Danish Iqbal
Gilgit Baltistan is a land of unmatched beauty and natural and cultural capital of Pakistan. Gilgit Baltistan is Known for its snow capped mountains , landscape covered with lakes ,rivers ,valleys and glaciers . Gilgit Baltistan is famous for its sceneries and has mountainous peaks including K2 that is the 2nd highest mountain in the world. Moreover, it is also renowned for its history, culture, landmarks, and the local community .Due to its natural beauty tourism is the main source of revenue for gilgit baltistan and its people , tourism contributes to the socioeconomic development of gilgit baltistan . Its ecosystem and biodiversity contributes to the attraction of people around the world and tourists predominantly visit GB for adventure sports such as climbing, hiking, camping, and paragliding .Many tourists visit Gilgit Baltistan which include locals and foreigners, the tourism has positive impacts in economical, sociological and environmental which contributes to the development of the area as well as there are negative impacts of tourism in different spheres. Tourism in Gilgit Baltistan is essential and requires a proper structure and mitigation of adverse effects of tourism .
ecotourism which is responsible travel to natural areas where that conserves the environment and sustains the wellbeing of locals . The ecotourism in gilgit baltistan holds great importance for sustainable development of the area as the ecotourism is a sub component of tourism and it includes visiting natural areas to study and observe nature and environmental friendly activities. A large number of studies have explored the factors of sustainable tourism and asserted that a criterion for sustainable tourism should include indicators of social and economic sustainability, adding up to the indicators of environmental sustainability. Others have argued that for tourism to contribute to sustainable development it must be economically viable, environmentally sensitive and culturally appropriate and the forms that this might take are likely to vary with location.
Gilgit Baltistan has the population around 1.8 Million and the poverty rate is high in this area of Pakistan ,Socio economic condition of GB is not that much satisfying ,the tourism’s impact must be positively affecting locals and providing them opportunities in this specific arena is essential most importantly their perspectives are of great importance and must be considered during implementations of tourism policies . The locals native land must be preserved . The lack of education ,healthcare ,electricity and increase in poverty are the hindrance and a reason which affects tourism . If the people of Gilgit Baltistan are provided the basic facilities and right over their land then they can contribute in the tourism and the promotion of ecotourism and its significant impact would certainly benefit the government and people .
However, it is observed that tourism has also resulted in creating adverse effects on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the region due to the lack of consideration of the environmental issues. For instance, it has become a common practice that the tourists litter and stew garbage alongside rivers and picnic spots, which results in environmental degradation. This development has shifted the focus of the present government, the provincial as well as the federal government, towards ecotourism development in the region. The GB government is already working with different stakeholders in order to raise awareness among the masses. The local hotels and institutes have started “Responsible Tourism” initiatives in order to educate the young children and women about protecting their resources and acting as the environmental stewards. Prospects for Ecotourism under CPEC Environmental sustainability is an integral part of a nation’s overall economic development framework. Striking a balance between the two is very crucial for ensuring a sustainable path of development. In Pakistan, with the prospects of better infrastructure facilities under the CPEC framework, there is a boost in the flow of tourists to the scenic spots of the country. Moreover, it is very important that the government timely formulates the relevant policies so that with an increase in commercial activities, their negative fallouts are minimised in the fragile eco-system of regions like GB. Background of CPEC and its Importance In Pakistan, the CPEC has opened the doors of economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan through improved infrastructural development and enhanced regional connectivity. The CPEC is a multi-billion development project signed between the Government of Pakistan and the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2015. It aims at establishing a network .
Ecotourism is essential for people of Gilgit Baltistan as it may enhance their sustainable development . The poverty rate in Gilgit Baltistan is more than any other province of Pakistan and the people of Gilgit Baltistan are migrating to different areas of Pakistan due to lack of facilities and to acquire what they need as a citizen of this country . Through sustainable development the ecotourism might be improved and the indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan would get opportunities and would help to maintain ecotourism, which eventually impacts tourism and its economical ,environmental and social gains somehow increases the per capita income of GB. The revenue generated by this responsible tourism would be helpful in recovering the adverse effects on the area by tourism.
Thus ecotourism is a beneficial tool for Gilgit Baltistan’s development and prosperity if utilized properly otherwise the environmental degradation and adverse effects may impact the indigenous people and Gilgit Baltistan and would finally exploit the natural essence of the area and its economical structure.
It is expected and must be made sure to preserve natural beauty of Gilgit Baltistan and the people of this land must be taken in confidence before any implication, by the government otherwise that will gradually diminish the sustainable development . government must make sure to frame eco friendly policies with the consent of indigenous people . Tourism is the major source of revenue for Gilgit Baltistan so the people of GB must be priority so they may prosper and take tourism to the zenith in Gilgit Baltistan.