The GoNWFP
launched the PCDP in July 1998 by appointing a Project Director
from Provincial Government side. Full-scale implementation
of the project waited until the arrival of TA counterpart
and subsequent provision of funds from the Commission of the
European Communities. The EC selected the Birdlife International
as a technical assistance agency.
The “Palas Conservation and Development Project”
is an extension of the work and approach of the Himalayan
Jungle Project (1991 - 94). HJP operated under a PC-1 and
agreement between the GoPakistan and Birdlife International.
Based upon the achievement of the HJP the GoNWFP requested
Birdlife International to prepare a follow-up project.
A concept paper for the PCDP was approved by the GoP in December
1993. Till the time for preparation of the PCDP, the HJP was
extended with financial support from the EC.
Birdlife International, the former Technical Agency implementing
Himalayan Jungle Project left HJP on expiry of EC grant for
the Project in September 1997. The Birdlife entrusted the
task of look after of the interim project to WWF-Pakistan.
Since then WWF-Pakistan has funded a basic establishment of
two offices in Abbottabad and Pattan and a skeleton staff
in the offices as well as in the field. The staff and assets
of the HJP have been transferred to PCDP.
During the Shifting phase as well as operational phase, the
Governmental staff and HJP staff maintained liaison with local
communities of the Project area and conducted baseline surveys.

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