Discover How Pakistan’s Ambitious 10 Billion Tree Initiative is Combatting Climate Change and Boosting the Economy

Pakistan’s ambitious tree planting project, known as the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme, is becoming a key part of its fight against climate change. Experts at a recent conservation conference in Abu Dhabi highlighted how vital this initiative is, especially since Pakistan is among the top ten countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The programme, started in 2019, aims to plant three billion trees over four years. So far, 2.2 billion have been planted. This effort is crucial as Pakistan grapples with severe environmental challenges. Deforestation and poor resource management have degraded its forests, rangelands, and river basins.

Asim Jamal, the project manager for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Pakistan, explained that this initiative not only seeks to restore ecosystems but also aims to provide economic opportunities. The project has created around 2.2 million jobs, with 1.3 million going to young people and over 7,000 to women. Jobs include roles in forest management, fire protection, and growing saplings.

Notably, this initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is facing increasing pressures from climate change. Recent statistics show that rising temperatures and melting glaciers have made floods more common, impacting millions. For instance, a catastrophic flood in 2022 affected 33 million people and cost the economy over $40 billion.

Involving the private sector is also part of the solution. Amir Iqbal, CEO of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, shared insights from their efforts in Tharparker, a district in Sindh. They have planted 1.2 million trees there, utilizing drip irrigation, with a remarkable survival rate of 72%. This is particularly important in a semi-arid region where rainfall is scarce.

Looking ahead, Pakistan plans to showcase its progress at international environmental conferences, aiming to inspire further participation in sustainability efforts. The next phase of the tree-planting programme will focus on new planting sites and strategies for protecting existing trees.

This project highlights the urgent need for collective action against climate challenges. As experts come together to discuss nature restoration and policies, Pakistan’s experience could serve as a model for other vulnerable nations facing similar challenges.

With ongoing efforts and community involvement, Pakistan’s tree planting initiative represents hope not just for its own environment but as inspiration for global conservation strategies. For more information on conservation efforts and climate statistics, you can visit the IUCN website.

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