Factors shaping economics of land use change in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Sustainable land use is one of the emergent mountain concerns which requires immediate policy and regulatory attention. This study examines land use change and land prices at three different 5-yearly intervals: 2019, 2014 and 2009 respectively in three urbanizing districts of Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan. Empirical evidences are gathered by using mixed-method approaches. Findings of the study suggest that households’ land holdings of cultivated and uncultivated patches have declined significantly whereas, built-up area continued to rise over the years. Simultaneously, value of land in the urban centers has increased exponentially. As a result, sustainability of future economic benefits and ecosystem health becomes a major challenge for local community and policy makers. Therefore, this study recommends effective and sustainable land use planning with the emphasis on legislation, policy making, judicious and healthy use of ecosystem services and local ownership synced with customary laws and traditional knowledge.