1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Region
Swat is historically an important area. Its rich archeological treasure is testimony to a glorious past. Its serene natural beauty, abundance of water, forest, wild life, good agriculture and grazing land and its strategic position provided a good milieu to nurture civilizations. But at the same time attracted invaders. The coins found here provide ample evidence of transactions with contemporary civilizations. Alexander came here in 327 B.C; Gandhara Civilization reached its zenith here; and Mahmud of Ghazna's forces invasion of Swat in early 11th century A. D. brought the area under the fold of Islam. Pukhtuns of different tribes gradually occupied the region a thousand to eight hundred years ago who were subsequently driven out by Yusufzai Pukhtuns in the 16th century who live here ever since. Living in a classical tribal matrix, they finally laid a skeletal structure of a state of their own in 1915 in Swat which was subsequently organized and solidified from 1917 onward. The state was expanded and territories outside Swat were incorporated in it. However the territory westward from Landakai, already brought under British protectorate, could not be brought under the fold of the Swat State. In 1969 Swat State, along with the two princely states of Dir and Chitral, was merged in Pakistan and was made a district of the Malakand Division of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.
The area of the former Malakand Division is 29,872 sq. km. In 1976 the right bank Indus Kohistan was separated from Swat District and was made part of the newly formed Kohistan District. Later on Buner and Shangla were also separated from Swat District in 1995 and 1997 respectively and were made full-fledged separate districts. Swat District lies between 340-13'-55" and 350-53'-40" north latitudes and 700-47'-15" east longitude in the former Malakand Division of North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The area of the present day Swat District is about 3798 sq. km with a population of 1.249 million (Population Census Report, 1998).
Saidu Sharif, Mingawara, Marghuzar, Malamjaba, Miandam, Madayan, Bahrain, Kalam, Utror, Mahudand, Kumrat, Shahi, Lowarai pass and Shandoor are the sites worth seeing in the former Malakand Division. Numerous other sites (lakes, side valleys and peaks) at various distances and heights with their virgin beauty are only accessible by foot and have always left an unforgettable refreshing memory to the minds of those who have seen these places.
When the princely states of Swat, Dir, and Chitral were merged in Pakistan in 1969, the people were exposed to a centralized departmental way of governance. It was difficult for the people to understand the new system while the governments functionaries remained distant from the people. This new situation created a gap between the people and the government. Poor planning, lack of good governance, increase in population and migration to the region further aggravated the situation. This resulted in the degradation of physical, social and cultural environment of the region. Excessive deforestation, unplanned expansion of human settlement in urban and rural areas, pollution of water bodies, mismanagement of land use, increased violence and insecurity are some of the visible results.
Some university graduates in different disciplines started discussion on the decay in socio-economic order and changes in demographic realities of the region in historical perspective. This discussion included the negative impacts on natural and built environment due to poor management of resources and exploitation by vested interests. The meetings were very humble to begin. There was one register to record the minutes of the meetings and for each session a secretary and a chairman was appointed. It took almost one year to develop a consensus on the sectors in which works had to be done and EPS was thus formed in 1991
2 The Society (EPS)
2.1 Background of the Society
Environmental Protection Society (EPS) is a non-governmental organization (NGO). Presently its main activities and projects are concentrated in District Swat but it intends to extend to the districts of Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner, Shangla, and Malaknd Agency and has therefore developed good working relations with most of the organizations and departments of these areas. Founded in 1991, EPS was registered in 1994 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is a non-profit and non-ethnic organization concerned with the physical, social and cultural environment of the region.
2.1 Vision
Conservation and improvement of Physical, Social, and Cultural Environment
2.2 Mission
EPS addresses issues of poverty and environmental degradation in Malakand Division through Research, Advocacy, Awareness Raising, Social Mobilization, Human and Institutional Development and Service Delivery by adopting a conflict-free and culturally viable approach with a blend of professionalism and voluntary zeal.
2.3 Values
Democratic, Self-reliance, Honesty, Integrity, Social Acceptability, and Participatory Approach.
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2.4 Philosophy
Collective Broad Based Sustainable Development
2.5 OBJECTIVES
Objectives of the Society are to:
provide a forum for bringing together experiences related to natural and built environment from individuals, institutions and organizations.
do and promote research and actions in environment and related disciplines in the best interest of human beings.
publish and prepare reports, monographs, films, case studies, and journal in English, Urdu or any other language for defusing knowledge.
publish literature and educational material, organize exhibitions, establish library/libraries and museum(s), and acquire information in fields related to environment with the approval of the concerned authorities.
grant gratitude to any person or persons who may be or have been officer(s) or servant(s) in any capacity of the Society, for the relatives or dependents of any such persons and make payments towards insurance in respect of such persons or their relatives or dependents and subscribe or guarantee money for charitable objectives.
mobilize/organize and train/enable communities for collective actions to promote sustainable development, and to achieve it through promoting values of civil society.
highlight issues of governance, related to sustainable development, through advocacy.
create awareness regarding environmental pollution and environmental degradation, and its effect(s) on human health, social set-up, economy and politics.
Provide loans and grants to deserving persons for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Work to eliminate regional, ethnic, economic, social and gender inequity and discrimination in the development process.
3 WORKING STRATEGY
EPS is involved in Research, Advocacy, Social Organization, Human Resource Development, and Service Delivery related directly or indirectly to environmental issues in broader sense. Some of the actions are materialized, other started and still others are proposed through the active participation of the stakeholders. EPS strives to achieve its ends working within the bounds of the local cultural and traditional norms.
4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Organization of EPS comprises of a General Body, Council, Management Committee, Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behavior Committee, Special Task Committees, Office Management, four programmes and four units.
4.1 GENERAL BODY (GB)
EPS membership is open to all those (male and female) conscious to the overall environment of the region. General Body members meet once a year to review the programmes and finances of EPS. The members of GB fill half of the seats of the Council falling vacant each year through election. Internal auditor for the accounts of the Society is also selected by the GB. The GB has the right to propose and pass amendments in the bye-laws.
4.2 COUNCIL
The Council is a voluntary body, which acts as the Board of Governors. The Council is responsible to frame and amend policy guidelines for the Society and move the Society forward within the bounds of its vision and philosophy and monitor the activities of the Society towards the objectives of the Society. A Chairman selected for a one-year term represents the Council. A Vice-Chairman and a Press Secretary are also elected for one year term.
4.3 Management Committee (MC)
1. The Management Committee is responsible to review the overall performance of the Society on monthly basis or any time if required, in term of material and financial resources, and keeping management system of the Society on the right track.
2. Other committees namely Recruitment Committee for Junior Professionals and Support Staff, Purchase Committee, Fund Raising Committee, Government Relations Committee, Media Relations Committee, Information Committee, NGOs Relations Committee, Publication Committee, Staff Welfare Committee and Programmes Committee, or any other committee on need basis is constituted by the MC.
3. The MC is formed by simple majority of the Council in its first meeting in quorum after the annual general body meeting. In special cases the MC is formed at any time of the year by simple majority of the Council in quorum.
4. Time period of the MC is one year.
5. Meeting of the MC is convened by the Chairman (Executive Director) of the MC or on the request of any of its members.
6. Minutes of the meetings of the MC is recorded and duly signed by the members.
7. The MC reports to the Council ten days before the Council, Meeting through the Executive Director.
4.4 Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behavior Committee
- The Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behaviour Committee is constituted by simple majority of the Council in quorum. It is comprised of three Councilors and is formed on yearly basis.
- The Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behaviour Committee deals with the issues of grievances, discipline and civil behaviour within the Society and its Projects/Units/Programmes. Main function of this Committee is to make sure that every staff member respects the norms and values of Society as well as the Rules and Procedures.
- The Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behaviour Committee is empowered to conduct inquiries and recommend appropriate actions to the Council within the provision of the rules for any misconduct, bad behaviour etc.
- The Grievances, Disciplines and Civil Behaviour Committee also handles the issues of grievances among the members/volunteers of the Society in matters related to the Society’s affairs and recommend the redress to the Council.
4.3 Office Management
Office management consist of the ED, Administrative and Finance Manager, and support staff.
5 PROGRAMMES
5.1 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The Society perceives the natural resource holistically and strives for its management with a fine mix of modern and traditional ways. Of the many other areas under this program like commercial marketing of agricultural products, orchards, pastures, wildlife, EPS has also worked on the following.
5.1.1 River Swat Conservation Project (RSCP)
River Swat Conservation Project was a Social Organization and Action Project in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP). The Project selected villages along River Swat for pilot activities. They completed the baseline surveys for social organization and management of solid and liquid waste to reduce pollution in River Swat. Motivational material and a documentary film on River Swat had been prepared. The work findings, experience, achievements of the RSCP are published by the Society in 2003 under the title The River Swat. RSCP also worked on the planning and zoning of Kalam region.
5.1.2 Forest
5.1.2.1 Forest activities
EPS highlights the issues related to forest through press, seminars and workshops on the one hand and lobbing on the stakeholder level for a Forest Policy, so that to ensure forest conservation on sustainable basis. EPS has documented all basic information about the forests of Swat and is a member of the Forestry Roundtable NWFP. The names of the reports are included in this Expression of Interest.
5.1.2.2 Nursery at Gogdara
EPS with the financial assistance of Swiss NGOs Programme Office (SNPO) Islamabad established Community Plant Nursery at Village Gogdara, jointly with Hamdard Falahi Tanzeem Gogdara with the objectives to educate the local community regarding ecological restoration of the areas through reforestation of the hills, protect the existing soil layer at the hilly slopes, which is exposed to water and air erosion, minimize the pressure of local demands for fuel wood in short term and timber in long term and provide shelter for existing wildlife and introduction of species from other parts of Swat.
6 EPS’ UNITS
6.1 Administration and Finance Unit
This unit looks after the day to day affairs of the Society and manages its finances.
6.2 Research and Publication Unit
The research and publication unit of EPS is to see into the matters that falls in the scope of research and publication.
6.2.1 Publication Committee
The Committee is responsible for the publications of the Society. Presently Udyana Today, a quarterly Newsletter/Magazine of EPS is being published regularly. Articles related to environment and news and views about the activities of the Society are being published in Udyana Today which is circulated, free of cost, to stakeholders, institutions, communities and individuals both inside and outside the Society’s working area.
6.2.2 Area Resource Centre (ARC)
Area Resource Centre is established by EPS in December 1998 to document researches and information about the places and people of the former Malakand Division. Research papers and other publications by local researchers on any topic and researchers from other areas who have published works on this area are being collected. CHIP has provided financial support for improving the ARC. In future the Centre will serve as a resource base on the former Malakand Division for researchers, Projects, Government departments like forest, wildlife, health, education, agriculture, NGOs and CBOs. At present the Centre has books, papers, dissertation, theses and reports.
6.2.3 Student Research Promotion
EPS encourages and supports researches of students of various Universities. The researches conducted by the students from different institutions both from the country and abroad and supported by EPS, so far, are as under:
1. “Urbanization of Intermediate Cities and Development of City Fringes: Case Study of Mingawara, Swat, NWFP, Pakistan” by Ravindar Kumar of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, 1999. Or Dawud College of Engineering and Technology.
2. “Characteristics of Waste Water of Mingora City Swat” by Engineer Muhammad Younus of the University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 1999.
3. “Environmental Pollution due to Solid Waste of Mingora City” by Engineer Jamshaid Khan of the University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 1999.
4. “Socio-economic Impact of Afforestation on Land use, Animals and People” by Asghar Khan of the Institute of Development Studies, Agricultural University, Peshawar, 2000.
5. “Social and Economic Causes of Child Labor” by Rahatullah of the Institute of Development Studies, Agricultural University , Peshawar, 2000.
6. “Investigation of Trace Elements in Water, Soil and Vegetables of Mingora City Area” by Ikramullah of the Department of Water Management, Agricultural University , Peshawar, 2000.
7. “Ecology and Biodiversity of Mosquitoes in Swat” by Ikram Ilahi of the Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, 2001.
8. “Solid Waste Management in Mingora City” by Mohammad Imran Khan, Mohammad Alam, Arif Khan and Naveed Akthar of the Department of Civil Engineering, NWFP University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 2001.
9. “Pollution Study of Mingora” by Taimur Usman, Fahad Alam Khan, Naveed Iqbal and Ayaz Khan of the Department of Civil Engineering, NWFP University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 2001.
10. “Pollution Study of Mingora” by Taimur Usman, Fahad Alam Khan, Naveed Iqbal and Ayaz Khan of the Department of Civil Engineering, NWFP University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 2001.
11. " Indigenous Knowledge of MAPs about Veterinary Health" A case study of Rodingar Valley Swat by Saba Shakir of the Department of Botany Govt. Postgraduate Jahanzeb College Swat
12. " Indigenous Knowlege of MAPs about Human Health" A case study of Rodingar Valley Swat by Samina Begum of the Department of Botany Government Postgraduate Jahanzeb College Swat
6.2.4 Clinico-pathological Conference
EPS has also supported the Clinico-pathological Conference, which is a regular monthly activity of all the local medical doctors as a fulfillment of continual medical education.
6.2.5 Knowledge Forum
EPS supports the randomly arranged lectures under Knowledge Forum, which is held in EPS office and wherein experts in different fields of science and art are invited to share their knowledge and experience with a decent audience.
6.2.6 PUBLICATIONS
6.2.6.1 Udyana Today: Udyana Today is a quarterly newsletter of EPS.
6.2.6.2 EPS Brochure: A brochure containing information about the structure, objectives, and activities of EPS has been published in English.
6.2.6.3 RSCP-EPS Brochure: A brochure about River Swat Conservation Project (RSCP) WAS also published and circulated among the stakeholders.
6.2.6.4 BSD Guide Book: It is a training manual developed by EPS in local condition to train activists/CBOs in Basic Organizational Skills like:
· Bye-laws Formulation (Constitutional Organization)
· Financial Management
· Record Keeping
· Meeting Organization
· Communication
· Conflict Resolution
· Linkages Development
6.2.6.5 Proposal Writing Training Module:
Proposal writing is a difficult as well as important skill for CBOs/NGOs. This training module is developed for the CBOs/NGOs of EPS’ working area. This will enable activists of the CBOs to develop effective proposals for their respective organizations.
6.2.6.6 Social Organization Training Module:
It is a training manual developed by EPS in local conditions to train activists/CBOs in Social Organization Training. Main topics of the Training are:
¨ Why CBO?
¨ Historical background of Social Organization
¨ Identification and role of Social Organizer
¨ Conflict resolution
¨ Gender sensitization
¨ Record Keeping
¨ Micro level planning
¨ Monitoring and evaluation
6.2.6.7 Effective Presentation Skills Training Module:
The module is developed to equip the activists of communities with written and oral presentation skills.
6.2.6.7 Six Days Special Basic Skills Development Training for Dir Area Support Project (DASP) formed organizations:
This is the report of six days training imparted by EPS to the organizations formed by DASP. The report covers the following topics.
¨ Concepts of Development
¨ Types of Development
¨ Communication Skills
¨ Gender in Development
¨ Saving and microcredit
¨ Financial Management
6.2.6.8 Other Reports
Quarterly Reports of EPS Projects
Nursery Project Report
Brick Kiln Report
HRD-EPS Annual Reports
Pollution Survey Report on River Swat
CBOs Conference Reports
Report on Labour Migration from the Macro-environment and Agricultural Marketing in Mingawara city
RSCP – EPS Annual Reports
Technical Unit – EPS Annual Reports
Forest Surveys Reports (Marghuzar Valley, Jambil Valley, Miandam Valley, Matta and Kalam Valley)
Report on Solid Waste Management in Mingawara City
PTAs – EPS Reports
Basic Skills Development Training Reports
Trainings Follow-up Reports
Reoports on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training
Reports on Participatory Research and Action (PRA)Training
Training Need Assessments (TNA) Reports
Sanitation Project – EPS Reports
Report on Presentation Skills Training
Reports on Project Proposal Writing Training
Reports on Financial Management Training
Reports on Social Organization Training
Report on the experiences of RSCP, ‘The River Swat”
6.3 Technical Unit (TU)
Technical Unit was supported by WaterAid through Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) Karachi. It is now a unit exclusively run by EPS since TU provides technical support to the activities of EPS and its partner CBOs. EPS aims to identify a community through the Technical Unit where it can develop infrastructure best suited to the area and the need of the people. Technical Unit also carries surveys and provides support and estimates to CBOs and communities at their requests.
PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY EPS
HUMAN & INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (1997-2003)
Civil Society HID Programme (CHIP) formerly called Swiss NGOs Program Office (SNPO) Islamabad supported EPS in the establishment of HID Center in two phases. The first phase was during the period 1997-2000 while the second phase was for selected and categorized CBOs of Malakand Division during 2000 and 2003. After the end of the project the programme is still run by EPS through its own resources since August 2003 and informal collaboration with CHIP still continues. The purpose of HID Center is to strengthen the CBOs of Malakand Division through training.
1 PROJECT GOALS
1. Capacity building of CBOs through training.
2. CBOs networking
3. Creating opportunities for experience sharing
4. Collection and dissemination of information about the region through Area Resource Center (ARC).
5. To create the space for interaction, skill development and social organization for women in gender segregated Pukhtun society.
6. To create awareness/educate masses about the regional issues as part of the above mentioned goals
7. To build/ enhance the capacity of EPS.
1 ACTIVITIES
1.1 CBOs Training Program
HRD-EPS has organized the following Training
1.1.1 Basic Skills Development Training
EPS has trained 163 activists of different CBOs in BSD training. Following are the main topics of BSD:
¨ Various models of development
¨ Participatory development and the importance of community organizations.
¨ Difference between community organization and other conventional groups
¨ Understanding and making of constitution at CBO level
¨ Meeting at CBOs level and tips for a good meeting
¨ Types of decision making and its importance
¨ Recording keeping and Financial Management at CBO level
1.1.2 Village Activists Training
This training was organized for CBOs activists of DIR AREA SUPPORT PROJECT (DASP). Under this program, EPS has trained 217 activists of different CBOs in Village activists Training. Following are the main topics:
¨ Concept of participatory development
¨ Organization; role and characteristics
¨ Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis
¨ Financial management
¨ Importance of constitution and its making
¨ Meeting; principles and procedure for minutes recording
¨ Activists; identification and characteristics
¨ Types of decision making
¨ Saving and its importance
1.1.3 Project Proposal Writing (PPW)
This is an advanced level training, mostly organized for big CBOs/organization at the end of which the participants are expected to be able to develop proposal for their respective organizations. EPS has trained 49 activists of different CBOs in PPW. Some of the CBOs developed proposals for prioritized works independently while still others produced the proposals with the help of the personnel of EPS. Following are the main topics.
¨ Project Cycle
¨ Purpose and types of proposal
¨ Situation analysis; tools and techniques
¨ Problems identification and prioritization
¨ Identification of potential hurdles
¨ Planning
¨ Setting of goals and objectives
¨ Methodology
¨ Monitoring and evaluation
¨ Budget preparation
¨ Narration of needs, identified problems and possible solutions
¨ Setting of general and specific objectives
1.1.4 Social Organization Training (SOT)
EPS has trained 46 activists of different CBOs in SOT with the following main topics.
¨ Basic Principles of Social Organization
¨ Why organization is important?
¨ Investment in organization and the concept of sustainable development
¨ Role and responsibilities of social organizer/Activists
¨ Importance of record keeping and its levels
¨ Gender sensitivity
¨ Conflicts resolution
¨ Skills of effective communication
¨ Tools for rural development
¨ Group formation and its role
¨ Planning
1.1.5 Financial Management Training
Financial Management and record keeping are the integral parts of BSD and Village Activists Training but an advanced and more comprehensive training are organized for those CBOs who come under Categary A. about 45 activistsw are so far trained in FM.
1.1.6 Effective Presentation Skills Training
Two events of trainings were organized during the last two and a half years in which about 33 activists from the CBOs of Malakand Division (Swat, Buner, Shangla and Maakand Agency) were trained in report writing skills and oral presentations.
1.1.7 Effective Communication Skills Training
Since April 2002 three training were imparted to the selected CBOs of Malakand Division in effective presentation Skills. In all 40 participants participated in the trainings and followed-up according to schedule. The training was found to have positive impact in terms of interpersonal communication and dispute mediation.
1.1.8 Livestock Management Training
EPS has started a new series of Trainings including Livestock Management, Agriculture related trainings and training of Private Schools teachers. In this training ten participants from the CBOs of Swat participated. The experience was new for EPS but from the feedback of the participants it was a practical training for management of livestock on scientific basis.
2 WOMEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
HRD project of EPS is also working for the uplift of women while keeping in view the norms and traditions of our Society. In this regard the following activities have been organized so far:
2.1 Health Education Program
HRD–EPS jointly with Prime Minister Program for Family Planning and Basic Health Care has been organizing Health Education Program for the females of the target area. The participants are gathered in a house with the help of local CBO (male) and health advice are given to them and medicines among the poor patients are distributed free of costs. Such like activities have been organized in village Panr, Manglawar, Meramai, Gogdara and Chalyar village.
2.2 Poultry Development Training
EPS has imparted training in Poultry Development to the female of Tegdarai and Meramai community with the assistance of AAS Peshawar.
2.3 Fruit Preservation Training
EPS has been organizing Fruit Preservation Training for the female of the target area. Under this females are trained how to preserve the fruits which may lead to the income generation of these poor people.
2.4 Environmental Education
EPS with the Govt. Girls College Saidu Sharif Swat celebrates “Earth Day”, “Women day” and “World Environment day” every year. Different programs are organized related to the specific day on these days. The main purpose is to let the female know their role in the environmental protection. Painting exhibition, clean up activities and debate competitions are the important events, organized on such occasions.
3 AWARENESS RAISING PROGRAM
HRD-EPS organizes Seminars/workshops on related issues to make awareness among general masses regarding these issues.
4. IMPACTS
4.1 Impact on Communities
¨ 100+ communities are organized in form of broad and multipurpose Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
¨ Registration
¨ Record Keeping has been improved
¨ Effective role in development
¨ Resolved social conflicts
¨ Formed various clusters of CBOs
4.2 Impact on EPS
EPS emerged from a voluntary organization to a level of more responsible and skilled organization, well equipped with human and physical resources, effectively providing facility to the community in HID
RIVER SWAT CONSERVATION PROJECT (1998-2002)
River Swat Conservation Project (RSCP) is an Action Research Project, aims at the conservation of river Swat against illegal practices and pollution through the active involvement of local communities, hoteliers and other stakeholders. The project is funded by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Islamabad. Total budget of the project is Rs. 2655000/-
The Problem
During the last 20 years, due to rapid expansion in the settlements along river Swat because of population explosion; unplanned construction of hotels and commercial buildings took place at the main tourist spots like Kalam, Bahrain, Madyan and Mingawara. The sewage from these settlements and hotels flow into the river Swat, resulting in the degradation of its water quality physio- chemically and bact- eriologicaly beside threatening its bio diversity.
Apart from the liquid waste, there is no proper dumping of Municipal solid waste which ultimately find its way into the river. The mass scale deforestation of the river’s watershed result in soil erosion. Illegal fishing practices like using dynamites, poison and electrocuting is badly effecting the fish and associated fauna of the river. Haphazard development and encroachments along the river side is another big issue.
BACKGROUND
Keeping in view the intensity of the problem EPS highlighted the issue of river pollution at different forums and through print media, and has built pressure with the passage of time to successfully mobilize the concern line agencies for the protection of river Swat.
In 1994 the provincial govt. realized the gravity of the situation and various long term and short term measures were initiated for river Swat protection. Local administration attempted to control the situation, banning all sort of construction along the river. In 1996 River Swat Protection Cell (RSPC)was established in the Commissioner office and all the relevant line agencies & stakeholders were made the members of the cell to ensure the participation of all the interest groups and communities in the protection process.
Various attempts have been made to tackle the issue of river Swat but finally it was observed that such administrative measures are not the permanent solution of the problem and with out close coordination among the concern line agencies and active community participation a viable solution for the problem is not possible.
In order to establish a well curative & administrative process for the issue under consideration, EPS prepared River Swat Conservation Project (RSCP), which has been approved under Global Environmental Facility (GEF) of United Nation Development Program (UNDP). The execution of the project was started from September 1998 in line with the predetermined objectives.
OBJECTIVES
Broad aims and objectives of the project were;
1. Establishment of data base on River Swat for further use.
2. Creation of awareness among the local masses about the water pollution and its adverse effects on health and economic condition, betterment of ecosystem and importance of clean environment.
3. Development and strengthening of coordination among the concern govt. departments and selected communities for collective actions regarding the protection of river Swat and to expand it to other communities in due process.
4. To help govt. in developing land use planning and zoning guidelines for the valley and promote planned construction along the river side and stress for implementation of building by-laws vis-à-vis construction along the river Swat.
METHODOLOGY
Multi facet Methodology was adopted for RSCP, including awareness, education, administrative measures along with the as well as coordination among various actors:-
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Data base
v Pollution survey of river Swat.
v Ecological survey of River Swat.
v Environmental Awareness
Mass awareness
· Seminar Organization.
· Workshop organization
· Round tables.
· Educational materials.
i. Brochure
ii. Leaflets
iii. Foster
iv. Calendar
v. Display boards
vi. Documentary film.
Community Organization
· Settlement level
i. Zonal distribution
ii. Situation analysis survey
iii. Selection of pilot communities
iv. Initial contact.
v. Individual meetings, introductory general bodies meeting.
vi. Demographic survey
vii. Preliminary engineering visits
viii. Formation of CBO
ix. Need assessment survey
x. CBO functioning
xi. Fixing priorities
xii. Topo survey
xiii. Preliminary engineering design
xiv. Preliminary costing & phasing
xv. Detailed engineering design
xvi. Execution arrangement
xvii. Memorandum of understanding
¨ Tehsil level
· Identification of interested community members.
· Meeting of the interested members of village.
· Establishment of Tehsil level river conservation committee.
· Formulation of role & responsibilities.
· Mobilization of community & hotelairs to construct septic tank.
· Mobilization of community/Hotelair, for proper management of garbage.
Coordination
· River Swat protection cell meetings
· RSCP task force visits of the target areas and reporting to the quarters concern.
· Linkages.
· Linkages with the concern line agencies.
· Linkage with the concern community organizations at various level.
· Linkage of the concern govt. departments with the communities.
Development of Land Use Planning and Zoning Guidelines of the Target Area
· Preparation of topographic survey sheet at 1:1000 scale
· To mark location for hotels, motels, landscaping, picnic points and walkways for pedestrians.
· Demarcation of jogging and hiking tracks, public parks and other recreational facilities, tourists flats and residential areas for local population.
· Detail planning & designing of various options for sewerage, storm water drainage, water supply for the existence as well.
SANITATION PROJECT MINGORA (1999)
This project is funded by Govt. of Pakistan through Ministry of Environment Local Govt. & Rural Developing (MoELG&RD) aiming at providing sanitation facility in Mingora municipality limits. The project has been working on component sharing basis.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
¨ To strengthen the efforts already underway for managing urban waste in Mingora.
¨ To improve the urban environment of Mingora
¨ To involve the communities in urban environmental management through better solid waste management at household level.
¨ To develop coordination among the institutions, NGOs & communities.
¨ To reduce health problems related to hygiene and drinking water through better solid waste management
¨ To facilitate the Municipal Committee Mingora in the joint efforts of civic amenities improvement and to fulfill the commitments already made in River Swat Protection Cell meetings.
ACTIVITIES
Shagai Sanitation Scheme
Under this Scheme Sanitation scheme in Shagai (a ward of Mingora Municipality) was carried out for about 30 houses. The external component was paid from MoELG&RD by EPS while the internal cost was paid by the community.
Amankot Sanitation Scheme
Amankot is another ward of Mingora Municipality, prioritized Sanitation problem as their biggest problem during the activists identification driver. Under this scheme a sanitation facilities were provided to 80 houses in Amankot
Banr Sanitation Scheme
After the successful implementation of sanitation scheme in Shagai and Amankot localities EPS on the demand of the inhabitants of Mohallah Banr took the responsibility of external component funding. Initially the project was desiged for 17 households but later on it was extended to other 20 households as well. Thus the total households served in this locality are 37 households.
STUDY ON BRICK KILN (1995)
This study was carried out by EPS with the financial assistance of GTZ-VSBK Project, with the objectives to analyze the existing situation of Brick Kills in Swat, focussing on technology used, production capacity, quality and quantity of production, quantity and quality of fuel used and its impact on environment. Labor situation and to look through the prospects of introduction of Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) Technology in Swat.
During this study 22 Kilns were studied in detail. The study was quite helpful in assessing the environmental conditions, energy consumption and working conditions of the kiln workers.
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY PLANT NURSERY AND PLANTATION (1996)
EPS with the financial assistance of Swiss NGOs Programme Office (SNPO) Islamabad established Community Plant Nursery at Village Gogdara, jointly with Hamdard Falahi Tanzeem Gogdara with the following objectives.
OBJECTIVES
Development Objectives
¨ To educate the local community regarding ecological restoration of the areas through reforestation of the hills
¨ To protect the existing soil layer at the hilly slopes, which is exposed to water and air erosion.
¨ To minimize the pressure of local demands for fuel wood in short term and timber in long term.
¨ To provide shelter for existing wildlife and introduction of species from other parts of Swat.
Project Objectives
¨ To provide local people with seedlings of both fast growing and endemic trees species for plantation over the hill and barren lands.
¨ To cater for the demand of EPS and the local CBOs, during the plantation seasons.
¨ To establish centres for motivation of community groups for carrying out plantation.
¨ To boost the economy of the region by providing fruit plants to the farmers on reduced rate.
IMPACTS
¨ Through afforestation in the community owned hilly erosion was controlled.
¨ The capacity of the local Tanzeem was strengthened.
¨ The profit from the nursery provided financial support to the CBO for other welfare as well as developmental activities.
¨ The farmers got fruit plants of better quality at affordable prices which contributed to the overall economy of the region.
URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (UPMSP) / HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (1997-2000)
Population of Malakand Division grows very rapidly resulting in unplanned expansion of Human Settlements (cities, towns, villages). This expansion is associated with environmental issues like improper solid waste management, poor sanitation/sewage facilities, traffic congestion & ineffective institutions. EPS carried out an Action Research Project in Mingora, in collaboration with IUED, Geneva University, Switzerland to know the environmental and governance related issues of the city and suggest viable alternatives with the active involvement of local communities.
ACTIVITIES
i) Socio-economic survey of Mingora City.
ii) Solid Waste Management survey of Mingora City.
iii) Sanitation Survey of Mingora City.
iv) Traffic Survey of Mingora City.
v) Housing & Planning Issues Survey of Mingora City.
vi) Institutional arrangement Survey of Mingora City.
vii) Formation of Mingora Male & Female Round Table for conceptual planning of Mingora City.
viii) Students Participation
Students from different disciplines (history, city & regional planning, geography, civil engineering, sociology, architecture etc.) have been involved and exposed to real urban issues. This process was complementary for both the students & Research Team & valuable work have been produced.
ix) Participatory Planning Process
It is a process initiated by EPS at two urban communities of Mingora to involve community at grass root level in identification, prioritization and actions in urban environmental issues. The process consist of:
· Community Organizations & Training
· Problems Identification & prioritization.
· Topographic & social survey & production of social map.
· Production of environmental map addressing solid waste, sanitation & drainage.
· Initiation of self-help actions to address urban environmental issues.
Communities have already taken initiatives in solid waste management where EPS is providing social and technical support.
x) Activists Identification
To generate self-help initiatives at Mingora City level & support outside work in managing urban environmental issues, the research team has initiated city activists identification drive. So far more than 200 activists have been identified in 25 wards of the city. These activists are involved to form community organizations at mohallah/ward level. So far 15 organizations are in preparatory stage while with some communities participatory planning process have been initiated.
xi) Organization of International Workshop
To generate small scale actions at local level (Community & Mingora Municipal Committee) and large scale actions at Govt./Donors level, Research findings were shared in a six days international workshop. Workshop was organized by EPS in collaboration with IUED Geneva University Switzerland at Saidu Sharif Swat. Foreign (Europe, Africa etc.) & Pakistani delegates from Academic Institutions, Research Organizations, Projects, Govt. Departments, Policy Makers, NGOs, Press, Communities participated in the workshop. Workshop recommendations on solid waste management, water supply and sanitation, housing and planning and institutions in the light of group work (field and indoor) are in the document shape & available for guidance.
GARBAGE DUMPS CONSTRUCTION (1997)
EPS with the financial assistance of Ministry of Environment Local Govt. & Rural Development (MoELG&RD) Govt. of Pakistan has constructed garbage dumps in Mingora municipality limits. Under this Program garbage dumps were constructed at different places including public spaces, govt. hospitals and other areas where needed. The project was carried out jointly with Municipal Committee and the communities concerned to ensure its proper use and sustainability.
PTAs PROJECT (1998)
EPS with the financial assistance of Primary Education Project (PEP) Govt. of NWFP has formed and trained 100 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) (60 male and 40 female) in Govt. Primary schools of District Swat. The main purpose of the PTAs was to involve the local community in the Education and hence improve the quality of education at Primary level. The broad sector goal is to strengthen the institutional capacity of the North West Frontier Province to formulate and implement policy that improves the quality of primary education, expands it to an elementary system, improves access to schooling – especially for girls and improves the efficiency and sustainability of education in the province.
INTERNS’ SCHEME (2000-2001)
Department for International Development (DFID) initiated Interns Scheme through the British Council, Peshawar and selected Four NGOs in NWFP to carryout the project. Under this scheme EPS was also entered into an agreement with the DFID, through British Council. The scheme is aimed at introducing trained social organizers in education sector. Two Interns (Trainee Social Organizers) were placed in EPS while two Social Organizers of EPS were deputed as Mentors to supervise the work of the Interns. It was a one year project.
1 MAIN OBJECTIVES
¨ To create a learning space for the Intern(s) within their organization and to formally appoint an experienced field person as Mentor.
¨ Coordinate between government, communities, DFID, FEF and the Interns learning process.
¨ Absorb the internship process as part of its research and training approach, which can lead to organizational development for the EPS.
¨ To understand that training through mentoring will require a very sensitive, effective and action oriented leadership from the Mentor and an appropriate environment within the organization as well as outside.
2 MAIN ACTIVITIES
¨ DFID through British Council organized intensive Training workshops on different development related topics for the Interns and Mentors to develop/enhance their skills and hence build the capacity of the Organization.
¨ Cross visits to other developmental organizations for experience sharing.
¨ Children and parent survey carried out by Interns of EPS.
Election Awareness Raising Program (EARP)
The political and economic policies of the government for the development and economic uplift of the rural population has not come up with satisfactory results. Major portion of the country’s population consists of peasant workers both male & female, children and minorities. They are being neglected. This needs efforts both by the government and civil society members. Environmental Protection Society (EPS) signed an agreement with South Asia Partnership (SAP), Pakistan to address political and social issues of these neglected sections through community mobilization, dialogues, seminars and workshops.
Objectives of the Program
Ø Awareness regarding Democratic Rights, Election Procedures, and other related information for the capacity building of the candidates and other stakeholders.
Ø Provide a platform to government officials, civil society organizations and other social and commercial/financial organization.
Ø Election Monitoring
Target Area
EPS worked in the 65 Union Councils of district Swat. It has to intervene in 13 UCs of Tehsil Matta and 52 UCs of Tehsil Swat.
Activities
Ø Formation of District Focal Group
Ø Posters and Brochures
Ø Three days Awareness Raising Camps
Ø Corner Visits
Ø Voters Resource Center
Ø Election Day Monitoring
Under the agreement with SAP-Pakistan, EPS organized Awareness Raising Camps in Tehsil Courts Matta & District Courts Swat. This was aimed at capacity building of the candidates on filing their nomination papers and facilitation in the process of submitting their nomination papers. Other activities included formation of District Focal Group and monitoring of local government elections held in Swat on August 25, 2005.
Community Based Health and Disaster Management Program (CBHDMP)
EPS provided material relief to the earthquake victims of district Shangla after a high magnitude earthquake struck parts of the northern Pakistan and Pakistani administered Kashmir. After providing relief to earthquake victims EPS did not abandon its efforts for the relief of earthquake victims and entered into an agreement with CARE International in Pakistan for carrying out health relief activities in the nine union councils of district Shangla initially for three months starting from October 20, 2005.
Objectives of the project
Ø To reach about 150,000 population affected by the earthquake in the nine union councils of district Shangla
Ø To train community health volunteers on basic health and curative care
Ø To establish a half way home
Ø Establishing and strengthening the village organizations
Activities
Under the project EPS team in Besham established a half way home in Besham Civil Hospital with the permission of district health department. EPS team signed MoUs with other relief agencies working in the district and utilized services of foreign doctors and nurses working in Besham. The field workers and community health volunteers of EPS identified and referred one hundred and thirty four earthquake and general victims to the half way home. People of Kohistan and Battagram also availed the services of the half way home. EPS borne all expenses of the patients brought to the hospital i.e medicines, food etc. some of the patients brought to the half way home for treatment were referred to hospitals of Swat and Abbottabad.
