A billion trees

It is a fact that only five percent area of the country is under forest cover. Forest resources are extremely important for the nation due to their invaluable services, particularly in sustaining water supply in the river system in the country. Global warming and climate change are the greatest challenges of the modern era, posing serious threats to the survival of mankind on the earth as well. Therefore, conserving and enhancing carbon stocks in the forests is the most economical and viable option to overcome this problem. Forests also play an important role in climate change mitigation.

It is heartening to note that the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has embarked upon an ambitious programme of planting one billion trees under the ‘Billion Trees Tsunami Project’. The project will be completed by December 2017. According to a source in the provincial government, 180 million saplings have been sown under this initiative in the province. Under the project, saplings will be provided to farmers and general public besides providing jobs to youth. In view of the above, the ground realities with regard to the depleting ratio of forests and their importance demands efficient role and contribution of every segment of the society to take it as a challenge and cover each and every inch of the barren land of the country. We should put all our endeavours towards achieving the dream of a green Pakistan.

Khan Faraz

Peshawar