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Khirthar
National Park
Baseline Environmental Study
Terms of Reference
The primary
objective of the Baseline Study was to acquire, assemble,
evaluate and present baseline data on the relevant ecological,
human and environmental characteristics of the Khirthar National
Park. The Baseline Study was to be based on the Terms of Reference
(TORs), Scope of Services, Workplan and Budget as agreed in
the contract documents signed by the three signatory parties.
The study was expected to build upon previous research undertaken
by government, NGO and other organisations and individuals
since the early 1970’s, or earlier if appropriate. It is anticipated
that the Baseline Study may lead to, and inform, the development
of a National Park Management Plan.
In particular,
it was stated in the Terms of Reference that:
•The Baseline
Study will draw on independent and multidisciplinary expertise,
which incorporates consideration of the human, physical and
biological systems, that form the ecology of the KNP. The
Baseline Study will be guided by spatial data analysis and
modeling of these systems.
•The project
will avoid creating dependency on outside assistance, by encouraging
and utilising in-country resources and expertise. In particular,
the Sindh Wildlife Department will form the key partner institution,
which will work alongside the expatriate team.
•Field
teams will take account of relevant expatriate and local expertise.
Teams will be led by eminent scientists who will be assisted
by field teams comprised of expatriate and local personnel.
In the case of the flora and fauna surveys respectively, it
is envisaged that multiple field teams will be needed, and
will work in parallel, in order to collect the required data
in a timely manner.
•In general,
field activities will be followed by research/write up in
Australia on a time allocation ratio of 1:2 (Pakistan/Australia).
•Building
capacity within local agencies and groups is an important
objective of the approach. Capacity building is important
because it is a pre-condition for the sustainability of development
initiatives. Participatory workshops will emphasise learning
by doing, and the use of visual learning aids and techniques,
incorporating the knowledge and skills of participants.
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