Since 2007, the Snow Leopard Foundation has been committed to conservation efforts in Pakistan towards strengthening the ecosystem of this elusive apex predator that has for for millennia captured the imagination of the communities around its habitat and travellers from thousands of miles away, that come to countries like Pakistan, to catch just a glimpse of the snow leopard.

In Shamanic belief, when a Snow Leopard comes into your life, it is a call from the Earth Mother, asking you to open yourself to your intuitive nature. Snow Leopard is seen as the keeper of Ancient Wisdom and the more receptive one is, the more one will absorb Snow Leopard’s insights and lessons. The snow leopard exemplifies a need to return to nature, and the leopard itself is a symbol of strength, resilience, and agility.

These qualities of the mythical creature are at the heart of the Snow Leopard Foundation’s ethos, mandate and work as the snow leopard, though a mostly solitary and loner animal, is a key balancer of nature conservation of ungulate populations and green cover. In fact, the snow leopard symbolizes the delicate and all-powerful balance of nature, from a blade of grass to an apex predator triumphing on mountain tops.

Reverence and rigorous scientific inquiry and methods is what has been driving SLF’s work since the last 15 years, to conserve biodiversity in Pakistan’s stunning Northern areas by focusing on snow leopard ecosystems. Snow leopards are termed “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments.

Pakistan in addition to Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is one of the few lucky countries to be home to the unique snow leopard. Like many other rare and intriguing creatures, the rarity of the snow leopard makes it increasingly vulnerable as under neo-liberal capitalism, the animal is exploited more than protected.

This, we at Snow Leopard Foundation believe is unacceptable because poaching and habitat destruction of the animal is a violation of nature’s rights as well as has devastating consequences for further climate change degradation. Snow leopard habitats and population are suffering as a consequence of climate change and as we lose more snow leopards, their death signals the demise of intricate ecosystems that are very difficult to recover once lost.

Aichi Biodiversity Targets and UN Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework

As is clear, protecting snow leopards’ ecosystem is a mammoth undertaking, that which requires systematic planning, scientific and community expertise, inter-stakeholder and government support. Conserving snow leopards is not just a country-specific endeavour but as snow leopards are known to cross international boundaries. Transboundary cooperation is imperative to facilitate scientific research and monitoring of populations. Transboundary efforts need to be guided by a shared framework that can dictate shared goals, while also providing avenues for cross-learning of best practices and challenges.

This is why SLF has adopted the Aichi Biodiversity Targets laid out a 10-year plan to conserve the world’s biodiversity, promote sustainability, and protect ecosystems as well as the United Nation’s Biodiversity Framework 2020, that is now being reformulated to be stronger and looking towards 2030 conservation goals in light of exacerbating climate change.

The framework includes 21 targets for 2030, following are some of the targets relevant towards SLF’s mandate and work:

• At least 30% of land and sea areas globally (especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and its contributions to people) conserved through effective, equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.
• A 50% greater reduction in the rate of introduction of invasive alien species, and controls or eradication of such species to eliminate or reduce their impact.
• Reducing nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, and pesticides by at least two thirds, and eliminating the discharge of plastic waste.
• Nature-based contributions to global climate change mitigation efforts of least 10 GtCO2e per year, and that all mitigation and adaptation efforts avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.
• Redirecting, repurposing, reforming or eliminating incentives harmful for biodiversity, in a just and equitable way, reducing them by at least $500 billion per year.
• A $200 billion increase in international financial flows from all sources to developing countries.

During the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity will adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework as a stepping stone towards the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with nature”. In its decision 14/34 the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a comprehensive and participatory process for the preparation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

However, the conveners involved and participatory process is closed to high level UN members, government officials and scientific experts and not inclusive of grassroots organizations and community members living working and living around delicate conservation ecosystems in need of protection and conservation, such as the snow leopard ecosystems. While, the post-2020 global biodiversity framework does state that the involvement of grassroots community organizations and practices need to be more actively engaged to achieve the “living in harmony with nature” mandate, the irony lies in the almost absence of such organizations and community members from the decision making influence in the making of the framework.

One of the reason why such goal-setting falls short is because lofty goals are set-up, the practical and strategic steps and partnerships to achieve said goals are not ironed out, resulting in less cohesive planning and action. The involvement of the people and organizations doing the actual conservation work on ground from different cultural and country contexts is crucial if, the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is fare better than its predecessor. This is even more important, as the clock on the climate crisis is ticking and time is not on our side!

According to the United Nations’ Global Biodiversity Outlook 2020 report,  the world has collectively failed to fully achieve a single goal listed in the 2020 global biodiversity framework.

“Humanity stands at a crossroads with regard to the legacy it leaves to future generations,” the report warned. “Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, and the pressures driving this decline are intensifying.”

The last few years has also seen a devastating foray in to the sixth mass extinction; wildlife populations dropped by a whopping more than two thirds since 1970, and have continued to decline in the past decade. The report attributes this in large part to the measly government spending on biodiversity efforts of a mere $78-91 billion a year, when hundreds of billions of dollars needed.

Government of Pakistan’s spending is even more negligible and unless each regime prioritises biodiversity in its climate resilience mandate, the country that is already ranked as 5th most vulnerable according to the Global Climate Index, is set to experience unimaginable degradation and climate catastrophes. 

The good news from the report is that countries have significantly expanded the number of protected natural areas, both on land and in the sea and more conservation measures like restrictions on hunting are paying off. The trophy hunting method used in snow leopard ecosystems in Pakistan have proven successful as well and with greater public awareness on climate change and the mass extinction of species, there is more accountability.

Last year, two men who killed a snow leopard without a permit during the off-season went viral and through the loud backlash on social media, the men were found by police and brought to justice.

The hope of course is that greater uptake of the updated framework will result in more success stories such as above. Furthermore, the post-2020 framework lists 21 associated “action targets” for 2030 which address reducing threats to biodiversity, meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming.

SLF has been using these tenets in our work since its inception and this framework further endorses our agenda and calls for geographical and thematic scale up for greater outreach and impact. Our work serves an integral niche in the biodiversity landscape and needs the backing of government and the larger biodiversity community at large, to employ the latest scientific means of conservation.

SLF Programs Targeting Global Biodiversity Framework Areas

The Snow Leopard Foundation has shifted the goals of carnivore management from those based on fear and narrow economic interests to those based on a better understanding of ecosystem function and adaptive management by working closely with communities in proximity to carnivore populations, that is, “living in harmony with nature”. In doing so, SLF has seen greater success in modifying the manner and frequency with which the activities of humans and domestic animals intersect with those of carnivores. This success has also paved the way for carnivore populations to persist for decades despite human population growth and modification of habitat.

The local communities of SLF/ Pakistan Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection programme Programme (PSLEP) project valleys are very cooperative and they support the regional teams in implementing project interventions. They appreciate and value all the activities being conducted under community support initiatives as they see the benefits to them and their environment. Through interventions like our community-based livestock insurance and vaccination programs, we are helping local herders better absorb the financial impact of livestock losses – and people’s attitudes towards the cats have improved as a consequence. Other initiatives include construction of predator proof corrals, establishment of nature clubs in local schools, development of skill centers for women artisans and development of conservation tourism sites.

Snow Leopard Foundation Community Support Initiatives to increase conservation awareness and counter the human – carnivore conflict are:

• Livestock Insurance Scheme (LIS)/Livestock Support Fund (LSF)
• Livestock Vaccination
• Predator Proof Corrals (PPCs)
• Snow Leopard Enterprises Programme (SLEP)
• Ecotourism
• Scientific Research

Retaliatory killing of snow leopards in response to predation on livestock is a significant factor in their endangerment, and a livelihood challenge for local communities. This conservation conflict has multiple dimensions, including the reality of livestock damage and the financial and emotional detriment to affected people. We at SLF believe that this conservation conflict is a shared problem that can be rectified through dialogue and fact sharing with impacted communities and a multifaceted approach that protects both the snow leopard, livestock and community.

This is the rationale behind our Livestock Insurance Scheme (LIS) which provides safety nets and workable strategies to protect livelihood and compensate for damages to livelihoods of the poor communities are the root causes of human-carnivore conflicts in the area. The link between livestock losses and conservation conflicts has prompted livestock insurance schemes with the general goal of improving attitudes towards carnivores and mitigating losses to farmers. SLF and its partners have promoted community-based livestock insurance schemes in PSLEP valleys, in recognition of the significant economic burden posed by carnivore depredation on affected herder communities. These insurance schemes provide for the compensation of livestock losses due to carnivore depredation through funds built up from seed grant and regular insurance premiums paid by participating households.

A single snow leopard attack can kill up to twenty five domesticated livestock spelling disaster for

agropastoral communities. SLF provides seed funding for the insurance scheme and each family also chips in a nominal fee to build ownership, accountability and sustainability. These efforts have seen a sharp decline in retaliatory killings and not only improved the human and snow leopard relationship but also empowered communities to build solutions to everyday problems.

Livestock Insurance Scheme (LIS)

Compared to snow leopard attacks that account for about 5% livestock mortality, diseases claim a whopping 20%. Though it is much easier to blanket blame snow leopards for livestock losses by farmers as they have an identifiable flesh and blood enemy, rather than an elusive disease. That is why securing livestock health to prevent rising livestock losses is imperative to secure the financial future of these families, but also to conserve snow leopards and their habitat.

This is why SLF has been conducting bi-annual vaccination drives in all three project valleys of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. Each year almost 200,000 livestock are vaccinataed and protected in these areas and result in higher reproduction. As the population increases so does the compensation to these communities which proves more sustainable than any monetary amount can. This has also risen awareness on the importance of livestock health and investment as beneficiaries see the net benefits of a healthy cow or goat for a happy home!

Predator Proof Corrals

Livestock depredation is a key source of snow leopard mortality across much of the species’ range. Snow leopards break into livestock corrals, killing many domestic animals and thereby inflicting substantial economic damage. Locals may retaliate by killing the cat and selling its parts. Predator-proofing of corrals has emerged as an important conflict-mitigation tool. In Pakistan, many communities have traditionally shared large corrals, holding the livestock of several families. These are usually solid constructions of stone and wood but their doors and roofs are often unsecured and allow predators easy access. Decline in wild ungulate populations due to competition from livestock is another threat to snow leopards.

Research on snow leopard diet shows that globally about 25% of snow leopards’ food is based on domestic livestock. This number is twice as high for Pakistan due to poorly made corrals that should serve as shelter and barrier from predators such as snow leopards. Prevention is better for farmers when it comes to predation, so investment in more secure corrals to decrease snow leopard attacks is key to improve the perceptions and attitudes around snow leopards and secure herder livelihood. Preventing predation directly helps reduce a major threat to snow leopards, and is an immediate response to a pressing issue for many communities in snow leopard habitat. Furthermore, by building a physical infrastructure that has uplifted communities directly, SLF has fostered and built a strong bond of trust and respect in project communities.

Under PSLEP, we have improved the construction of 50 corrals in project areas. Other than protecting local livestock and predators through mitigating the human-predator conflict, these corrals are providing valuable employment opportunities for the communities, with hiring local masons and laborers to build and maintain the structures. Even when the herders build the corrals themselves, they are gaining an effective skill that not only builds their capacity but they can teach others as well. These corrals also protect animals from harsh weather conditions and help reduce spread of contiguous diseases by providing bigger and hygienic space for the livestock.

Pioneering Conservation Tourism

Ecological tourism or conservation where tourists travel with the intent of learning about the local environment and culture without causing harm could be the way forward. The Snow Leopard Foundation has been working in fragile ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan since 1997 and believe that conservation tourism is the best solution for promoting tourism, protecting local cultures and landscapes while engaging all stakeholders for collaborative exploration. SLF has been developing Ecotourism Sites in PSLEP Project Valleys such as Hopper Valley. Our foundation has unprecedented local hands-on data and wisdom about the delicate ecology of natural resources, glaciers, wildlife and community, they also have primary data on how tourism has impacted areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

SLF is working with all relevant stakeholders including government authorities, tour operators, local communities, tourists and the hospitality industry to commit to the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Snow Leopard Enterprise

Snow Leopard Enterprises Programme (SLEP) is a multifaceted and holistic initiative that addresses the behaviour change, compensatory mechanisms and structural needs of communities to establish a better relationship to nature and carnivore populations. One of the underlying components of the programme is to strengthen community based conservation efforts through identifying and introducing diversified and innovative means of livelihood and reducing vulnerability of local livelihood means through skill enhancement and linkages development.

SLE empowers marginalised segments of our intervention area by providing with the support and sensitisation needed to become change-leaders and conservationists in their communities. The SLE programme focuses specifically on uplifting women as they have the power to transform families financially while also cementing behaviour change by educating their children and other community members.

By sensitising female rural artisans regarding the positive ripple effect of conservation in their community and linking them with a national and global market, SLEP garners various socioeconomic and conservation benefits that further strengthen SLF’s core work.

Generation of Scientific Information

Through its technical and scientific cooperation with snow leopard habitat communities and the Ministry of Climate Change in Pakistan, SLF has become a pioneer in this niche biodiversity ecosystem, contributing to policy and initiatives both locally and globally.

SLF has developed new methods and protocols for scientific research on wildlife.  Published 60 high impact international articles to generate bench mark scientific info on biodiversity and ecosystems of Himalaya-Karakoram ranges.

Reflection

The above examples of work fall under the purview of the post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, however, the actual on-ground work is constantly evolving with community realities, erratic and difficult weather and the elusive shifting of snow leopards. With our extensive experience though we have come to embrace struggle in working in these sometimes treacherous yet beautiful mountains, much owed to the local staff of SLF working in remote locations.

In the northerly societies of Nepal many indigenous beliefs and shamanistic practices, reflecting local pre-Buddhist traditions, were incorporated and subsequently reworked into the Buddhist pantheon and ritual system. The Nepalese People have stories of Lamas (monks) who could shape shift into Snow Leopards. In this form, they sought essential curative herbs and the snow leopard has transformative healing powers.

Perhaps, we can all learn from these mystical believes as the reverence for nature is not just folklore but an important part of ecology education that can instil more respect for all creatures and the natural world, as we have seen the devastating consequences of nature’s exploitation. Sharing such narratives with decision makers and public alike can help meet the goals of the post-2020 Biodiversity Framework as well.

Conserving snow leopards in fact protects nature, this is not myth, this is fact.