this milieu Pakistan is striving hard to increase number and size of PAs. However, it is unanimously recognized as the management of Pas matters enormously for Biodiversity conservation and is concerned with quality assurance. The current study was aimed at using globally recommended Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and World Bank (WB) to comparatively analyze the management effectiveness of the three targeted PAs of Balochistan, namely Chiltan National Park, Torghar, and Ziarat Juniper Man and Biosphere (MAB) being managed by Government, local communities and jointly by both Government and local communities respectively. The results of study revealed that the overall management of our three selected PAs in Balochistan was found better than the average status of 331 PAs assessed by WWF threshold standards. Out of 30 indicators, 23 indicators scored high level whereas 6 indicators were found weak dependent on security situation and poor governance in the province. Torghar ranked on top followed by Chiltan National Park and Ziarat Juniper MAB that ranked second and third, respectively. In conclusion, our research will provide better guidelines for policy makers in the effective management of PAs. The study has presented a baseline data for further research and will serve the stakeholders for initiating further steps regarding PAs in Balochistan.
Keywords: Balochistan; Biodiversity; Conservation; Protected Areas (PAs)