The easiest way to arrest climate change is planting
more trees.
This week the Pakistan's Executive Committee of
National Economic Council (ECNEC) has finally approved finances worth Rs.
3652.142 million for much-awaited project the "Green Pakistan Programme --
Revival of Forestry Resources in Pakistan" on the recommendation of
Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform. According to this project,
which aims at plantation of indigenous and fast growing local tree species, 100
million plants will be added over the next five years throughout the country.
Inspired by the "Great Green Wall
Programme" of China, the project has now attained the national and
political ownership to put a check on the fast depleting flora and fauna,
wastage of water resources, protection and management of wildlife and
reclaiming and developing forest areas in Pakistan.
Under the Green Pakistan Programme, a huge
plantation drive will be carried out along canal/road sides in Punjab, KP and
Sindh, Olive and Kikar Phulai forests in Kala Chitta, Pabbi Rasul and Fort
Monroe in Punjab, mangrove forest in Sindh, Juniper in Balochistan and a
sizable amount of plantation to check erosion in GB and AJK and etc.
The deforestation rate in Pakistan is the highest in
the world. Official figures state that Pakistan's forest cover at 5% of its
total land area but fact contradicts this figure because land cleaned of forest-trees
are also included in it. Yet the 5% of the forest area is still low and should
be raised to a significant level. According to a report 20% more land of
forests are still required to ensure green environment in Pakistan because the
global environment standards suggests the country needs 25% forest area for
economic stability and environment protection. Raising forests will support
green economy and reduce green house gas emissions for goods of planet and
environment.
The country needs to raise its forest cover from 5%
to 25% to meet its economic, employment and green environment needs. Forest are
the source of economic support , employment, oxygen generation, livestock
grazing, furniture products, boats, house oven fire, hotel fuels in cities and
town, sports goods and construction industry.
The Ministry of Climate Change brought on board the
federating units, including province GB, AJK and FATA, prior to development of
the roadmap. Assessment of forest resources depletion, use of modern technology
and development of immediate and long term forest resource expansion plans are
some of the salient features of the programme. As a whole the initiative will
ensure far-reaching reform in forestry and wildlife sectors of the country.
However, experts believes government must focus to
make mass plantation in Karachi for reducing air pollution and providing clean
air to citizens for their good health. The city is the commercial engine of
Pakistan to have engaged with 20 million habitants so it needs special attention for a sustainable
environment in both downtown and its suburbs. As estimated Karachi requires 4
to 5 million proper trees within its vicinity, as a healthy tree with length of
five meters creates oxygen for four people daily.
Then the Karachi' coastal belt needs to add Mangroves
forests in large as they are important to stabilise shorelines, reduce coastal
erosion, protect coasts from storm damage and act as carbon sinks and natural
water treatment plants.
By
Editorial, Infocus
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