The Snow Leopard Enterprise is a conservation program aimed at strengthening SLF’s community-based conservation efforts through identifying and introducing diverse means of livelihood for communities who share the snow leopard habitat. The aim of such a conservation program is to mitigate the conflict between wildlife and communities whose livestock often falls prey to snow leopard and other carnivores. Therefore, with the ultimate goal of promoting conservation, the SLE works towards creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities which in turn reduces their motivation for poaching. It does so through various initiatives including skill development for women artisans, and providing them linkages to markets.
SLE programs are operative in different villages of district Chitral. The SLE team based in the SLF Chitral office frequently visits the artisans to organize trainings. SLE has developed skills centers for training and capacity building of local community women. This program provides training and equipment that enables participants to make beautiful handmade items from the raw wool of their livestock as well as from hand woven fabric being produced locally. Products are developed both for international, regional and local markets. Marketing of the products is the responsibility of the project. The Handicrafts are marketed as ‘’fair trade products’’ as the producers receive a fair value for their product. SLF has partnered with the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) that serves as a marketer for SLE products within a non-profit capacity.
The traditional designs and motifs are selected for different types of products such as napkins, cushion covers, stoles, shawls.
SLF intends to expand its SLE program and involve more snow leopard communities in Chitral and other SLF program sites in GB and AJ&K.
In 2019, SLF launched Punaar – a sub brand of SLE with the aim of expanding and developing a wider range of products that can cater to the demands of the local markets in Pakistan’s urban centers. All Punaar products are made by craftswomen across villages in Chitral Valley and the Gilgit Baltistan region, providing them an opportunity to develop their craft as well as a means to earn a fair and dignified wage.
The patterns, motifs, and colors used in Punaar’s designs are reflective of the valley’s folklore and tales that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Each piece is made by hand with a special attention to detail. Currently, our products include cushions, stoles/scarves and wall hangings. Working on new designs and products is a continuous process at both SLE and Punaar and therefore new designs are added periodically.
With the ultimate goal of providing an alternate means of livelihood to the communities who share the snow leopard habitat, SLE initiatives allow communities to earn a dignified wage, particularly women who are then able to become change makers in their homes and families. For every piece that an artisan embroiders, she is paid a fair wage and provided pleasant working conditions. Furthermore, the SLE initiatives ensure that ancient crafts of Pakistan’s mountainous regions are preserved and passed down from one generation to the next. As livelihoods become secure, communities become more tolerant of conservation efforts being undertaken by SLF.
