ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is actively working to restore its forestry and wildlife resources through ambitious green initiatives. As stated by Azam Nazir Tarar, Law and Justice Minister, the country is implementing the Green Pakistan-Upscaling Programme Phase-I, a significant project valued at Rs 125.1843 billion.
According to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the programme has successfully planted, regrown and distributed 2.12 billion plants nationwide. This effort has led to a remarkable 300% increase in mangrove cover since 1990, positioning Pakistan as a leader in mangrove conservation within the region.
National tree planting campaigns are held regularly and a National Forest Landscape Restoration Plan is in place to restore degraded land and watersheds by 2045.
In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Pakistan has made significant progress in conserving Chilgoza forests. Through natural regeneration efforts, over 2,153 hectares of Chilgoza forests have been restored, and an additional 653 hectares have been reforested with fruit and forest seedlings.
Provincial Forest Departments and the Federal Forestry Board are working together to control deforestation. New protected areas have been established to provide safe habitats for wildlife.
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Pakistan has a portfolio of US$257.7 million with the Green Climate Fund for eight approved projects. Six projects worth US$17.9 million are currently underway and additional projects worth US$30 million are awaiting approval.
-Agencies
