Identifying local actors of deforestation and forest degradation in the Kalasha valleys of Pakistan

Prevention of forest loss is a high priority in Pakistan, where catastrophic flooding in 1992 and 2010 has been linked to deforestation. Under the United Nation's REDD+ program, new incentive schemes are developed to encourage forest protection and reforestation, while implementing social safeguards for forest-dependent indigenous groups. The objective of this study is to support Pakistan's REDD+ readiness activities that affect the Kalasha, a unique indigenous people that are nominated for enhanced protection of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. We aim to identify actors and power structures that have caused deforestation in the past, and recommend policy improvements that protect forests as well as the Kalasha's culture and traditional livelihoods. A remote-sensing based historical analysis showed that government actors have significant power to influence land use practices in the region, although their policy instruments may not have had the intended effects. A logging ban in 1993 could not stop forest loss and instead caused a shift to illegal selective cutting of the same magnitude. Near human habitation, forest loss actually increased after the ban. In household surveys, self-reported clearing of forests conformed to remote sensing data, and fuel wood use was identified as the primary pressure on forest resources. Results from expert interviews, however, revealed contradictory perceptions regarding the actors responsible for forest loss. Both local residents and government officials hold the other side as primarily responsible, while rationalizing their own contribution. We recommend policy changes towards more balanced power structure in joint forest management committees. In addition, alternative heating methods would remove the currently largest pressure on forest extraction for fuelwood. Since fuelwood production for regional consumption constitutes one of the largest sources of income for the poorest households, REDD-based compensation schemes would have to support the most affected households of the indigenous Kalasha. •The Kalasha are a unique indigenous people with forest dependent livelihoods.•A remote sensing analysis suggests that deforestation threatens their resources.•After a logging ban in 1993 deforestation patterns changed but could not be reduced.•Expert interviews revealed contradictory perceptions regarding actors of deforestation.•We recommend policy changes to support Kalasha management and resource use.