Unsustainable Tourism Killing Fragile Ecosystem

The Astore Valley located in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region is undoubtedly one of Pakistan’s most attractive tourist destinations. Nestled at an altitude of about 2,600 metres in the mountainous region, the valley is laden with natural beauty; it is full of glacial lakes, towering peaksand captivating lush meadows. It is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, especially the iconic spiral-horned species such as markhor, included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 

A retreat into the valley’s exotic ambience offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of a city life like no other. However, this paradise is now under siege, battling the dual threats of climate change and unsustainable tourism.

Unpredictable weather patterns followed by shifting precipitation and increase in glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are altering the landscape and endangering lives and livelihoods in the region. The glaciers, the valley’s lifeblood, are receding rapidly, causing a threat to water security for both local communities and wildlife.

The valley’s agriculture and water supply are facing unprecedented strain, amplified by erratic droughts and floods. These environmental and ecological crises are not isolated, they extend to and mirror broader trends across Pakistan, a nation dealing with disruptions caused by climate change, even though its contribution to global carbon emissions is minimal. 

Dark side of tourism

Exponential growth in tourism has been observed in GB, which attracted over 1.39 million domestic and 10,829 foreign tourists in 2019 alone. Tourists visit the valley in summer while adventurers are attracted to it in winter. 

A data of domestic visitors’ influx into GB from 2007 to 2023 shows noticeable growth trends, especially in peak summer months (June to August), with a significant rise in overall total over the years, reflecting increasing interests in the area’s scenic charm and improved accessibility. According to the data of domestic tourists’ arrival in the first quarter of 2023 (January to March), most of the tourists visited Diamer, Gilgit, Ghizer and Astore while other districts like Kharmang and Ghanche showed relatively low influx, indicating regional discrepancies in tourists’ preferences. 

International tourists’ inflow to GB from 2007 to 2023 shows fluctuating trends. Influx of such tourists peaked during summer months (June to September), indicating seasonal appeal and external travelling preferences. The inflow, however, showed a noticeable decline during certain years such as 2020, because of global disruptions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite fueling the local economy, creating job opportunities and boosting business activities, the steady inflow of domestic and international tourists into the Astore Valley is also exerting huge pressure on its fragile ecosystem. Deforestation for infrastructure and development of facilities, unregulated trekking and hiking, and improper disposal of municipal solid waste have triggered environmental degradation, habitat damage, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.

Unchecked construction of resorts and hotels has transformed the pristine landscapes into populated and overcrowded hubs further exerting pressure on local resources. Illegal clearing of forests for infrastructure and felling of trees for firewood has led to climate disruption, damaging habitats crucial for endangered species like snow leopard and disturbing the region’s ecological balance. 

Several locals complained that tourists visiting the area in their own cars trigger traffic congestion as well as rising air pollution. “Besides, we have observed that even locals as well as tourists cut trees from the forests to gather firewood for use in cooking and campfires. Such activities lead to further degradation of the area,” local resident Jamil Hussain said.

Due to the declining forest cover in the area caused by tree felling for firewood and construction activities, the government was compelled to convert a major forest area into the Central Karakorum National Park (CKPN) in order to protect it. However, there is a noticeable difference in the approaches of the locals and tourists towards the natural resources of the Astore Valley. 

The local community was found quite aware of the growing environmental issues. On the other hand, most of the tourists have scant concerns for environmental issues such as waste disposal, particulate matters in the air, noise pollution and climate change. “We locals have to live here, the tourists enjoy their trips and leave after spending some time,” said Sher Afzal.

Pollution from municipal solid waste (MSW) has reached alarming levels. According to the GB Waste Management Company’s report, MSW generation increases from 40 tons a day in winter to 55 tons a day in summer, when tourist activities peak in the valley. In the absence of a proper scientific waste disposal system, the waste is usually dumped openly polluting the rivers and threatening aquatic ecosystems. Increasing tourism activities leads to an increase in transportation, which contributes to a rise in carbon emission that, in turn, accelerates the melting of the glaciers. Occurrences of glacial melting, flash floods and landslides have increased in the valley over the years.

The untreated wastewater and sewage from tourists’ facilities and local residential areas are contaminating freshwater lakes and are jeopardising the valley’s pristine environment thus tarnishing its allure. 

Cultural heritage at risk 

The Astore Valley’s rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that has been preserved from generations is now under threat. Tourism has introduced unprecedented pressure that is eroding indigenous practices and traditions that have continued for centuries.

Locals lament that high tourist influx has also resulted in inducing socio-cultural impacts in the valley. According to them, drastic changes in local community attire, daily routine and food have been observed over the years. It is ironic that, they say, while foreign tourists come to explore the local culture and traditions, the domestic tourists try to impose their own culture on the local communities.

A common observation of the locals regarding domestic tourists is that they do not respect the locals’ privacy and social boundaries, pluck fruits and vegetables without permission and force the youth of the valley to use drugs. Another serious complaint against domestic tourists is that they take pictures of local girls without consent, later sharing them on social media, and destroy the sanctity of famous sights by writing slang words and inscribing phone numbers on walls or rocks.

As a result, the cultural and traditional essence that once attracted tourists and visitors is declining, weakening the community’s identity and the region’s unique appeal. “Youngsters’ increasing demand for biryani and fast food is replacing our traditional chapshuro, mumto, harissa,desi gheeand lasi culture in our valley,” said restaurant owner Abdul Rehman. 

A call for sustainable solutions 

The challenges faced by the Astore Valley cry for urgent and coordinated actions. Sustainable tourism practices, eco-friendly facilities and lodging, proper waste management and continuous conservation awareness and education must be pivotal and take centrestage. To mitigate the climate change impacts such as GLOPs, the scaling up of GLOF risk reduction in Northern Pakistan (GLOF-II) project launched by the GB government should be implemented with all sincerity. In addition, it is suggested to take up measures like adaptive and mitigation strategies such as enhancing water management systems, promotion of drought resistant vegetation and crops, planting of local tree species as barriers to help in reducing devastating impacts and disaster risk reduction (DRR). 

Local people highlighted littering as the most important concern having environmental impacts in the Astore Valley. It should be addressed immediately. For a start, the authorities having control over places such as mountain peaks, restaurants, hotels, parks and other tourist areas should be held responsible if the environment of those areas is polluted and contaminated. Parallel to this, billboards, instructions on local norms and ethics along with fines should be displayed at tourist spots and the local administration should compel the visitors to abide by such instructions. 

The government should promote the local transportation system to discourage tourists from bringing in their own vehicles. The move will minimise rash driving and chances of accidents because local drivers are more acquainted with the routes. Besides, it will help the livelihoods of the local people. As a majority of the residents of the Astore Valley are dependent on seasonal tourism, the government should provide other economic opportunities for local communities to ensure that they are gainfully engaged in agricultural and farming activities like livestock, chicken farms, fisheries, medicinal plants and herbs during lean tourist seasons. 

The Astore Valley is a microcosm of broader and far-reaching environmental challenges that Pakistan faces. Its plight highlights the need and necessity for a balanced economic growth with ecological preservation. By prioritising and materialising the concept of sustainability, Astore can maintain its pristine natural beauty and cultural legacy, ensuring the future generations to come and see this unique marvel in the lap of the Himalayas.

If the present trend of environmental degradation is left unchecked, the natural beauty that attracts millions to the valley could be lost forever. The time to act is now, to save Astore.