Hindu Kush Conservation Association, UK (HKCA)
Kalash Environmental Protection Society (KEPS)

The Kalash people, or Kalasha as they are generally called, live in three remote valleys in the North-Western province of Pakistan, close to the Afghan border.

KEPS (Kalash Environmental Protection Society) is a registered NGO in Pakistan, to help the needs of the Kalash and their environment. HKCA (Hindu Kush Conservation Association) is a British Charity (Charity number 1063232)

Long-term objectives are:

• To encourage tourism and protect cultural heritage
• To preserve and conserve the indigenous group ‘The Kalasha’ their culture and to preserve the environment.
• To preserve the religious and historical buildings and shrines in the valleys.
• To provide the medical facilities and improve the quality of life of the people through health awareness raising campaign.
• To engage in capacity building of the local people to generate income within the valleys.
• To seek the registration of the area to become an organic zone and biosphere.

Main Achievements

Since its inception in January 1993, KEPS has been involved in various activities in the Kalash Valleys from a small Medical Project to health and sanitation, tourism and preservation of the old buildings in the valleys to the formation of young Women’s society in Birir regarding health education and awareness. Besides KEPS was instrumental in bringing the first TB Training Scheme to Chitral, including the opening that year, of a TB Testing Clinic at Shidi.

KEPS has a good relationship with WWF and was instrumental in bringing IUCN to Chitral.