In a significant effort to address the escalating human wildlife conflict in Pakistan’s northern regions, WWF-Pakistan and Jubilee General Insurance have launched a pioneering livestock insurance scheme in the Galiyat area. This initiative is specifically designed to protect local herders from the devastating financial impacts of livestock depredation caused by apex predators like common leopards. By providing a financial safety net, the project aims to foster coexistence between mountain communities and endangered species, addressing a critical gap in regional conservation strategies.
The mountainous areas of Pakistan have long been flashpoints for conflict between rural livelihoods and wildlife. When predators attack cattle or goats, the resulting economic loss often drives vulnerable communities to carry out retaliatory killings of rare animals. Research conducted by WWF-Pakistan identifies the buffer zones surrounding Ayubia National Park, Machiara National Park, and Khunjerab National Park as the regions most severely impacted by these clashes. Data from Khunjerab reveals the scale of the crisis, with nearly 500 livestock animals lost in a single year, leading to the revenge killing of several snow leopards over the past decade.
Under the new pilot project, herders in Galiyat will be eligible for compensation once livestock losses are officially verified. This insurance model is intended to reduce the immediate financial strain on families who rely almost entirely on their animals for survival. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, noted that human wildlife conflict has evolved into a complex issue that threatens both biodiversity and local livelihoods. He emphasized that providing practical risk management solutions is the only sustainable way to safeguard endangered species from extinction while supporting human residents.
The partnership represents a unique collaboration between the corporate insurance sector and environmental conservationists. Azfar Arshad, the MD and CEO of Jubilee General Insurance, stated that the initiative reflects a deep commitment to inclusive growth by combining traditional risk management with ecological preservation. To ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims, the scheme involves a rigorous monitoring system that includes the physical tagging of livestock. This system was developed through extensive consultation with local villagers and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department to ensure it meets the practical needs of the terrain.
Implementation of the scheme will be managed on the ground by Village Conservation Committees and Park Conservation Committees, ensuring that the local community remains at the heart of the decision making process. By empowering these local bodies, the project hopes to build a sense of ownership over wildlife protection. Following the initial rollout in Galiyat, WWF-Pakistan plans to expand the insurance model to other high conflict zones across the country, aiming to create a national framework where predators like snow leopards can thrive without threatening the economic stability of rural Pakistan.
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