ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: The involvement of local communities is a must for successful implementation of the ‘Protected Areas Management Project’ (PAMP), the minister of state for environment, Maj Tahir Iqbal (retired), said on Monday.

Inaugurating a three-day GEF-PAMP workshop, he said the project would not only provide an opportunity to the local communities for the protection of natural areas, but also create a sense of ownership among them for the conservation of natural resources. The expertise gained in this regard will then be used in other areas of the country, he added.

The minister said it was the first project of its kind being implemented by the provincial governments, and the local communities would be involved for the protection of the three national parks.

“I understand that only the NWFP government has some experience to work with the local communities as they are implementing one of the environment ministry’s projects, funded by the Global Environmental Facility through the UNDP, namely “Mountain Areas Conservation Project,” he said.

Mr Iqbal said: “I hope the project entities of Balochistan and the AJK will also be able to implement this project efficiently.”

He said an endowment fund being established under the project would certainly help protect natural areas. “I am also confident that the technical assistance sought by the project entities for each national park will facilitate the achievement of desired objectives.”

The minister appreciated the World Bank and its officials, the governments of NWFP, Balochistan and the AJK, and the environment ministry officials, for making efforts for the implementation of the project.

He also thanked the Global Environment Facility, which had provided funding for the project through the World Bank. “I hope that GEF and the World Bank will continue supporting Pakistan for enhancing the project portfolio in future as well,” he said.

The minister said his office would provide full cooperation for the successful implementation of the project and in conducting the workshop.