Pakistani mountains have also become a tourist favorite hot spot, especially after the government started operating hunting trips and tourism in areas such as the Hunza, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows. In a way, this influx of tourists has certainly been a blessing to the development of the economy in certain outskirt regions that offer travertine work and bettering facilities. But it has come with many problems ranging from littering, exploitation, or overstraining sensitive facilities such as water and energy.
Although the common populace of tourists can increase the economy, the environmental degradation rate is alarming. Eco tourism in Pakistan must be taught as one day at Fairy Meadows, a formerly clean area at the base of Nanga Parbat; I noticed the waste disposal problem. This ruined the beautiful landscapes with polythene containers such as bottles and food packaging trays evident from the trails.
The importance of sustainable tourism is relatively new to Pakistan despite the fact the debate has begun. Organizations like the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) have led the way in extending environmentally friendly ideas. The two have been promoting sustainable agricultural and energy practices among the locals, which has a proportionate relationship with the sector as they relieve pressure on resources.
There are a few cases of trekking and mountaineering groups/organizations promoting clean treks/climbs. Measures that have been undertaken include disposing of all waste produced during treks and setting up environmentally friendly items at every base camp. Nevertheless, such attempts remain restricted to mountaineering circuits; the general tourism zones, for instance, Hunza and Swat, do not have an exhaustive sustainable tourism policy.
However, sustainable tourism in Pakistan still lacks strategies at the national level. The country requires consistent policy measures that dictate better waste management, environmentally friendly accommodation facilities, and the enlightenment of visitors and residents. For example, as in Nepal, where trekking fees are partly collected to conserve areas such as the Annapurna Circuit, this could apply to Pakistan.
From a personal point of view, the mountains of Pakistan have great opportunities to become truly sustainable tourist destinations. Therefore, the people in these small areas have a natural predisposition to their environment, and given the right backing in policies and awareness campaigns, they could easily become the best cultivators of sustainable tourism.
In Shimshal, I remember meeting a guide who informed me of how his people practice modern means of agricultural land by employing modern farming practices and using biomass energy to conserve the valley. Pakistan should strive to achieve This kind of balance, balancing traditional arrangements with newly adopted modern sustainable practices.
Ecological tourism in the mountains is not an option for Pakistan; it is its need. The natural beauty of the country, diversified people, and threatened bio-systems are losing the battle to mass tourism.
If sustainable tourism in Pakistan is adopted, it may not only retain the country’s beauty and rich resources for generations to come but also become one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world for other significant reasons. This is the right time to act before its mountain attractions fade because of its lack of attention.
