LAHORE: The country’s first biodiversity park being developed in Murree is in the final stages of completion and will become functional in three months, officials in the Environment Protection Department (EPD) told Dawn.

The officials said the first of its kind facility was spread over 40 acres and its purpose was to keep the flora and fauna intact. The Punjab government would spend Rs90 million on the project. Camping will be an integral part of the park where nature lovers would be able to enjoy clean, pollution-free air. The park is likely to feature waterfalls, hiking and jogging tracks, a comprehensive information centre and scenic beauty.

An official of the EPD on condition of anonymity confirmed that entrance to the park would be ticketed, however the price was yet to be determined. The 40 acres of the park would be fenced by the government and other collaborative firms, he added.

The officials said the EPD initiated a project titled ‘Development of Biodiversity Parks’ in collaboration with city district governments, district governments and business communities in 2008. The project was aimed at developing biodiversity parks of Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Cholistan and Murree to spread awareness among the masses regarding importance of biodiversity.

The Housing & Urban Development Department was planning to establish a housing scheme at Dharjawa Road near Sunny Bank, Murree over 40 acres. Instead, the Punjab government decided to approve a biodiversity park there.

They said the EPD had explored opportunities to hire local consultancy services for preservation of biodiversity through establishment of such parks, while landscaping and horticultural consultancy services were readily available, but not a single decent consultancy firm could be found in the area of biodiversity.

Eventually, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a globally popular inter-governmental body, was provided with terms of reference framed by the EPD and tasked with designing, landscaping and establishing the biodiversity park in Murree after an approval from the chief minister.

Officials said Dr Iqbal Chauhan, Punjab environment secretary, visited the park on Oct 29 to review and monitor the pace of work. Officials concerned of the IUCN gave a detailed briefing about the work and plans for operation and maintenance of the park.

A proposal was discussed that Serena Hotel and IUCN could jointly look after operations and management as partners. Serena could manage visitors, maintenance, staff, cafeteria, daily operations and innovations while sustaining objective of the park and IUCN could handle technical matters ensuring sustainability of biodiversity conversation.

The EPD would likely play an advisory role in case of major interventions to be carried out at the park. For this purpose, another meeting was held with Dr Moinuddin, corporate strategy director at Serena Hotel Islamabad, who would submit a proposal in this regard next month to proceed further.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2014