IWMB defers event fee structure in Margalla Hills National Park

Islamabad:In a recent board meeting, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) made a unanimous decision to postpone the implementation of a proposed fee structure for events within Margalla Hills National Park. The board cited a lack of consensus on the outlined fee agenda as the primary reason for deferring the policy.

The comprehensive fee structure, designed to bolster conservation efforts, aimed to mandate prior approval and fees for events organized by individuals and entities within the park. This collaborative initiative with the Climate Ministry sought to make the park financially self-sufficient, with collected fees dedicated to activities outlined in the IWMB's endorsed conservation plan.

The decision impacts not only event organizers but also hotels and restaurants within the park, which were poised to operate in coordination with the proposed charging structure. The IWMB underlined a collaborative approach, committing to regular reviews in tandem with the Climate Ministry to gauge the effectiveness and relevance of the proposed structure. Outlined by the IWMB and supported by the Climate Ministry, a payment procedure requiring advance settlement of all fees for scheduled events was detailed. Additionally, special arrangements or extra services beyond standard awareness sessions might incur agreed-upon extra charges.

Cancellation requests for events are now subject to a seven-day notice requirement for a full refund, underscoring the importance of timely communication. The IWMB's resource mobilization initiative, including participant fees from awareness and education sessions, gained further endorsement from the Climate Ministry, contributing to the dedicated funds for Margalla Hills National Park.

As the IWMB and the Climate Ministry anticipate a positive impact on the park's preservation through this policy, they remain committed to sustainable management and financial responsibility. The deferment allows for additional deliberation, ensuring a well-informed and consensus-driven approach to the future implementation of the proposed fee structure.