KARACHI:
Forest conservation plays a crucial role in combating climate change, especially in countries like Pakistan, where environmental challenges are becoming increasingly evident. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate the effects of global warming. In Pakistan, where deforestation rates are high, the loss of forests exacerbates the climate crisis and threatens biodiversity, water resources and livelihoods of millions of people.
Pakistan’s forest cover is among the lowest in the world, with forests accounting for only about 4.7% of the country’s total land area. This deforestation is largely driven by urbanisation, illegal logging, agricultural expansion and overuse of forest resources. As a result, the country faces rising temperatures, soil erosion and severe flooding.
The impact of deforestation in Pakistan is not just environmental but also economic. Forests provide critical services such as water regulation, soil conservation and timber for construction and fuel. The loss of forests increases the vulnerability of rural communities, especially those dependent on forest resources for their livelihood. Additionally, with climate change intensifying, forest conservation becomes even more critical to protect Pakistan’s agricultural sectors from extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods that are linked to environmental degradation.
One of the key steps to addressing deforestation in Pakistan is increasing forest cover through large-scale reforestation and afforestation projects. Pakistan should take several key initiatives to address forest conservation. These steps can help preserve natural resources, reduce the impacts of climate change, and ensure sustainable development for future generations. Pakistan should scale up efforts to restore degraded forests and increase forest cover across the country. Large-scale projects similar to the Billion Tree Tsunami initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be replicated in other provinces. This would not only restore ecosystems but also help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus combating climate change.
Integrating forest conservation into national policy is essential. This would ensure that forest protection is not viewed as a separate issue but as part of a broader environmental sustainability agenda. Finally, collaboration with international partners can enhance Pakistan’s forest conservation efforts. Sharing knowledge and resources with global organisations and neighbouring countries can lead to more effective forest protection and cross-border conservation initiatives.
Mustajab Zahra
Karachi
