Do not hunt in Palas; these are “our” birds not wild. President CBO Band Banda, UC Bar Sheryal told the hunters of Alai in Sheryal.

On the south of Palas valley lies the Allai valley which runs east west exactly parallel to Palas valley with a common seam of a mountain crest dividing the watersheds of two valleys. The people from Alai valley, especially those who are living close to the boundary usually come to Palas valley for hunting of wild mammals and pheasants.

In August 2002, a Community Based Organization (CBO) was organized in Banr Banda, a village in Palas valley situated in the base of the crest dividing Palas and Allai.

Through an awareness raising program the importance of conservation of natural resources was shared with the CBO with an emphasis on western Tragopan (locally called Jajeel), which has become extinct from all over except Palas valley.

The CBO was also informed that because of some internationally importance endemic flora and fauna species the Palas valley got international importance.

Although killing, hunting, poaching, snaring is an illegal act but owing to tribal nature of the society the law is not respected.

During November 2002 the CBO held a general body meeting and a unanimous decision was taken to regulate hunting and to respect all self imposed restrictions in this regard. The decision being unanimous was not only owned, respected by the community but was implemented in its true spirit.

As usual, some hunters from Alai area entered Pallas valley in June 2003. On their way to forest the president of the CBO intercepted them and enquired about their endeavors. The hunters group told him that they are here for hunting. Meanwhile other community members also joined their president. The president of the CBO informed the hunters that previously we considered these birds and animals as “wild” resource and hunted indiscriminately for subsistence/meet and some time for fun. Now we regard it our “OWN RESOURCES” resources and we also believe that they have also the right to live. Presidents told the hunters that we organized and established a CBO for the conservation of “OUR RESOURCES” resources and have imposed certain restrictions to regulate the sustainable use of Natural Resources. They were also requested to honor the decisions of the CBO in this regard. The hunters group bowed to the decisions of the CBO and returned calmly.

Awareness raising can do such miracles. The tragedy of common was converted to ownership of wildlife like other resources, which is a prerequisite for the conservation of biodiversity.

COP Sector (PCDP)