Experts ring alarm over deforestation in K-P

Say it will lead to natural disasters including enhanced risk of flooding

ISLAMABAD:

Experts at a seminar titled ‘Walking into Disaster: Massive Illegal Deforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ on Monday underscored the increased risk of flooding and other natural catastrophes due to the loss of massive tree cover at the hands of the timber mafia.

The seminar was organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN). On the occasion, SDPI Board of Governors Chairperson Shafqat Kakakhel commended the effort of the SCN for collaborating with the Institute on a provincial issue as the latter had most of its focus on the federal level.

He said, “The impact of climate change will be felt across the provinces and therefore we must unite on behalf of communities. Forests are an integral part of the discourse on climate change as it has its impacts on cross-sectoral areas from sea level rise to heat waves and forest fires. As Pakistan is a forest-deficient country due to its state of soil and less rainfall. The model of Iran for conservation of lakes, wetlands, and water bodies which is appreciable as it is a water deficient country, should be replicated for forest conservation.”

While moderating the discussion, SCN Convener Dr Adil Zareef said the issue of deforestation has been pronounced since June 2023 after the interim government came into power. The situation is particularly disturbing in newly merged and settled districts as increased deforestation is leaving lush green forests denuded and is comprising the future of the upcoming generation.

He further said forest is a devolved subject after the 18th Amendment but it is a transboundary issue affecting locally, regionally, and internationally as the country is ranked fifth most vulnerable on the Global Climate Index.

He added that the forum intended to garner workable suggestions from this seminar to pass it on to the relevant forums. He warned that deforestation can cause serious consequences during flooding. A small video montage by Sarhad Conservation Network and SDPI based on over 100 images highlighting the forests of KP and its rapid deforestation was presented to the participants.

In his opening remarks, environmental export and IUCN former Country Head Mohammad Rafiq said despite its lower emissions Pakistan is mostly exposed to climate disasters. He opined that deforestation is not new but rather it started from the British Colonial era when they raised the teak forests for its timber supplies. The British introduced malicious legislation that divided the forests between the state and the communities, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2023.