The project is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, leading to prevention of forest land degradation
The British government has appreciated Government of Pakistan’s efforts on successfully initiating and carrying out the Afforestation Project, commonly known as ten billion tree tsunami, in a bid to tackle climate change in the country. Along with tree plantation and regeneration, the project also supports implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 on proactively working to prevent degradation of forest land.
Lord Aamer Sarfraz, Member of the House of Lords and Board Member, WWF-Pakistan applauded Pakistan’s efforts in a session of the House of Lords. “Pakistan is showing global leadership in tackling climate change. The 10 Billion Tree Tsunami is an effort that all Pakistanis can be proud of. There is no doubt that 2021 is the year of planet Earth, and by the COP26 due to be held later this year, we hope to celebrate more successes from Pakistan.” he said. “WWF-Pakistan’s efforts to conserve the snow leopard and Indus river dolphins have been incredibly impactful, and now there are opportunities to show leadership in the global campaign against illegal wildlife trade.”
The UK Environment Minister, Lord Goldsmith called the afforestation initiative as a great achievement, something that others should emulate. “Pakistan’s 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project is one of the most ambitious tree planting initiatives in the world and is a successful precedent for others to follow. I absolutely, enthusiastically, commend and celebrate Pakistan’s Ten Billion Tree Tsunami initiative and the tens of thousands of jobs that have been created due to the project. It goes to show what is possible and what can be achieved.”
UN session on climate change
The 26th session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in the UK in November. While the countries discuss the Paris Agreement and goals set by the UN, Pakistan’s successes and achievements with regards to the Billion Tree Plantation drive and other significant conservation successes will also be highlighted.
It began with the KP government
In 2014, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government launched the Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project, which was monitored by WWF-Pakistan, and successfully achieved the billion tree plantation target. In 2019, about 1.6 million native tree species were planted in different cities of Pakistan by WWF, highlighting the importance of a green Pakistan. Moreover, about 1.002 million native plants were planted with the involvement of the Provincial Forest Department, academic institutions and civil society in 2020.
Need of the hour
With dedication and a clear vision on the climate front, Pakistan is doing really well. It is important to keep in view that Pakistan is one of the most affected countries in the world by climate change due to its agrarian economy. Such steps will help the country in the longer run by keeping its climate and carbon footprint in check.