Economic Empowerment of Communities through Eco-Tourism

Project

Heading
Economic Empowerment of Communities through Eco-Tourism
Description
Plastic pollution is one of the prime and alarming issues in Pakistan that has vast environmental and human health impacts, which need to be addressed as a priority. Unfortunately, limited work has been done on the topic, especially on air and water pollution in Pakistan. Informal solid waste management is being done by municipalities, which is not adequate, and the problem will increase with the upsurge in population and industrialization. There is a need to address the knowledge gap and improvements in the existing conditions to manage the issue of plastic pollution separately. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, which release toxic emissions when extracted from the earth. Plastic contribution has penetrated into all branches of human activity: everyday utensils to decorations, packing industry, constructions, medical and most importantly beverages industry. Excessive use of plastics bottles everywhere, on one hand has brought easy comforts while on the other hand its safe disposal has become a major issue that is leading to dangerous levels of environmental pollution. Soil, land, air and marine pollution has worsened due to unlimited use of plastic water and cold drink bottles. Pakistan is also facing health and other hazards being created due to extensive and widespread use of plastics bottles in the country. Irrigations system of Pakistan is one of the largest gravity flow irrigations systems in the world comprising of dams, barrages, head-works, secondary and tertiary canals and water courses, bridges, and other hydraulic structures. Plastic pollution starts from the catchment areas in the mountain ranges due to tourism, local population, agricultural, industrial and other activities which cause transportation of disposed plastic bags/ bottles etc. into streams/rivers due to wind or water flow actions. People are meant to drink lots of water each day, and plastic water bottles have become a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, most of these are only recommended for single use, and that means that every time someone finishes a bottle, it goes into the trash. As these plastic bottles are typically made from polyethylene terephthalate (Pet), it takes over 400 years to decompose naturally. Plastic bottle waste is one of the biggest environmental disaster that is faced by our planet. Nature does not decompose most of these substances. Long-lasting plastic items thus litter areas that are settled by people. Even worse, the oceans and other wildlife areas are affected too. Over the years, plastic items break down, and as a result, micro plastics have been found in the water we drink and the air that we breathe. These tiny particles cause health hazards, some of which have not been thoroughly researched so far. Since the next generation will inherit this planet, it is essential to provide them with the knowledge they need to rise up to the environmental challenges they will certainly face. Young volunteers are an inspiring demographic to work with because they are optimistic, eager to learn and willing to change their ways. So under this intervention a set of young volunteers for the collection of plastic water bottles from target areas. It has also become apparent to humanitarian actors that the lack of youth activities and livelihoods opportunities is a source of frustration for all communities. Youth living in the selected UCs have no support networks in place that would assist in finding employment. The majority of Youth of the targeted UCs are jobless and dependant on their family; and the reason behind this that they don’t have any opportunity to build their skills for business or job. Neither any of the NGOs nor did government agencies impart any training on youth and women income earning. In last few years, hospitality and tourism has become the eminent and fastest growing industry, which is generating fresh career openings for youth. Being one of the world’s rapidly growing and most exciting field of employment this sector promises a range of career and livelihood opportunities. The targeted Union Councils Mohandri and Kaghan of District Mansehra also has the great potential of tourism in 12 months of the year; tourist from different parts of Pakistan are visiting Kaghan valley. Keeping in mind the geographic location and tourism potential, GEESE will build the capacity of 50 identified youth of UCs Mohandri and Kaghan on Communication skills, basic work ethics and professionalism at work place, booking arrival and departure procedures, safety and health & hygiene, housekeeping, management of dining and sitting area and event planning and management.
StartDate
10/01/2022
EndDate
09/30/2023
WorkingArea
UC Mohandri and UC Kaghan of District Mansehra, KP Pakistan
DonarName
US Consulate General Peshawar, Pakistan
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Economic Empowerment of Communities through Eco-Tourism

Plastic pollution is one of the prime and alarming issues in Pakistan that has vast environmental and human health impacts, which need to be addressed as a priority. Unfortunately, limited work has been done on the topic, especially on air and water pollution in Pakistan. Informal solid waste management is being done by municipalities, which is not adequate, and the problem will increase with the upsurge in population and industrialization. There is a need to address the knowledge gap and improvements in the existing conditions to manage the issue of plastic pollution separately. Most plastic is made from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, which release toxic emissions when extracted from the earth. Plastic contribution has penetrated into all branches of human activity: everyday utensils to decorations, packing industry, constructions, medical and most importantly beverages industry. Excessive use of plastics bottles everywhere, on one hand has brought easy comforts while on the other hand its safe disposal has become a major issue that is leading to dangerous levels of environmental pollution. Soil, land, air and marine pollution has worsened due to unlimited use of plastic water and cold drink bottles. Pakistan is also facing health and other hazards being created due to extensive and widespread use of plastics bottles in the country. Irrigations system of Pakistan is one of the largest gravity flow irrigations systems in the world comprising of dams, barrages, head-works, secondary and tertiary canals and water courses, bridges, and other hydraulic structures. Plastic pollution starts from the catchment areas in the mountain ranges due to tourism, local population, agricultural, industrial and other activities which cause transportation of disposed plastic bags/ bottles etc. into streams/rivers due to wind or water flow actions. People are meant to drink lots of water each day, and plastic water bottles have become a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, most of these are only recommended for single use, and that means that every time someone finishes a bottle, it goes into the trash. As these plastic bottles are typically made from polyethylene terephthalate (Pet), it takes over 400 years to decompose naturally. Plastic bottle waste is one of the biggest environmental disaster that is faced by our planet. Nature does not decompose most of these substances. Long-lasting plastic items thus litter areas that are settled by people. Even worse, the oceans and other wildlife areas are affected too. Over the years, plastic items break down, and as a result, micro plastics have been found in the water we drink and the air that we breathe. These tiny particles cause health hazards, some of which have not been thoroughly researched so far. Since the next generation will inherit this planet, it is essential to provide them with the knowledge they need to rise up to the environmental challenges they will certainly face. Young volunteers are an inspiring demographic to work with because they are optimistic, eager to learn and willing to change their ways. So under this intervention a set of young volunteers for the collection of plastic water bottles from target areas. It has also become apparent to humanitarian actors that the lack of youth activities and livelihoods opportunities is a source of frustration for all communities. Youth living in the selected UCs have no support networks in place that would assist in finding employment. The majority of Youth of the targeted UCs are jobless and dependant on their family; and the reason behind this that they don’t have any opportunity to build their skills for business or job. Neither any of the NGOs nor did government agencies impart any training on youth and women income earning. In last few years, hospitality and tourism has become the eminent and fastest growing industry, which is generating fresh career openings for youth. Being one of the world’s rapidly growing and most exciting field of employment this sector promises a range of career and livelihood opportunities. The targeted Union Councils Mohandri and Kaghan of District Mansehra also has the great potential of tourism in 12 months of the year; tourist from different parts of Pakistan are visiting Kaghan valley. Keeping in mind the geographic location and tourism potential, GEESE will build the capacity of 50 identified youth of UCs Mohandri and Kaghan on Communication skills, basic work ethics and professionalism at work place, booking arrival and departure procedures, safety and health & hygiene, housekeeping, management of dining and sitting area and event planning and management.



Working Area

UC Mohandri and UC Kaghan of District Mansehra, KP Pakistan

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