Combating climate change: 300,000 saplings to be planted in Tree Plantation Week

LAHORE:In a bid to combat a climate change, an NGO will kick off a dedicated Tree Plantation Week from August 11 to 18 under an ambitious "Clean and Green Pakistan Movement across the country. The campaign was officially launched during a press conference at Lahore Press Club on Wednesday.

Addressing the press conference, Vice President of AlKhidmat Foundation Pakistan Dr Mushtaq Mangat said that the goal is to plant 300,000 trees nationwide during this period, with an overall target of 2.5 million trees to be planted by the end of the year. The event marked a pivotal step in the Foundation's ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and underscored the steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement, he added.

Dr Mushtaq Mangat said that alongside the plantation drive, awareness programmes and tree nurseries will be established with a dedicated budget of Rs8 million. “The Foundation selects tree species that are non-harmful to humans and animals and play a significant role in reducing pollution”. The press conference was attended by various key figures, including Vice President Alkhidmat Lahore Chaudhry M Saleem, Senior Manager Media Relations Shoaib Hashmi and other officials and volunteers.

Dr Mushtaq emphasised the urgency of the initiative, stating, “Tree planting has become a critical necessity in the face of climate change and environmental pollution. Our 'Clean and Green Pakistan Movement' is a substantial part of our larger effort.”

In a significant step towards enhancing urban greenery, the Alkhidmat Foundation has collaborated with the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to ensure comprehensive post-plantation care and maintenance of newly planted trees, said Dr Mushtaq. He highlighted the expanded scope of the Alkhidmat Foundation’s efforts for clean and green Pakistan, noting that while nine plantation drives were conducted last year with the support of thousands of volunteers, this year has already seen the successful execution of 28 such drives. This partnership underscores the critical importance of not only planting trees but also sustaining their growth and health through diligent upkeep.

Dr Mangat highlighted the need for tree planting in response to climate change and environmental pollution. Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change. As noted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 2022 floods, Pakistan has contributed minimally to global climate change but suffers its impacts the most. Seasonal smog in winter and heatwaves in summer, along with melting glaciers leading to floods in northern regions, have increasingly affected millions of people, he added. He said this mega-plantation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 15: Life on Land. By contributing to the expansion of green spaces and improving air quality, the initiative supports global efforts to combat climate change and preserve terrestrial ecosystems.