Pakistan’s northern regions hold immense potential for economic growth through sustainable use of local natural resources. By leveraging native plants and wildlife for agriculture, crafts, and eco-tourism, and focusing on sustainable practices, the area can enhance job opportunities, preserve the environment, and attract global tourism, all with minimal financial outlay.

Potential Natural Resources
Pakistan, a country rich in natural resources, faces serious threats from food insecurity, water shortages, unusual temperature fluctuations, melting glaciers, cloudbursts, flash floods, high CO2 concentrations, and other issues, primarily due to climate change. The effects of climate change are intensifying each year, posing new challenges, particularly for sustainable agricultural production and rural/community-based job opportunities. As climate change impacts the natural world, it will inevitably affect the area's socioeconomic conditions. While climate change originates from human activities, it also presents opportunities that should be identified and leveraged to improve food security, create youth employment, and develop eco/agro-tourism alongside climate change mitigation efforts.
The northern region of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), is a crucial source of perennial fresh water and plays a significant role in modifying weather patterns due to its high mountains, which intercept warm, humid air currents from the Arabian Sea. These scenic, mountainous areas are rich in plant life and natural resources, harboring biodiversity ranging from subtropical to temperate and alpine regions under both monsoon and non-monsoon rains. Each year, new slogans for plantation are introduced, and substantial resources are allocated, but actual new plantation establishments often remain unrealized. Instead of introducing exotic plants, there is a need to utilize the existing unique plant germplasm resources for fruit production and other commercial activities. For many years, the faculty and students of the Agriculture Department at the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, have scientifically characterized various local plant species. Their research has revealed that this region is the origin of many fruit plants. For instance, the local germplasm of pears represents over 50 percent of global diversity. Molecular studies have also shown that Bhimber in AJK is the origin of mangoes. Similarly, the wild olive found in this area is unique and suitable for directly grafting with cultivated olives, offering high-quality oil and medicinal value.

The northern region of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan , is a crucial source of perennial fresh water and plays a significant role in modifying weather patterns due to its high mountains, which intercept warm, humid air currents from the Arabian Sea.  

The apricots and nuts from the area are renowned commodities globally. Local Amlok (persimmon) is well-suited for grafting into commercial persimmon varieties, and local pomegranates can be converted into commercial orchards, among others. Plums, peaches, figs, and grapes, also native to the region, are ideal for grafting with commercial varieties. The rootstock Batangi is suitable for grafting apples and pears of diverse qualities. Additionally, medicinal herbs and shrubs in the area are used as spices, herbal teas, and treatments for various ailments. While some plant species like saffron, sea-buckthorn, and malone have been commercialized, many others await global attention and commercialization.
Some wild plant species are renowned for making hanging baskets and decorative crafts. The list of plants with commercial value is extensive and has been scientifically documented. However, it requires attention from policymakers and the business community to capitalize on these opportunities in a globally connected, tourist-attracted world. Most importantly, utilizing local wild plant species as rootstock will minimize the special care and inputs needed to establish valuable fruits and their products. Training the local community in grafting techniques, along with appropriate intervention and ownership, will reduce the cost of such establishments and ensure their sustainability for economic benefit.
In recent years, the tourism potential of these areas has been recognized due to their scenic beauty, and efforts are underway to develop the tourism industry on a commercial basis. Nature lovers visiting these regions are captivated by lush green valleys, rivers and streams, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, high mountains, chirping birds, fresh air, and a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment. Local communities economically benefit from hotels, guest houses, huts, and transportation services throughout the season. The opening of two routes under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the Shoonter Tunnel linking Neelam Valley and Astore and the Mansehra-Bhimber Highway—will further connect tourist destinations with all-weather access to the region's attractions. These economic opportunities could be significantly expanded with minimal attention and involvement from relevant departments and stakeholders. For instance, the tourism department could collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, universities, and local communities to implement initiatives that create job opportunities and develop eco/agro-tourism on a larger scale.
Doable Working Plan for Utilization of Natural Resources
▪ Universities should offer short courses in tourism and hospitality management combined with IT (information technology) skills to enhance and market the tourism industry. This should include accommodation, transportation, local fruits and their products, art and crafts, and time-bound activities such as swimming, fishing, mountain trekking, and group exploration of attractive sites.
▪ Local plant-based natural resources, including wild relatives of fruit plants, could be converted into natural orchards without disrupting the area's soil, landscape, or terrain. Wild olives, pomegranates, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apples, persimmons, figs, grapes, and nuts could be grafted with commercial fruit varieties on-site with minimal inputs and economic resources. The youth from universities and colleges in local communities can be employed for these activities during specific seasons. They should receive brief training in budding and quality fruit scions from the Department of Agriculture AJK, Faculty of Agriculture (Poonch University, Rawalakot), and Food Sciences (Karakoram International University, Gilgit). The significant potential of olives in the area, with extensive wild olive stands, could create a revolutionary economic shift, as these plants can remain productive for 200 to 1,000 years.
▪ Female community members can be involved in economic activities by the agriculture department and the relevant university faculties, providing short training in fruit preservation, processing, and marketing for the local cottage industry. 
▪ Universities and the Department of Small Industries for Art and Crafts can also provide training to female communities based on local plant resources. For example, handmade environmentally friendly baskets for the kitchen, fruit and flower baskets, naan/chapati serving baskets, decoration pieces for home interiors, and other crafts can generate economic activities while protecting and preserving wild plants for their economic value and role in mitigating climate change impacts.
▪ Short training in beekeeping, natural honey production, and marketing offers significant potential for year-round job opportunities and sustainable economic activities. Bees, as natural pollinators of fruits, will enhance fruit production in the area.
▪ The region’s medicinal plants represent another valuable source of economic activity. While many herbal plants have already been investigated, numerous others remain unexplored for their potential in human health. The global natural products industry, which relies on compounds synthesized in living cells rather than through industrial processes, is thriving. Collaboration between the Department of Health and the Faculty of Eastern Medicine at Poonch University, along with Chemistry departments at other universities, can facilitate the conversion of locally grown herbs and shrubs into commercial products. For example, sea-buckthorn, which grows abundantly in Skardu, is becoming increasingly important for a wide range of industrial products. This plant alone has the potential to create thousands of jobs for local youth and offers significant export potential worth billions of rupees. Other related species, such as autumn olives found in the hilly temperate regions of AJK, also hold similar economic promise. These hardy plants can tolerate variable temperatures and rainfall, making them environmentally valuable for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change.
▪ The area's local wildlife is crucial to conserve due to its role in attracting nature lovers from around the world. However, wildlife, including special bird species, has significantly declined due to habitat loss and the depletion of water and food resources. Natural springs near community residences were converted into cement tanks and supplied to communities via pipes, depriving wildlife of essential spring water. It is necessary to maintain a small amount of running water from these springs to support birds and other wildlife. The forest department and local government need to protect natural sanctuaries for birds and wildlife, as well as their water and food resources. The vibrant colors and chirping of birds, particularly rare species like Himalayan pheasants, wild chickens, and dangeer, attract visitors. Additionally, conserving rainwater lakes, small ponds, and springs within forests and steep hills is essential for controlling water runoff during heavy rains and enhancing groundwater recharge. The area's forests are also rich in mushroom flora. Promoting edible mushroom species, known for their delicacy and medicinal properties, could benefit the tourism industry.
▪ Trout fish from freshwater resources in the area should be protected from harmful harvesting methods, such as blasting and electric shocks. The fisheries department and local communities need to be involved in awareness programs and training to enhance breeding practices. Legal harvesting, game fishing, and culinary dishes featuring trout can attract the tourist industry.
The ideas presented are based on existing scientific research and are recommended for the area. These proposals are feasible without requiring large sums of money, provided there is clarity of purpose, positive intentions, and determination. The youth, who are leaving the country due to limited job opportunities, could be incentivized through short training programs and motivation. Utilizing the full potential of local youth could yield long-term benefits, including economic activity, climate change mitigation, conservation of natural resources, and overall prosperity within their communities.
The practices discussed are environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the area's soil, infrastructure, water, and natural beauty. Establishing new orchards will require minimal inputs, such as digging pits, watering, protecting saplings, fertilization, and weeding. Mobilizing communities can be achieved through coordination with local non-profit associations and NGOs, and relevant government departments can engage youth at colleges and universities through expert lectures and training sessions.
Human resources will primarily be needed during the grafting process. Once the grafts are established, ongoing maintenance will be minimal, focusing mainly on pruning for optimal growth. As the plants reach the fruiting stage, their harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing will generate sustainable economic activity and job opportunities for both youth and women. This industry, coupled with tourism, will benefit local communities, contributing to their livelihood and the overall development and prosperity of the area and country, with minimal burden on government finances.

The writer is an Emeritus Professor and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.