Climate-smart landscapingtermed key to development

FAISALABAD:

Climate-smart landscaping is no longer optional but a necessity for both urban and rural development, experts emphasized at a conference titled "Climate-Smart Landscape: Redefining Beauty Through Resilience" organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences (IHS) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, highlighted that modern landscaping must go beyond mere visual appeal to integrate environmental resilience.

He explained that climate-smart approaches balance ecological sustainability, water conservation, and biodiversity, creating landscapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable.

Director of Horticulture Dr Ahmad Sattar Khan reiterated the university's commitment to advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices, emphasising the urgent need to adopt innovative solutions in response to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation.

Dr Muhammad Aslam Khan praised the university's initiatives for promoting climate-smart agriculture and called for active participation in plantation drives.

He said that through research, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, climate-smart landscapes can mitigate environmental challenges while redefining beauty in harmony with nature.

Conference organiser, Dr Adnan Younis, stressed that increasing climate volatility demands replacing traditional landscaping with resource-efficient, smarter alternatives.

"We must move beyond conventional beautification to adopt strategies that strengthen ecosystems, reduce environmental stress, and ensure long-term sustainability," he said.