Sindh CM Pushes Eco-Tourism, Trophy Hunting

APP

Karachi: In a policy shift aimed at tying conservation directly to local livelihoods, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar has directed the Wildlife Department to strengthen community-based conservation while promoting eco-tourism and regulated trophy hunting as management tools rather than revenue streams.

Chairing a meeting of the Forest and Wildlife Department at the CM House, Baqar emphasised that wildlife protection must go hand in hand with incentives for local communities, particularly in areas rich in biodiversity, wetlands, dry zone habitats and lands unsuitable for cultivation but valuable for conservation.

Officials briefed the meeting that October to March marks the non-breeding season for game birds, making it technically suitable for controlled and sustainable hunting under legal frameworks.

The chief minister approved hunting in Tharparkar district and Shaheed Benazirabad division for the current year but directed that both regions remain closed during the 2023–24 season to allow breeding and population recovery.

A key focus of the meeting was the protection of the endangered Indus River Dolphin. Conservator Wildlife Javed Maher informed the CM that the dolphin population stood at 1,419 in 2019, with around 200 rescues carried out between 1995 and 2020. Baqar ordered enhanced conservation measures to safeguard the species and its riverine habitat.

The chief minister also called for stronger protection of migratory birds, terming them “guests” that require responsible stewardship during their seasonal stay in Sindh.

Officials explained that trophy hunting quotas are allocated annually under the framework of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through Pakistan’s Management Authority under the Ministry of Climate Change.

Only a limited number of mature, old-age males of designated species are permitted for hunting after scientific surveys, while the majority of the population is left undisturbed to sustain natural breeding cycles.

Authorities clarified that trophy hunting is not conducted in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries but is restricted to game reserves, private lands and certain state lands. Quotas are advertised publicly and awarded to the highest bidder, in coordination with the federal government and the CITES secretariat.

Forestry and Wildlife Secretary Najam Shah told the meeting that the programme’s core objective is conservation through community partnership.

Under the approved 80:20 benefit-sharing formula, 80 per cent of proceeds go to local communities, incentivising them to prevent illegal hunting, monitor habitats, conduct surveys and manage water resources through community-based organisations.

By linking conservation with economic returns for local residents, the provincial government aims to create a model where biodiversity protection, eco-tourism and regulated hunting collectively support sustainable wildlife management in Sindh.