Galiyat insurance scheme offers relief to herders

April 15, 2026 (MLN):  In a bid to address rising human-wildlife conflict, WWF-Pakistan and Jubilee General Insurance have introduced a livestock insurance scheme in the Galiyat region to protect herders from financial losses caused by predators such as common leopards.

The initiative comes amid increasing tensions in Pakistan’s mountainous areas, where livestock depredation often leads to retaliatory killings of endangered wildlife.

 WWF-Pakistan’s analysis identifies buffer zones around Ayubia National Park, Machiara National Park, and Khunjerab National Park as the most affected regions, APP reported.

Statistics from Khunjerab illustrate the severity of the problem, with 499 reported livestock losses in 2023 alone. Between 2015 and 2023, six snow leopards were killed in retaliation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Under the pilot project, herders in Galiyat will receive compensation for verified livestock losses.

The scheme aims to reduce financial strain on vulnerable communities while discouraging revenge attacks on wildlife.

Director General, WWF-Pakistan, Hammad Naqi Khan stated that human-wildlife conflict has become both a conservation and livelihood issue, adding that the insurance model offers a practical way to safeguard communities and endangered species.

Meanwhile, MD & CEO, Jubilee General Insurance, Azfar Arshad said the partnership reflects a commitment to sustainable and inclusive solutions, combining risk management with conservation efforts.

Developed in consultation with local communities and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, the scheme includes livestock tagging as part of its monitoring system.

Implementation will be overseen by Village Conservation Committees and Park Conservation Committees.

WWF-Pakistan intends to expand the initiative to other high-conflict areas across the country, where predators like common leopards and snow leopards continue to threaten livestock and rural livelihoods.

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