ISLAMABAD: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together 26 government officials, researchers and rangeland experts for a five-day training on rangeland policy and the business potential of sustainable rangeland management in Balochistan.
The training was organised under the European Union-funded Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP) and titled “Rangeland Policy and Business Opportunities in the Rangeland of Balochistan.”
The programme explored ways to strengthen rangeland governance, promote climate-smart management practices and unlock the economic potential of rangelands through sustainable enterprises and value-added products.
Participants represented the Forest & Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan, and the Balochistan Agriculture Research and Development Centre (BARDC).
The training combined technical sessions with practical field exposure. Participants visited the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, JICA-supported project sites in Sihala, the Punjab Forest Academy and the Murree Forest Division.
The field visits provided participants with practical insights into climate-resilient natural resource management, forest governance, community-based forest management, forest fire prevention and the sustainable use of forest and rangeland resources.
The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony attended by Imran Taj Gichki, Secretary, Forest & Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan; Amina Bajwa, FAO Head of Programme; Dr Noman Latif, Director General Natural Resources Division, PARC; and Dr Muhammad Mansoor, Director General NARC.
The initiative highlighted the importance of combining policy development, scientific knowledge and practical experience to improve the management of Balochistan’s rangelands.
By linking sustainable resource management with economic opportunities, the training is expected to contribute to more resilient ecosystems and improved livelihood opportunities for rural communities dependent on rangeland resources.
The programme also reinforced the need for climate-smart approaches to rangeland management as Balochistan faces increasing pressure on its water, land and natural resources.
