Climate activists participate in plantation drive at Margalla Hills

Islamabad : A large group of environmental, climate, and health journalists and climate activists gathered at the ruins of the Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills to participate in a plantation drive, pledging to protect nature, national parks, and habitats through their storytelling and visual coverage.

Organised by Islamabad’s Climate Change Journalists Group and supported by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), the initiative saw dozens of saplings, including pine and other native trees, planted on the terraces of the demolished structure. The journalists, climate activists, and students vowed to return for further plantation efforts once the concrete structures are cleared.

Speaking at the event, IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan emphasised the board's commitment to restoring the Margalla Viewpoint to its natural green landscape following directives from the Supreme Court. "We are determined to transform this viewpoint into a place where people can reconnect with nature, learn about its significance, and contribute to its preservation," Rina Saeed Khan stated.

She highlighted the importance of reviving the ecosystem and biodiversity within Margalla Hills National Park and underscored IWMB’s dedication to adhering to conservation goals.

Journalists and students planted trees, tagging them with their names, symbolizing their commitment to the environment. The event marks the beginning of a broader reforestation campaign set to continue until March, with peak activities planned for the spring season. Partnering with the Ministry of Climate Change and WWF Pakistan, the IWMB aims to replant the Margalla Viewpoint using indigenous species such as Chir Pine, Amaltas, and Sennatha.

The plantation campaign also seeks to involve schoolchildren, diplomats, civil society members, and individuals from all walks of life. “The IWMB plans to launch Phase 2 of the project once funding is secured, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is completed and approved,” Rina Saeed Khan added.

In addition to planting Chir, Pine, Sennatha, Kachnar, and Amaltas trees, the board envisions turning the site into a vibrant green space where biodiversity flourishes and public awareness of environmental preservation grows. The IWMB’s initiative is part of broader efforts to restore Margalla Hills National Park, highlighting the importance of community engagement in environmental protection and sustainable practices.