Gilgit-high Baltistan’s mountain valleys, which were formerly a part of the ancient Central Asian Silk Road, were inaccessible to automobiles before the Karakoram Highway was built in 1978. Local customs and economic patterns quickly changed as a result of improved accessibility and the impact of tourism. New strategic development visions and practices were required as a result. The Aga Khan Historic Cities Program’s (AKHCP) initial significant interventions included the preservation of the more than 700-year-old Baltit Fort and the restoration of the historic center of the Hunza Valley settlement of Karimabad. In 1996, the projects were finished. It was obvious that effective restoration efforts required the rehabilitation of traditional communities and the promotion of acceptable construction methods. We have renovated several additional historical forts and former palaces in Hunza and Baltistan, as well as other significant landmark structures.

•           At Hunza, the forts at Baltit and Altit serve as cultural hubs and local history museums;

•           Baltistan’s Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace Residence are both small hotels that provide jobs;

•           A heritage guesthouse has been created out of the 90-year-old Vazir House in Swat;

•           To assist local musicians and record the musical traditions of Hunza and its neighboring valleys, the Leif Larsen Music Centre in Altit was built. The promotion of the area’s intangible heritage, including its languages, folklore, music, arts, crafts, traditional performances, and sports, is a larger objective of this program.

The surrounding towns and neighborhoods had been in danger of disappearing in favor of sporadic modern construction on the fields. Through the diligent efforts of the people, they are currently still undergoing rehabilitation. This fosters cultural pride and lowers the cost of building roads and other infrastructure while protecting agricultural terraces from unchecked development. The continual process of cultural evolution has been largely facilitated by the introduction of modern living conditions, including cleanliness, while simultaneously preserving traditional values. Local communities are actively involved in the implementation of every project.

The region is home to several environmentally sensitive areas, including glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Efforts have been made in recent years to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable development in the region. Conservation efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan are crucial for protecting its unique biodiversity and maintaining the region’s ecological balance. Some of these efforts are:

Conservation of glaciers: Glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan are melting due to climate change, leading to an increased risk of flooding and water scarcity. To address this issue, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have launched several initiatives to conserve glaciers and improve their monitoring.

Forest conservation: Gilgit-Baltistan is home to diverse forest ecosystems, including oak, pine, and juniper forests. However, deforestation due to illegal logging, land-use change, and grazing has threatened these ecosystems. To protect forests, the government and NGOs have launched reforestation and afforestation programs.

Sustainable tourism: Gilgit-Baltistan is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, unregulated tourism can lead to environmental degradation. To promote sustainable tourism, the government and NGOs have launched awareness campaigns and established regulations for tourist activities.

Clean energy: Gilgit-Baltistan has significant hydropower potential, and several projects are underway to harness this energy source. The use of solar and wind power is also being promoted as a clean energy alternative.

Waste management: Proper waste management is essential to prevent environmental pollution. The government and NGOs are working to establish waste management systems and raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and recycling.

Protected Areas: Gilgit-Baltistan has several protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and game reserves. These protected areas provide critical habitats for wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and Himalayan brown bear.

Community-based conservation: Community-based conservation programs are becoming increasingly popular in Gilgit-Baltistan. These programs involve local communities in conservation efforts and provide them with economic incentives to protect natural resources. For example, some communities have set up ecotourism initiatives that allow visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty while generating income for the local community.

Water conservation: Water conservation is a critical issue in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is mainly dependent on glacial meltwater for its water supply. Efforts to conserve water include promoting water-efficient farming practices, improving irrigation systems, and reducing water wastage in urban areas.

Awareness campaigns: Several organizations in Gilgit-Baltistan are working to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote conservation efforts. These campaigns include educational programs for schoolchildren, public outreach events, and social media campaigns.

These efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan demonstrate a commitment to promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. However, more work is needed to address environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the region.