Kasa Ghar Cluster CBO

Formed by Sherani tribes in 2012 in response to accelerating deforestation in Chilghoza Forest, Kasa Ghar Cluster Community Based Organization (CBO) sustainably manages 26,000 hectares of forest in Pakistan’s Sulaiman Range. To reduce dependence on timber harvesting, Kasa Ghar Cluster CBO has developed a successful model that commercializes the Chilghoza pine nut by connecting communities directly to the market, resulting in a 23 percent increase in price. Through trainings organized by Kasa Ghar Cluster CBO’s six village organizations and two women’s groups, local communities have learned harvesting techniques to improve pine nuts sold at market and pine nuts used for natural regeneration. Over the past seven years, deforestation rates have decreased by 25 percent, while income has increased by 18 percent. Through this approach, the group safeguards the well-being of approximately 12,000 people from 100 villages directly dependent on the forest for their livelihoods and subsistence needs.

Key Facts

Equator Prize Winner: 2019

Founded: 2012

Location: Balochistan, Pakistan

Ecosystem: Forests, Mountains

Case study