Deconcentration of Power to The Local Level In Pakistan
Donor Agencies: BirdLife International
Start Date: June 2005
End Date: May 2008
Summary
The project aim to alleviate poverty among the people of Palas Valley and this was achieved through (and help to secure) the maintenance of the productivity, hydrological services and biodiversity values of the forests and pastures. Community Based Organizations in the Palas Valley were empowered through having the knowledge, skills, legal recognition and institutional strength to claim their rights to self-determined development and manage their forest resources sustainably.
Objective
- Capacity building in newly formed Community based Organisations (CBOs) and CCBs so that they can become effective institutions for local decision-making and self-help development
- Establish CBOs network at Valley level to form an ‘All-Palas’ Federation for coordinated decision-making and enhanced bargaining power
- Make people in the Palas Valley aware of their rights and the opportunities for development provided through government policy on local council development funding and make them aware them of suitable technologies to improve livelihoods and welfare.
- Help CBOs and CCBs working effectively with key government departments (mainly the Forest Department and Wildlife Department) to best manage and develop the natural resources of the Palas Valley.
- Capacity building in Lower Kohistan Forest Division and Wildlife Department (especially in KWU) to support participatory, integrated development based on the sustainable use of the Palas Valley’s natural resources
- CBOs and CCBs to working effectively with relevant government departments (Health, Education and Agriculture) for improved delivery of government services
- Manage the Forest resources of the Palas Valley sustainably for the economic and social benefit of local people (alleviation of poverty).
- Integrate the lessons learnt from Palas in national policy and practice regarding poverty alleviation, devolution, forest management and service delivery.
