Feasibility study to conserve chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) ecosystem in Marghuzar valley of district Swat.

Scientific Committee WWF-Pakistan Lahore

In the distant past, chir pine ( Pinus roxburghii) and scrub forest covered the mountainous valley of lower Swat under sub-tropical climate zone. These have been cut ruthlessly and now only remnant forest patches of these can these can be seen on sacred places like graveyards or small land holdings protected by individuals or communities. Marghuzar valley is one of the few areas still covered by chir pine. However, its cutting is reported to be alarming due to domestic and commercial needs of the local community and trade to meet timber demand of Mingora city. To make an assessment of the current trend of these forests, know key threats and roots causes of the exploitation of these and recommend actions for conservation of the forest, the project is proposed.

• Assess the current status of the chir pine forests ecosystem in Marghuzar Valley of District Swat.
  
• Identify key threats to the ecosystem.
  
• Know local community perception on conservation of these forests