Nestlé Pakistan, in partnership with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), has launched a significant urban forest project in Islamabad, marking the beginning of its 100,000 trees plantation drive.
The initiative, part of Nestlé’s sustainability efforts under its Nestlé Cares program, is aligned with the company’s long-term ambition of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. The inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday, with several key officials from both the government and private sector in attendance.
The event was inaugurated by Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to address climate change. Planting an urban forest is a great example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a common goal, she said.
“This urban forest initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration. Nestlé’s support in driving this project with CDA highlights the critical role businesses can play in creating a sustainable future. We are not just planting trees; we are investing in the well-being of future generations,” she stated.
Nestlé Pakistan’s CEO, Jason Avanceña, also spoke at the ceremony, reiterating the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “Climate change is a reality and we all need to play a proactive role in mitigating this challenge. Nestlé has been continuously investing in sustainability initiatives such as planting urban forests for the wellbeing of our communities. It is our duty to reverse the trend of deforestation and work towards a greener future,” Avanceña remarked.
Other notable participants included Secretary Interior Capt (retd) Khurram Agha, Secretary Climate Change Aisha Humera, Secretary Education Mohyuddin Wani, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Swiss Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Claudia Thomas.
Secretary Interior Khurram Agha expressed hope that the initiative would inspire further contributions to Pakistan’s broader climate action agenda. “It is my hope that we can all inspire each other to embrace similar practices and contribute to the country’s broader climate action agenda in line with the Government of Pakistan’s stance,” he stated.
Youth Engagement and Future Impact
Secretary of Federal Education, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, highlighted the critical role of the younger generation in the project, announcing that students from schools and colleges would actively participate in planting the trees. “To mobilize our energetic youth for a greener future, students in schools and colleges will actively participate in this urban forest drive with Nestlé and CDA,” Wani added.
CDA’s ambitious 1 Million Trees goal
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa noted that Nestlé’s 100,000-tree initiative would serve as a crucial step in Islamabad’s goal of planting 1 million trees by 2025. “Nestlé’s urban forest with 100,000 trees gives us a major headstart in our ambition to plant 1 million trees in Islamabad in 2025. We urge other companies to step forward and partner with us in this cause,” Randhawa said.
Islamabad’s new urban forest
The urban forest, with 100,000 indigenous tree species such as Kachnar, Sukhchain, Sapium, Amaltas, and Jacaranda, will significantly contribute to enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience in Islamabad. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15, which focus on Climate Action and Life on Land, respectively.
Nestlé’s continued focus on environmental sustainability is reflected in its broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has been actively investing in renewable energy projects and other sustainability initiatives globally.
Nestlé, with its global headquarters based in Switzerland, has had a longstanding presence in Pakistan for over 35 years.