CHITRAL: The Director General of SP-KVDA chaired a coordination meeting with NGOs and development partners working in the Kalash Valleys to discuss ongoing and proposed development activities and ways to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders.
Participating organisations briefed the meeting on their current and planned interventions within the authority’s jurisdiction.
The Director General stressed the need for a shared vision, common objectives and stronger coordination among development partners to avoid duplication, gaps and fragmented projects.
The meeting also discussed the increased responsibility of stakeholders following the inclusion of the Kalash Cultural Landscape in UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage. Participants emphasised the need to strengthen governance while protecting the cultural identity and unique architectural and natural landscape of the valleys.
Concerns were raised over cultural erosion, unplanned concrete construction and increasing visual pollution. Participants agreed that future development activities should respect local traditions and architecture while following principles of environmental sustainability.
The Director General stressed that local communities should remain at the centre of development efforts, with meaningful consultation and participation in both planning and implementation.
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to closer coordination, information sharing and joint action for the sustainable development and cultural preservation of the Kalash Valleys.
The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing development with the protection of the valleys’ cultural heritage, traditional architecture and natural environment.
