Under the PEN programme, UNDP / GEF had funded the Malakand Biodiversity Conservation Project which was jointly implemented by ZKF, UNDP and the erstwhile NWFP Department of Wildlife from 2005 to 2006. Main emphasis of this project was to conserve the flora and fauna in the area (Union Council, Kot in Tehsil Dargai) and promote concepts of legal trophy hunting and bird shooting from which the communities should benefit by receiving 80% from ungulates & 90% from bird shoot revenue of which is raised as permits & licences fee and spent by the community on their welfare works in the area.
As the local tribal communities had decided to prefer the pen over a gun, therefore, immense input in literacy and healthcare promotion was needed. There were government schools and dispensaries in the area without any staff or activity since many years.

From 2006 to 2007, as a result of Environmental Activism, world’s largest pheasantry was saved from destruction due to wrong government decisions at the time. It is located besides the KKH in Dhodial, Distirct Mansehra of KP Province. It is established by the Wildlife Department of Govt of KP in 1985 where 32 out of the world’s 52 species of Pheasants are being bred and the general public is encouraged to purchase, breed and develop businesses in selling and exporting exotic birds species.

Koochi Nomads Development Project (KNDP)

1. In 2007, UNDP-GEF (SGP) funded the Koochi “Nomads Development Project”(KNDP) whereby detailed research was conducted on the environmental impact of the Koochi nomads on the environment of Pakistan during their migration with livestock from Afghanistan during the six months of winter period. They are the largest migratory people on earth with estimated population of five million about 30% of whom used to traverse between Afghanistan and Pakistan as seasonal migrants looking for greener pastures.


2. Besides the research a 20 minutes documentary was also made in English covering all their living and cultural aspects. This is available on You tube titled, “Treading Through Time in the tracks of the Koochi”. It was also shown during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012.

Unfortunately, since 2017; the Pak Govt has blocked the traditional free passage of all Afghans across the border by erecting barbed fences / obstacles. This has also impacted the free movement of the Koochis. Some citizens have approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan to challenge this Govt decision which is yet to be fixed for hearing.