Pakistan ranks at 113 among 143 countries of the world in terms of land covered by forests, according to global estimates. The United Nations says that just 2.2% of the total land in the country forms the forest area, even though the various local estimates put the same figure between 5 and 6%. In comparison, the total geographical area covered by forests in Sri Lanka is 30%, India 21.67% and Bangladesh 17.5%. Besides, the total forest cover in the world is 31%, and in Asia-Pacific it is 26%.
The above ecological aspect, coupled with related issues, makes Pakistan one of the most environmentally-threatened countries in the world — something that necessitates tree plantation and launch of other green projects in the country so as to tackle global warming and minimise the effects of climate change like heatwaves, fires, droughts, rising sea levels, excessive rainfalls and melting of glaciers with potential to cause flooding, as well as various geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
However, what’s indeed a matter of satisfaction is that Prime Minister Imran Khan is genuinely concerned about the unfavourable environmental situation and successfully goes ahead with his ‘Green Stimulus’ vision. His Billion Tree Tsunami programme, launched in 2014 by the PTI’s government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa — has been converted into Ten Billion Tree Tsunami programme to cover the whole of Pakistan.
And in a latest move towards realising his dream of a Green Pakistan, the Prime Minister has announced the launch of ‘Protective Area Initiative’ under which 15 national parks will be built in all federating units of the country. As part of the initiative, the coverage of the protected areas — which are described as locations that require protection because of their recognised natural, ecological or cultural values — will be enhanced to 15% of the total land area in the country from the current 13%.
Besides creating about 5,000 jobs of direct nature, according to the Prime Minister, the project will contribute towards efforts for addressing the threat of climate change, and help the future generations of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ