PM calls for land restoration on World Environment Day

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on World Environment Day called upon citizens to unite with the global movement aimed at reclaiming land, enhancing drought resilience, and combatting desertification. 

The annual event, observed every June 5, underscored contemporary environmental challenges. The focus of World Environment Day 2024 is on land restoration, desertification prevention, and bolstering drought resilience, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serving as the global host.

Encouraging participation in the Generation Restoration initiative for a brighter collective future, PM Shehbaz, currently on a visit to China, emphasized Pakistan's commitment to environmental protection and climate action. 

He highlighted the monumental challenge of land degradation affecting billions of hectares worldwide, impacting nearly half of the global population and threatening half of the global GDP, particularly affecting rural communities, small-scale farmers, and the most impoverished.

“Pakistan stands firm in its resolve to combat environmental challenges and stands committed to contributing to global efforts towards sustainability. Initiatives such as the Green Pakistan Programme, Living Indus Initiative, and National Adaptation Plan, underscore our commitment to reforestation and ecosystem restoration, tackling issues of deforestation and biodiversity loss head-on,” the prime minister remarked.

The PM said domestically, Pakistan is actively developing sustainable low-carbon development strategies with support from various organizations such as GIZ, UNDP, and the World Bank. 

He added the nation is implementing robust afforestation programs and initiatives like Recharge Pakistan, GLOF, and Sustainable Land Management Program (SLMP) to promote sustainable agriculture practices and combat land degradation.

“Despite challenges such as land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity, Pakistan remains resolute in its efforts to tackle these issues through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships,” said PM.

He emphasized the urgency of safeguarding the environment for the well-being of both people and the planet and also urged proactive steps towards nurturing forests, revitalizing water sources, and rejuvenating exhausted soils for a sustainable future. 

"The time for action is now," he asserted.