The wildlife department has raised a record $1.211 million (Rs335.725 million) through the auction of four international markhor trophy hunting permits, the highest revenue ever generated by a trophy hunting programme in Pakistan.
The permits were auctioned for Village Conservation Committees in Chitral and Kohistan. Toshi-I, Chitral, went for $320,600, Toshi-II, Chitral, for $335,600, Gahirat Gol, Chitral, for $260,000, and Kigah Khwar, Kohistan, for $295,600. Together, the four permits fetched $1,211,800.
Spokesman for the climate change, forestry and wildlife department Latifur Rehman said only a limited number of permits are issued under the programme for the hunting of mature and old male markhor.
He said the programme aims to support wildlife conservation, ensure sustainable management of natural populations and enable local communities to benefit economically from conservation.
Describing the auction as a success story of a conservation philosophy, Mr Rehman said that when forests are protected, wildlife thrives, and when communities prosper through conservation, the future of nature becomes more secure.
He said the government was taking effective, result-oriented measures to conserve wildlife, promote the sustainable use of natural resources and make local communities meaningful partners in protecting nature.
Of the revenue generated, 80 percent will go directly to the welfare and development of the concerned local communities, while the remaining 20 percent will be deposited into the government treasury.
Mr Rehman said communities living in the mountains, valleys and remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have maintained a close relationship with nature for generations.
