Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management is a methodology
developed by WWF international to rapidly assess the issues related to management of a
protected area. It is very useful in identifying areas that require to be focused on more so as
to improvement protected area management. This methodology is an effective tool for park
managers and policy makers which helps them identify management steps to ensure full
functioning of PAs3
. Despite the fact that Astola Island is not a protected Area but it is a
Ramsar site of international importance. Thus the RAPPAM questionnaire was slightly
modified according to the area. Details about RAPPAM methodology are given as Annexure
V.
RAPPAM questionnaire developed by WWF international was used to determine the ground
situation of HMWS. The questionnaire comprised of ten sections. Initially the respondent
was asked about existing pressures and foreseen threats to the protected area. In the next
nine sections information regarding socio-economic importance, vulnerability, management,
staffing etc was gathered. Data was collected from 2 key informants belonging to
Balochistan Fisheries Department and IUCN. The analysis of the data is discussed in the
next sections.