Punjab has initiated work on its long-term "Forest Vision 2050", a policy framework aimed at strengthening forest conservation and positioning forestry as a central tool in combating climate change.
The initiative shifts focus from treating forests as timber resources to recognising them as vital for environmental balance and ecological resilience.
The Punjab Forest Department, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), organised a two-day planning workshop in Lahore to draft the vision.
The event brought together national and international experts, government officials, academics, and community representatives to provide input.
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb inaugurated the session alongside IUCN Asia's Dr Satrio Adi Wicaksono, US-based expert Dr Javed Ahmed, Punjab's Forest Secretary Mudassir Riaz Malik and IUCN Pakistan's country representative Mahmood Akhtar Cheema.
Experts at the workshop warned that without urgent action, Punjab would remain vulnerable to severe climate-related threats such as devastating floods and prolonged droughts. They recommended approaches including urban forestry, agroforestry, community-led plantations, and carbon credit forestry.
Mahmood Akhtar Cheema of IUCN Pakistan emphasised the role of modern technology in expanding forest cover.
"IUCN stands ready to transfer its global expertise to Pakistan, and Punjab's efforts in this direction are commendable," he said.
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