Sarhad Provincial Conservation Strategy - IUCN

6
from polythene bags. Consumer choice is the ultimate
economic instrument.
In general, it is good public policy to examine
such questions holistically, looking at regulatory
needs but also at non-regulatory options, using the
criteria just outlined.
6 . 7
G O V E R N A N C E & C A P A C I T Y D E V E L O P M E N T
S T R ATEGIC PLANNING PROCESSES
At present, much of the work of the ES of the PE&D
Department is focused on the preparation of project
concept documents or related procedural requirements.
In addition, a considerable amount of time is
spent doing environmental reviews of projects that
are forwarded to the PE&D for approval. These
reviews are largely ad hoc, because a formal environmental
impact assessment process has not been
put in place. So the criteria for the informal reviews
are determined by the individual responsible for the
critique. This same situation exists within the EPA. It is
expected to improve with the introduction of new
environmental legislation, especially the environmental
impact assessment process.
The mandate of the ES, due largely to the lack of
staff in already approved positions, is not being fulfilled.
An annual strategic planning cycle that determines,
with regional input, the environmental priorities
of the Government should be the principal task of the
ES. The SPCS will not achieve one of its core objectives
if this task is not completed during the ‘transition
to implementation’ phase.
There are many approaches to strategic planning
available, and several have been experimented with
during the preparation of the first generation of the
SPCS. They have included such approaches as logical
framework analysis, but no one process has
proved superior. However, an early decision should
be taken about an annual priority setting and strategic
planning exercise, rather than simply maintaining
the existing process of listing of projects in the annual
development plan.
A similar process is needed for the overall work
plan of the section itself. This cannot occur until the
existing positions are filled with professionals from
environmental fields who are trained in strategic
58 SARHAD PROVINCIAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY
planning processes and in developing a mechanism
for prioritizing environmental issues.
6 . 8
ENVIRONMENT & LAND USE
PLANNING PROCESSES
Coordination of Government activities at the district
level was raised as an issue in every public meeting
held during the public consultation process. Many
examples of a lack of integration of departmental
functions in the field were reiterated from meeting to
meeting. Varying suggestions for better coordination
were forthcoming.
The first suggestion was for the improvement of
environmental baseline data. This has begun with the
development of the first Environmental Profile of the
NWFP, an exceptionally useful document.
A second important suggestion was for district
level, legally sanctioned land use planning processes,
and for a subsequent system of integrated resource
management. Land use planning comes first, beginning
with resource inventories and capability analysis,
followed eventually by choices about the optimum
use of land. Choices include setting aside land for
agriculture, expansion of urban facilities, forestry,
parks and protected areas, and so on. Once these
choices are made and codified, more routine management
activities can begin.
The main components of a land use plan will
include:
■ a description of each land use and their
interactions;
■ a comprehensive and interdisciplinary
a p p r o a c h ;
■ consideration of people and their activities in the
ecosystem;
■ use of natural rather than arbitrary boundaries;
■ consideration of how the different levels of ecosystem
function;
■ establishment of goals, and an active management
approach;
■ incorporation of all stakeholders and relevant
institutions;
■ anticipation of research and planning needs,
while remaining flexible;