Pakistan has a variety of protected areas designated to conserve its biodiversity, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. These protected areas are classified into different categories based on specific criteria. Here are some of the major categories of protected areas in Pakistan and the criteria used for their determination:
National Parks:
Criteria: National parks in Pakistan are established to protect representative examples of the country’s natural landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife. They are chosen based on their ecological significance, unique biodiversity, and scenic beauty.
Examples: Ayubia National Park, Hingol National Park, Khunjerab National Park.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Criteria: Wildlife sanctuaries are designated to protect specific habitats and wildlife species. They may be established to provide a refuge for breeding, migration, or wintering of certain species.
Examples: Tonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Shandur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sialkot Wildlife Sanctuary.
Game Reserves:
Criteria: Game reserves are set up to conserve wildlife and promote controlled hunting and sustainable use of natural resources. They are often established to protect game species.
Examples: Chitral Gol National Park (formerly Chitral Game Reserve), Kala Chitta Game Reserve, Lal Sohanra National Park (formerly Bahawalpur Game Reserve).
Conservation Reserves:
Criteria: Conservation reserves are designated to protect specific ecosystems, landscapes, or cultural heritage sites. They may focus on conserving unique geological formations, historical sites, or important natural features.
Examples: Kirthar Conservation Area, Khewra Salt Mines.
Marine Protected Areas:
Criteria: Marine protected areas aim to conserve marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and marine species. They are established based on the importance of these areas for marine biodiversity and fisheries.
Examples: Astola Island Marine Protected Area, Churna Island Marine Protected Area.
Biosphere Reserves:
Criteria: Biosphere reserves are designated to promote the conservation of biodiversity while allowing for sustainable development. They often include core protected areas, buffer zones, and transition areas.
Examples: The Deosai National Park in Skardu is a component of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Biosphere Reserve.
Ramsar Wetlands:
Criteria: Ramsar wetlands are designated under the Ramsar Convention for the conservation of important wetland ecosystems and waterfowl habitat.
Examples: Keenjhar Lake, Haleji Lake, and many other wetlands in Pakistan are designated Ramsar sites.
The determination of protected area categories depends on a combination of ecological, biodiversity, and cultural factors. The primary goal of these protected areas is to conserve Pakistan’s natural and cultural heritage while allowing for sustainable use in some cases, such as controlled hunting or tourism. These areas play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, preserving ecosystems, and safeguarding the country’s natural and cultural treasures.