Livestock insurance launched in Galiyat to mitigate human-wildlife conflict

A new livestock insurance initiative has been introduced in the Galiyat region through a collaboration between WWF-Pakistan and Jubilee General Insurance, aiming to protect rural livelihoods while addressing the rising challenge of human-wildlife conflict

NATHIAGALI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Apr, 2026) A new livestock insurance initiative has been introduced in the Galiyat region through a collaboration between WWF-Pakistan and Jubilee General Insurance, aiming to protect rural livelihoods while addressing the rising challenge of human-wildlife conflict.

The pilot project targets herders in conflict-prone mountainous areas, where livestock losses due to predators, particularly common leopards, have significantly impacted household incomes. Under the scheme, farmers will receive financial compensation for verified livestock losses, reducing economic vulnerability and discouraging retaliatory killings of endangered species.

According to WWF-Pakistan analysis, regions surrounding Ayubia National Park, Machiara National Park, and Khunjerab National Park experience the highest levels of livestock depredation. In Khunjerab alone, 499 such cases were recorded in 2023, while retaliatory actions led to the killing of six snow leopards between 2015 and 2023.

The insurance model integrates conservation with financial risk management, marking a significant step in sustainable development. By compensating livestock owners, the initiative reduces pressure on communities and promotes coexistence with wildlife.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, termed the initiative a “practical solution” that addresses both conservation and livelihood challenges, adding that it could serve as a scalable model for other regions facing similar conflicts.

Azfar Arshad, MD & CEO of Jubilee General Insurance, highlighted the broader impact of the partnership, stating that the initiative demonstrates how insurance can contribute to environmental sustainability while safeguarding vulnerable communities.

The scheme has been developed in coordination with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department and local stakeholders. As part of the implementation, livestock tagging has been initiated to ensure transparency in claims, while Village and Park Conservation Committees will oversee on-ground execution.

WWF-Pakistan plans to expand the model to other high-conflict zones across the country, particularly in areas where increasing interaction between wildlife and human settlements continues to threaten both biodiversity and rural economies.