The Land Cover of the DNP map has been obtained from ESA Sentinel-2 imagery. The image used for the interpretation and final classification has been chosen on the basis of phenological state of the vegetation and cloud cover percentage. Moreover, in areas without deciduous vegetation or major seasonal crop variations, one month might suffice. Considering these conditions, a single multispectral image acquired on August 06 2018 has been used. In order to classify the remote sensing image (Sentinel-2), a supervised classification approach using the maximum likelihood (ML) classification algorithm was applied. MLC is a widely used pixel-based, parametric classifier based on the Bayes theorem. It makes use of a discriminant function to assign pixel to the class with the highest likelihood.

The zoning exercise conducted for DNP aimed to balance use and conservation, keeping conservation as a priority; however, without compromising the sustainable use of the Park. The use includes that allowed under the legislation, namely recreation and education, and traditional rights of the local communities and the Gujjar-Bakarwals that are dependent on the DNP. The Deosai National Park is designated as “National Park” under the wildlife legislation. However, to allow for development of tailored management principles for different areas within the DNP designated zones, their purpose, and broad management guidelines are described in this chapter: there are four different zones inside the Park Boundaries and two zones outside the park in a comprehensive Buffer Zone. • Core Zone • Wilderness Zone • Sustainable Use Zone • Visitors Intensive-Use Zone Outside the Park boundaries: • Buffer Zone • Buffer Zone Valleys

The zoning exercise conducted for DNP aimed to balance use and conservation, keeping conservation as a priority; however, without compromising the sustainable use of the Park. The use includes that allowed under the legislation, namely recreation and education, and traditional rights of the local communities and the Gujjar-Bakarwals that are dependent on the DNP. The Deosai National Park is designated as “National Park” under the wildlife legislation. However, to allow for development of tailored management principles for different areas within the DNP designated zones, their purpose, and broad management guidelines are described in this chapter: there are four different zones inside the Park Boundaries and two zones outside the park in a comprehensive Buffer Zone. • Core Zone • Wilderness Zone • Sustainable Use Zone • Visitors Intensive-Use Zone Outside the Park boundaries: • Buffer Zone • Buffer Zone Valleys