Deep inside the dense Himalayan forests of Ayubia National Park, which is located at just a two-hour scenic drive from Islamabad, stands a special tree species called the Taxus wallichiana. This is the scientific name for the Himalayan yew, native to the Himalayan mountain range. It has a variety of uses in traditional medicine and is currently classified as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Situated on a mountain range in the proximity of Abbottabad and Murree, the Ayubia National Park is globally recognised as an important ecological area. Recently on a trip there with a group of environmental journalists I encountered a mature Taxus wallichiana on the steep trail up to Mushkpuri peak.

It was a medium sized, sturdy looking pine tree covered with moss. It was difficult to photograph as it was surrounded by other trees in the thick forest, but it certainly looked distinctive with its wide tree trunk and spreading pine needles. Many wildlife species are said to take shelter under and in this hardy tree during storms and heavy snowfall.

We were told that this type of tree has traditionally been used for treating the common cold, cough, fever and pain (especially in Ayurvedic medicine). More recently it has received attention from modern science. Since its leaves and bark were found to be the prime source of taxol, a potent anticancer drug. However, for the local population, the tree has had a rather despondent use for many years: quite a few were cut down annually for use in lining the roof, base and sides of local graves. It was estimated by WWF-Pakistan that an 80-foot tree could provide enough wooden planks for constructing 15 to 18 graves. Every year, 10 to 15 trees were cut down by the people of the surrounding villages for graves when their elders would pass away.

The wood of these trees is less susceptible to disease attack, more moisture-resistant and hence has a longer life which is why local villagers preferred to use it in grave construction over most other trees in the forest. According to Muhammad Waseem, who currently serves as the coordinator for WWF-Pakistan’s Watershed Management Project in Ayubia, “In 2011 we had discussions with the local people, especially religious leaders regarding the use of Taxus wallichiana in graves. They initially told us that they didn’t want to stop this traditional practice but after six or seven months during which we had many discussions with them, they finally agreed to stop. We told them that Ayubia National Park is a national asset and it is illegal to cut this tree from its forests and that living people need this valuable tree much more than dead people. Eventually, the mullahs and the elders agreed with us. We started with one village and presently 20 villages located around the park are supporting us in protecting this tree species.”

Under the Watershed Management Project that is being implemented in Ayubia National Park, WWF-Pakistan has introduced the use of RCC (reinforced concrete) slabs for grave construction to protect the Taxus wallichiana. The local people of more than 20 villages are completely on board and have agreed to use cemented and stone-slab graves instead. A research study showed that approximately five trees from 10 villages that would have been used for constructing graves were being saved annually by this intervention.

Today, most of the local villagers prefer cemented and stone slabs, as they are more durable compared to wooden planks. The local villagers also agreed to form a local community-based organisation that would collect funds on an annual basis from all the houses according to their respective needs. These funds are now used in constructing cemented and stone slab graves. “The results of this project are very encouraging, says Waseem. “We have gotten a positive response from the community. The Taxus wallichiana tree is now almost only found in Ayubia National Park, where it is estimated that its population is more than 500. Through this project we are protecting the mother trees, so that the seeds can be used to grow more trees. This special tree’s future survival is now guaranteed in this region.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 4th, 2016