The Margallah Hills National Park, by the virtue of its location, presents a unique opportunity to provide an experience of nature to the citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and to visitors from other parts of the country.  The proximity of the park to a major urban centre and the presence of rural settlements all around

it, however, also create pressures that make the park exceptionally vulnerable to exploitation and degradation through uses that are not compatible with accepted standards of protected area management.  The resources of the park, threats to its ecological integrity, and measures that can be taken for protection and utilization of the park that is consistent with the objectives stated in the national legislation are well documented.  This note outlines a project for environmental management and development of facilities to support nature experience and education in a selected area of the park.  In addition to enhancing the status of the park as a nature reserve that has an educational and recreational value, the project will test and demonstrate approaches to protected area management that can be applied elsewhere in the country.

Project Area

The project will cover the valley of Darra Jangla.  This valley has been selected for the following reason:

The valley is easily accessible from the road network of the city.

The level of disturbance currently ranges from low to medium.

This valley can’t be considered pristine to the extent that the entry of visitors be highly restricted.

Management Approach

In view of the above discussion, it is suggested that the valley of Darra Jangla will be managed as a nature reserve with controlled access for visitors.

Proposed Activities

The following activities are proposed to achieve the project objectives:

X Development of Visitor Infrastructure

X Restoration of Natural Vegetation and Landscape

X Development of Park Management Systems and Infrastructure

X Preparation of Information and Educational Materials and Packages

X Protection, Environmental Management, and Operation of Visitor Services.

The above activities will be jointly carried out by CDA and HWF.  The distribution of responsibilities between CDA and HWF is discussed later in this document.

Development of Visitor Infrastructure

Restoration and Upgrading of Trails:
Approximately 10 kilometers of trails will be developed and upgraded the valleys.  Only existing trails will be developed, and no new trails will be cut to minimize damage to the landscape and to ensure that disturbance to the wildlife and ecology does not increase over the current level.

Development of Campsites:
Two to three campsites will be developed in the valley.  The campsites will be located in such a manner that the visitors experience a relatively undisturbed natural environment, while avoiding locations deep in the valley where wildlife may come under stress. 
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Signage:
Standard signage will be installed to provide information and directions to the visitors and to warn them on the sensitive aspects of the park. 

Reception and Information Hut:
Approximately 1000 sft of covered space and an adjacent parking lot is proposed at the entrance of Darra Jangla.  The visitors that intend to go into the park for nature walks and camping will be received here, and provided information on the natural resources of the park, facilities available, and the guidelines for the visitors.  The reception will also serve as a gathering and starting point for nature tours.

Restoration of Natural Vegetation and Landscape

Removal of Invasive species: 
Invasive species such as lantana and paper mulberry have already infested sections of the valleys and continue to penetrate in the park.  The impact on natural vegetation is already severe, and the quality of the landscape is gradually deteriorating.  Techniques for removal and subsequent control of vegetation tested in the park, Islamabad, and elsewhere in the world will be used to remove and control the spread of the invasive species in the selected valleys.  Approximately 3 sq km of area will be cleared and replanted with indigenous species.

Nursery: 
A nursery to grow saplings of trees and bushes from indigenous seeds will be developed to support restoration of vegetation. 

Water Management: 
Small check dams will be constructed to retain runoff from the watershed.  The check dam will retain silt, reduce erosion, provide drinking water for the wildlife, improve ground water recharge, and enhance the landscape and the visitor experience.

Development of Park Management Systems and Infrastructure

Watcher Stations: 
Removable tent type watcher stations will be manned, one on each side of the valley and one at the top of the watershed.  Covered area will be about 150 sq ft, and design will be of type that blends in with the natural environment.
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Communication: 
Wireless mobile communication will be provided to the watchers and the Project Officer.  The communication will be used for watch and ward, reporting fires, and assisting visitors in case of accidents and emergencies.

Logistics: 
One jeep for the Park Management Officer will be used for park management both within and outside the selected valleys.

Preparation of Information and Educational Materials and Packages

The following materials will be developed and printed:

X Trail and campsite maps

X Visitor rules and regulations

X Visitor Information Booklets

X Park Ecology

X Birds

X Mammals

X Trees and Bushes

X Plants and Wildflowers

X Fact sheets and Workbooks for visiting students

The materials will be prepared by experts and professionally designed to maintain a consisted standard of quality.

Protection, Environmental Management, and Management of Visitor Services

Preparation of Guidelines

The following guidelines will be prepared:

X Guidelines for Watch and Ward

X Guidelines for Environmental management

X Guidelines for Wildlife Management

X Guidelines for Vegetation Management

X Supervisor Guidelines for Conducting Nature Tours

The guidelines will be consolidated into a comprehensive manual for park management that can be used by the park staff for maintaining the standard of operation in the future.

Training of Park Staff

The park staff will be trained in implementation of the park management guidelines.  The training will mainly be on-the-job, where the park staff will be supervised intensively in the initial phase.