Tree Plantation in Pakistan

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Although we Pakistanis plant trees, there is no maintenance. The Germans have been celebrating national festival of trees since 1952. In Israel, the Jewish calendar has set aside the 19th day of January as festival of the trees.

In Japan, the national tree festival is celebrated in the first week of April, known as ‘Greening Week’. This programme is undertaken with great zeal. Sweden has already plentiful of forests and the ‘Week of Forest’ is celebrated to remind people of their obligation to the spread of forest.

Similarly, India annually celebrates a tree festival called ‘Vana Mahot Sava’ on a very large scale. Although in Pakistan our forest department is doing its best to spread greenery, this dream of a ‘Green Pakistan’ can come true only when all segments of society — NGOs, activists, and the forest department — join hands to make this campaign a success. Japan has 63pc of its area under trees, Sweden 53pc and India 22pc, Pakistan has only five per cent area under forest. The Chinese after suffering greatly on this count started planting trees in 1957.

Then ‘Great Green Wall’ which is a huge shelter belt extending over 1.6m hectares serving as a barrier against the Gobi desert. This is an eye-opener for Pakistan.

Pine tree saplings being brought to Islamabad for planting in order to make Islamabad the 'City of Pines'

Pakistan makes it to the Guinness World Records by planting 847,275 mangrove saplings in a day

“The Sindh Forest Department has set a Guinness World Record for planting a maximum number of mangroves saplings at Keti Bunder”, informed by Sindh Forest and Wildlife Department here at Keti Bunder.

The announcement was made, shortly after 300 coastal community volunteers had planted 8,47,275 saplings, breaking an earlier record of 6,11,000 saplings planted by India in 2010. While congratulating the nation, he thanked the forest department employees, coastal community volunteers and the coastal experts for their tireless efforts in achieving this goal.

He also informed the media that the Asian Development Bank has announced Rs.5,000 as a special reward for each of the volunteer. ADB has funded a 5-year long Sindh Coastal Community Development Project in the area in partnership with the Sindh Forest Department. A special shield was awarded to Mr. Tahir Qureshi for his exceptional conservation work in the Indus Delta over the last few years.

While congratulating the efforts of the Sindh Forest Department, Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema said that there have been competitions between Pakistan and Indian in sports but a competition in the field of environment is even healthier, as in the end it will only lead to healthy ecology in both the countries.

 

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PHA to plant 600,000 geo-tagged saplings in LHR to combat air pollution

The Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHA) has been directed to plant 600,000 geo-tagged saplings to combat air pollution in Lahore, according to news published in the national dailies on April 27.

As per the details, a strategy has been implemented to combat air pollution by planting 600,000 six-foot saplings in vacant areas in the city. In this regard, a joint committee comprising the Lahore District Administration and Forest Department has been formed to ensure successful implementation. It was revealed that the Lahore Commissioner has requested a list of unused planting sites.

Moreover, the PHA will be planting trees on the routes linking Lahore to other districts. Every sapling will be geotagged and uploaded to a dashboard in order to track the success of the planting initiative. This campaign is a crucial step towards decreasing the detrimental effects of air pollution on the well-being and health of citizens along with promoting the significance of sustainability and environmental conservation for future generations.

 

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Beauties of nature find haven in Clifton urban forest​

Shazia Hasan
May 22, 2023

Flamingos in huge numbers flock together in the artificially created lagoon at the Clifton urban forest. Although flamingos are indigenous birds, it’s a rare occurrence that the migratory flamingos are also arriving here from India on their way back to Europe. —Fahim Siddiqi / White Star
KARACHI: You turn towards the Clifton Urban Forest and you run into the man responsible for growing this jungle, or rather jungle mein mangal (feast in the forest), briskly marching off somewhere. He doesn’t look happy. He has just been informed about someone trying to trap the flamingos in his artificially created lagoon.

“The lagoon these days is attracting both the migrating greater flamingos and lesser flamingos. The greater flamingos, which are some five-and-a-half feet tall, need a bit of running space before taking off, like an aeroplane. And here we have the kidnappers, who spread kite strings in their strides, to make their long and thin legs buckle as they catch them,” said Masood Lohar, the man behind the urban forest.

“I keep getting phone calls from odd people offering me money to get them a pair of flamingos because they want to keep exotic animals at their place. That day I even found a poacher here,” Lohar shared, shaking his head in disbelief.
“We have been seeing some 120 species of migrating birds and nesting birds, insects and animals here on this 220 acres of land that we have turned into an urban forest with an artificial lagoon and mudflats. This is now the largest biodiversity rich lagoon in Pakistan,” he said.

120 species of migrating and nesting birds, insects and animals sighted in the forest

From moving here two-and-a-half years ago and living in a little blue camper’s tent among the lizards and snakes and surrounded by a garbage dump that he dug up as deep as he could to clean, Lohar seems to be doing a little better now on the home front. He has built a little office with an adjoining bedroom.

“I still live here,” he said, pointing to his bedroom behind the office. “The day I leave, I know my own men will be selling the rare birds to the highest bidders,” he added.

The Clifton Urban Forest, started on Jan 8, 2021 in close coordination with the Sindh government, is a community-based voluntary initiative of Masood Lohar, the former head of UNDP-GEF SGP, from the platform of Sindh Radiant Organisation (SRO) to restore ecosystem, create urban resilience and conserve the marine ecosystem of Karachi.
It has now become a successful model of ecosystem restoration and covers Sustainable Development Goals such as eliminating hunger, providing good health and well-being, building sustainable cities and communities, taking climate action, helping life below water and life on land.

Lohar has really created what he had set out to do. Back in 2021, when he was living in the tent while clean up work and planting saplings was going on here, he had counted 42 different bird species and noticed three types of lizards. Today, he talks about moorhens, cavendish plovers, lesser sand plovers, swallows, little stilts and black stilts. He tells you about the 12 species of butterflies, three species of honeybees and the lots of beetles, all marvels of biodiversity. “You won’t even find so many species at Haleji Lake,” he beamed.

Masood Lohar, the man behind the urban forest, in sync with nature he recreated around himself.—White Star

“A bird photographer also spotted and photographed two internationally near threatened birds, the black tailed godwit and the Eurasian curlew and also made a record of the first-ever sighting of the crab plover in the lagoon,” he shared.

In the 26 to 27 months that he has been here, Lohar has planted some 700,000 trees here of some 83 species, which include mangroves, water lilies and lotus out in the open sea to create the artificial lagoon and mudflats.

He takes you to his forest with all the trees, bushes and long grass allowed to grow wildly. “Watch me walk in the grass,” he says. So many insects fly up or hop out of his way as some bigger insect like the cricket or praying mantis gobble up the smaller insects. “It is not a park, it is wilderness with a food chain. The insects in the garden are food for the bigger insects and lizards here. We have bee-eating birds nesting here, too,” he informed.

Most conversations with Lohar are about his lovely neighbours. “We have three types of lizards including the monitor lizard and the skink lizard. See this climber here, our honey bees love it,” he added, while also telling you about some “nice non venomous snakes” that come to visit his office and bedroom quite often.

The forest opens into a beautiful lagoon, which connects you to the Arabian Sea. You hear chirping, you hear croaks, you hear whistles. You can see the horizon meet the ebbing tides. And that’s where you see the pink and white flamingos. There are also plenty of ducks afloat on the gentle waves.

“The flamingos require shallow water, the ducks deep water. We have provided for both,” Lohar explained.
Although flamingos are indigenous birds, migratory flamingos are also arriving here from India on their way back to Europe, a rare occurrence as this place had pretty much done away with its ecosystem and biodiversity thanks to so much reclamation around the coastal areas and pollution. “Do you know, this place, from Teen Talwar to Do Talwar and the Mai Kolachi Bypass used to be the largest lagoon with the largest lake? We built over it and finished it all. Now this urban forest is returning to nature only a little bit of what we stole from it,” he concluded.

 

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Drive to plant 15m trees launched​

Staff Reporter
May 26, 2023

Milkar Pakistan and Al-Khidmat Foundation (AKF) have launched a countrywide mega tree plantation drive from provincial metropolis targeting to plant 15 million trees across the country.

In the first phase, 15 thousand saplings are being planted in Lahore with the collaboration of Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) under the “Smog free Lahore” programme.

The launching of the first phase of the mega tree plantation drive was held near Lahore airport on Wednesday where Project Director of MilKar Pakistan Kashf Shah, AKF vice president Dr Mushtaq Mangat, Director General PHA Tahir Watoo, President AKF Punjab Ikram-ul-Haq, heads of various universities, a large number of students and volunteers and people from different walks of life participated in the ceremony.

The campaign was started by the orphan children who planted saplings in the names of their parents, while other participants also planted saplings in the names of their loved ones. Addressing the ceremony, Dr Mushtaq Mangat said that AKF is determined to plant millions of saplings across the country to improve the environment, eco system and health of the countrymen better.

He said PHA has taken the responsibility for maintenance of the saplings being planted while AKF and MilKar Pakistan will conduct awareness campaigns among the masses about making Pakistan green and will play their role in planting more trees across the country. Kashf Shah said "Smog Free Lahore" campaign is a big step in the context of countrywide tree plantation campaign aimed at protecting the country from the dangerous effects of the global climate changes.

Highlighting the importance of planting more and more trees to save the eco system, Kashf Shah hoped that the positive effects of this campaign will be seen in near future and benefit the entire nation in the years to come. PHA DG Tahir Watoo praised the efforts of AKF and Milkar Pakistan for the protection of environment.

 

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3rd China-Pak non-wood forest S&T exchange conference to be held this month​

By Mia Shah | China Economic Net
Nov 21, 2023

ZHENGZHOU, - The third Science and Technology Exchange Conference on China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest will be held from October 26 to 28 in Zhengzhou, China, and Gwadar, Pakistan. The conference will take place both online and offline simultaneously.

The event is hosted by the Chinese Society of Forestry (CSF) and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and organized by Henan Agricultural University, Henan Forestry Society, Economic Forest Branch of CSF, China Overseas Port Holding Company and Yulin Holdings.

With a focus on medicinal woody plants and their active substances, the organizers will invite experts from both China and Pakistan to discuss the advancements made in improving the efficiency of the non-wood forest industry in arid areas. The conference will specifically highlight the extraction and utilization of these plants and their active substances in arid regions.

The science and technology exchange conference also seeks to facilitate the improvement of ecological environment and people's livelihoods in Pakistan's tropical arid areas. At the same time, its research results will also contribute to the Chinese market and help address the shortage of non-wood forest products in China.

 

[ghazi52]

Nature is amazing !!!

 

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Sindh Govt. has many Nursery from where people can buy Plants and Trees in very economical (Almost No Cost) Cost. Good for Home and Industries both.

Public Forest Nurseries

The history of raising container plants in nurseries is as old as modern forestry practices in the province of Sindh. Initially planting stock (saplings) was raised in the government nurseries and supplied to public at subsidized rates. In the beginning, there were only few nurseries all over...

sindhforests.gov.pk

Those who are interested in plantation of their land can be benefited with it. Specially Factories and Exporters can get benefit of Carbon Neutral Status by doing Plantation of their land. They can do this on land around city periphery but remember Getting Plant is first step, main thing is maintaining them. Let's make Pakistan Green.

 

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Timber Mafia and illegal logging​

The Frontier Post

According to the report, the KP’s forest department has initiated a province-wide campaign against the timber Mafia that is massively involved in illegal logging and smuggling of timber rendering thick vegetation into barren hills. Meanwhile, the KP’s Forest Department has claimed that it has ceased 11 trucks involved in the smuggling of timber and investigations are underway to assess the magnitude of the problem.

Illegal cutting of forests and smuggling of precious wood has now shaped into a lucrative business in the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, being a major timber market and forest zone, has become a haven for the timber mafia and smugglers. Over the years, that cruel business has eaten up forests spread over thousands of acres of land in Hazara, Malakand, and Khyber District into naked mountains and still this illicit business flourishes across the province.

Historically, forests have a tremendous impact on human life as they host a wide variety of plant and animal species, contributing significantly to global biodiversity. The forest also plays an important role in Oxygen production and helps mitigate the worst effects of climate change by preventing soil erosion, regulating the water cycle, and helping to maintain rainfall patterns. Forests also provide various resources like timber, medicinal plants, fruits, and nuts, contributing to local economies and livelihoods along with providing recreational activities and tourism.

Historically, timber smuggling in Pakistan has been a persistent problem causing serious loss to the national economy along with environmental damage from deforestation, biodiversity, and disturbance in the ecosystem, and social life as well. Preserving and sustainably managing forests is crucial to overcoming these losses and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.

Although, the government has implemented various measures, including increased law enforcement, stricter regulations, and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices. Yet, there is a dire need for collaborative efforts involving government agencies, law enforcement bodies, local communities, and international organizations to help combat this illicit trade, social evil, and serious crime that is ruthlessly swallowing up previous forests in the country.

Furthermore, raising awareness about the environmental and socio-economic impacts of timber smuggling can play an important role in garnering public support for forest conservation and combating illegal logging activities in the country.

 

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Paper Mulberry trees are being removed from F-9 Park because they cause allergies. 12,000 Mulberry trees are being removed and 36,000 indigenous trees will be planted as replacements in F9 Park.

The target for planting these native trees is set to be completed by March 31, 2024, promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment.

The following large size (12’ to 15’) indigenous trees are being planted in F9 Park as replacement.

(1) Chir Pine
(2) Kachnar
(3)Jacaranda
(4)Amaltas
(5)Pilkhan
(6)Sukhchain
(7)Sapium
(8)Fiddle Wood
(9)Arjan

Source,,,,,,,: CDA

 

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[ghazi52]

500 Fruit Trees (Louqat) have been planted in Ankara Park by CDA.
As part of plantation strategy, CDA is planting local/indigenous plants that support local eco system and environment.

 

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Any updates on this project?

 

[ghazi52]

February 13, 2024: Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) visited Mohmand Dam, being constructed across River Swat in Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Planted a sapling.

 

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Attock Refinery, EPA launch Spring Plantation Drive​

Press Release
February 24, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Attock Refinery Limited in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Rawalpindi, Punjab launched Spring Plantation Drive-2024 at ARL’s Nature Reserve at Shahpur, said a press release.

The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness about deforestation and various ecological concerns linked with it.

The chief guest, Deputy Director EPA Rawalpindi inaugurated the plantation drive. Officials from EPA Rawalpindi, Punjab and ARL’s Management participated in the event.

This is a step forward of ARL’s commitment regarding environmental protection and biodiversity. Ten to twelve thousand healthy plant saplings are being planted by ARL each year. Representatives of EPA appreciated the ARL’s endeavours and have assured their full support for such activities.

 

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Arbor Day: Green Karot Initiative launched with Fruit Tree Plantation​

By Tahir Ali | Gwadar Pro
Mar 14, 2024

Fruit Tree plantation activity at Karot HPP. [Photo/CTGAAL]

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (Gwadar Pro) - The Chinese Arbor Day, also known as National Tree Planting Day, was celebrated at the Karot Hydro Power Project (KHPP) with a tree plantation drive focusing on fruit trees on March 12.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the CTGAAL and Karot Power Company (Pvt) Limited (KPCL) jointly launched the “Green Karot” initiative and planted 60 fruit trees at Karot HPP. “The activity is a joint commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement,” as per an official statement.

CTGAAL is an investment holding company formed by China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) and the China Three Gorges International Corporation (CTGI).

The Arbor Day, which takes place every March 12 in China, is dedicated to promoting tree planting and environmental conservation.

The China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited (C-SAIL), has been making noteworthy contributions to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Investment Programs (CIP) in Pakistan.

Under the CIP, as part of the Karot HPP implementation, several projects have been completed and handed over to local authorities. These initiatives comprise improvements in education and health facilities, the provision of recreational spaces, access to clean drinking water, enhanced infrastructure through road and bridge projects, and effective disaster relief programs.