'Tourism and wildlife are interconnected'

PESHAWAR: Tourism and wildlife are interconnected. Hence, to promote tourism in any area, a combination of these two elements proves to be a draw for visitors. However, eco-tourism could not only boost the economy of a set area, it does so sustainably and further improves it.

This was stated by the Chitral Sub-divisional Forest Officer Altaf Ali Shah while addressing a gathering at a local hostel on Wednesday to mark the International Day of World Wildlife.

Divisional Forest Officer Altaf Ali Shah said that unlike in other parts of the country, snow leopards do not pose a threat to the human population. Rather, Shah claimed, they protected humans from spreading the ill effects of their environment.

He urged locals to work for the protection of such animals and not to target them.

Chitral’s dense forests are full of animals, including a few national symbols such as the Markhor, snow leopard, partridge etc.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2019.