CHITRAL: A sustainable revolution is taking root in the valleys of Chitral as community-based enterprises (CBEs) transform non-timber forest products (NTFPs) into a powerhouse for local livelihoods and environmental conservation in the Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.

Initiated by the NTFP Directorate of the forest department, the programme is successfully pivoting forest-dependent communities away from timber extraction toward the “wise harvesting” of natural resources, according to assistant director at NTFP Chitral Ajaz Ahmad.

He told reporters in Rumbur valley that the Directorate had established several CBEs in the region, engaging local communities through proper training, technical inputs and value addition of NTFP products.

“In just four months, these CBEs have sold around 200kg of wild honey, 800kg of pine nuts, 600 litres of walnut oil and 900kg of herbal products,” he said.

Official says CBEs set up to engage local communities for value addition of NTFP products

Mr Ahmad said the initiative had significantly increased household incomes, particularly benefitting women.

Local community members also highlighted the impact of the programme.

Gunza Gul from Birir valley said she collected herbal tea from nearby forests, processed it locally, and sold it at a higher price.

“This has helped us support our household expenses and invest in our children’s education,” she said.

Sajjad Ahmad, a member of a CBE in Chitral, noted that value-added NTFP products from the region were gaining popularity in national markets.

“We are selling various products online, and demand is steadily increasing,” he said.

Mohammad Nayab, who operates an e-commerce platform in Chitral, confirmed the growing market trend.

“We receive a large number of online orders daily for Chitral-based NTFP products, reflecting strong demand,” he said.

Environmental stakeholders also see the initiative as a positive step toward conservation.

Shamsur Rabi, a member of the Forest Protection Committee in Birir, said that providing alternative livelihoods reduces reliance on timber extraction.

“When people have other income sources, pressure on forests decreases. These CBEs are playing a vital role in both conservation and community development,” he said. He said that the directorate had supported communities with training, toolkits for sustainable harvesting and marketing opportunities.

Dr Huma Ambreen, director (conservation) at the Mountain Society for Research and Development, a Chitral-based organisation, emphasised the importance of NTFPs in the context of climate change.

“Increasing pressure on forests due to climate change makes NTFPs a viable and sustainable alternative for local livelihoods,” she said.

She, however, stressed the need for improved eco-friendly harvesting practices, along with proper branding and certification to enhance market access.

“The growing success of CBEs in Chitral highlights the potential of community-driven, sustainable forest management models in addressing both economic and environmental challenges,” she said.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026