Livelihood impacts of community-based forest landscape restoration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, Pakistan

Abstract

Over the past decade, community-based forest landscape restoration (FLR) has gained policy attention in Pakistan. However, there is a lack of information on how FLR affects the livelihood capital of mountain communities. To fill this gap, this study investigated the livelihood impacts of FLR in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region of Pakistan. To understand the role of FLR in livelihood restoration, we utilized focus group discussions (FGDs) and field observations. The study revealed that community members perceived various impacts of FLR on their livelihood assets. FLR helped restore the ecology, improved access to food, education, and health facilities, developed infrastructure, and initiated ecotourism in the study area. FLR activities were executed through several institutions, particularly extension services, Village Development Committees (VDCs), and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), through the process of equity, accountability, and collaboration. We recommend continuing the implementation of FLR initiatives through extension services to maximize positive impacts on social, natural, human, financial, and physical capitals.