Without prior knowledge and understanding of ecology, plantation cannot be carried out thoroughly
LAHORE: Pakistan’s forest area constitutes approximately 4.4pc of its total land area, which must be 25pc as per international standards. Although the initiative of K-P government for Billion Tree Tsunami afforestation project must be praised, which intends to increase the forest area by 2pc, it must take into account the ecological conditions of that particular area.
Without prior knowledge and understanding of ecology, plantation cannot be carried out thoroughly. The introduction of new exotic safeda (eucalyptus) trees would have serious and unprecedented repercussions for the environment, if they are planted in already water-stressed areas. It would turn the tsunami into a water fiasco. There is no doubt that this tree has the capacity to grow fast but it restricts the growth of native species by releasing compounds and consuming excessive water, resulting in heavy branches becoming lethal for forest dwellers. Its oil is highly flammable and it cannot endure cold temperatures.
We must promote native or indigenous species for the afforestation programme, in the light of suitable and favourable climatic conditions. Thus, all stakeholders must join hands to bring reforms and adaptive strategies as per local ecology of the land and must not squander the nation’s resources on this futile and fruitless exercise.
Haider Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2017.
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