UAF ecologist wins German award

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has conferred the Digital Green Talent Award on Pakistan scientist Dr Muhammad Haroonur Rashid, who is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry & Range Management University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

A spokesman said on Wednesday that this international recognition is awarded to 20 outstanding scientists from around the globe by acknowledging their exceptional contributions to sustainable development.

He said that the award is meant to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable development. It focuses on how digitalization can promote greater sustainability in science and society. Aspiring young scientists are invited to Germany for a three-month research stay to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality, he added.

The spokesperson said that Dr Rashid holds a PhD in Forest Ecology and has contributed significantly to sustainable forestry and climate change mitigation. He worked on the Trees Outside Forests project at Michigan State University under USDA funding, focusing on enhancing green cover beyond traditional forest areas.

Currently, Dr Haroon is working on the carbon sequestration potential of bamboo, promoting nature-based climate solutions.

As the Focal Person of the Green Youth Movement Club at the UAF, he engages youth in climate action.