Ecological Balance: Tree plantation drive moves forward

Provincial forest department of Balochistan plans to plant 1,500,000 saplings during the spring season.

ISLAMABAD: The provincial forest department of Balochistan has planned to plant 1,500,000 saplings of various types during the spring season. 

Talking to Radio Pakistan, a spokesman for the department, said directives have been issued to all forest officers in the province for the tree plantation campaign.

He said the campaign has been launched and steps are being taken for the preservation of the planted saplings.

Environmental experts said forests should cover 25% of Balochistan’s area to maintain an ecological balance.

Additionally, almost 85% of the province’s population lives in the rural areas and relies on agriculture, livestock and other natural resources.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.