Eco-Tourism Rising
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is promoting eco-tourism in the South Asian region through practical initiatives. Specifically, with its natural landscape like sparkling rivers, icy mountains, beautiful lakes and green forests, the area is known as Pakistan’s “Green Heart”. Moreover, sustainable tourism in AJ&K indicates a balance in economy and environmental stability. It contrasts with traditional tourism that frequently results in degradation. With the help of the federal government, AJ&K is incorporating sustainability, adaptable communities, and responsible tourism to preserve landscapes. Consequently, a huge number of tourists from national as well as global communities visited AJ&K last year. This number demonstrates the rapidly increasing popularity of the region as Pakistan’s eco-tourism hub.
Shared vision of Pakistan and AJ&K regarding Eco-Tourism
The shared vision of Pakistan and AJ&K demonstrates a distinct move toward purposeful eco-tourism. The objective has shifted from mass tourism. Its main goal is sustainability that can be achieved by minimizing construction in sensitive regions, optimizing trash management, and encouraging housing options like solar-powered systems. Here, government support is essential.
AJ&K has received specific funding for such eco-friendly accommodation and reliable road networks. The government has also supported digital visitor systems through the “20 New Tourist Destinations Initiative“ in AJ&K.
Neelum Valley and Ratti Gali Lake are two gems of AJ&K that demonstrate the transformation in eco-tourism. In past years, uncontrolled buildings alongside the water bodies used to cripple Neelum Valley. Construction along riverbanks is now prohibited by governmental policies, and garbage is managed by local organizations. Due to these measures, the region is known for its efficient communities and responsible tourism. Moving towards Ratti Gali Lake, it is a point that can only be reached by hiking. There is a restriction on the number of visitors, and all are bound to follow zero-waste guidelines. From Neelum to Ratti Gali, the area presents a role model for eco-tourism and provides guidance to other provinces.
Eco-tourism and prosperity of AJ&K
Eco-tourism in AJ&K does not only involve scenery but also its people and communities. Residents of the area are responsible for this transition. Women are being trained in residential management, artistic creations, and housekeeping as part of women’s empowerment projects. These programs will enable them to become independent and earn money in the future. Meanwhile, the locals of AJ&K have established food stalls, hiking services, and arts & crafts shops, securing almost 15,000 seasonal jobs. These kinds of small businesses are the advancing steps toward green entrepreneurship. This harmony between environment-friendly tourism and economy is possible only due to the local community as well as the visitors. By aligning employment opportunities with environmental sustainability, AJ&K establishes a long-term route for green development.
Global partnership for regional sustainability
The development of AJ&K as a center for eco-tourism is a collaborative effort. It is the result of collaborations between worldwide investors and local communities. According to a report of Dawn, British Members of Parliament have already expressed interest in assisting AJ&K’s tourism industry. This concern of British officials indicated that the area has drawn international attention towards its eco-tourism with the support of Pakistan’s federal government. The fundamental reality that sustainability is a shared duty rather than merely a policy is highlighted by this partnership-driven strategy. By working together, AJ&K and Pakistan are building a tradition of eco-friendly travel and economic development. With such partnerships, the environment can be protected for the promotion of prosperity.
Challenges to eco-tourism in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and their remedies
Despite extraordinary advancement, eco-tourism in AJ&K also deals with significant challenges. Some of the problems are as follows:
- Rising percentage of tourists further creates problems for the ecosystem, as 1.2 million local tourists visited AJ&K in recent years.
- Far-flung areas of AJ&K are devoid of linking roads and other residential facilities.
- Lack of policy implementation leads to illegal constructions along watersides.
- Undesirable climatic conditions that lead to melting of glaciers and landslides are harmful for communities as well as natural habitats.
The AJ&K eco-tourism concept is all about striking a balance between meaningful eco-tourism, credible growth, and sustainable communities. As two of its gems show, Pakistan does prove that conservation can result in prosperity. Neelum Valley is leading the eco-tourism revolution in the country and Ratti Gali is demonstrating positive travel on this front. Since Pakistan is keen on diversifying its economy, the model of AJ&K offers an example of sustainable tourism. It may be the main contributor to growth, global visibility and local empowerment. At AJ&K, economy and environment co-exist and give a vision of green tourism. It also creates economic empowerment among future generations which makes the region a rising star of eco-tourism. The green future design that AJ&K has created will become a role model not just for Pakistan but also for the entire South Asia.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform
