Federal Minister for Climate Change Mr.Zahid Hamid held a press conference at Ministry of Climate Change on inauguration of Green Pakistan program by Prime Minister.
Federal Minister told the journalists that the Green Pakistan Program has been launched simultaneously in all provinces and federating units today. He also formed that there is only five percent forest cover in Pakistan which is very less to combat adverse effects of climate change. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has taken personnel interest to conserve wildlife and forest sector of Pakistan and initiated this program.
He further added that this program is based on matching grant and all provinces responded positively on this suggestion to give matching grant of 50 percent. The ECNEC has approved 3.7 billion for forestry and 1.3 billion for wildlife
He further informed that the 9th February has been declared as “National Green Day” has been declared as 100 plus universities also inaugurated this campaign. Today more than 100 universities also took part in this program. The main essence of this program is to grow indigenous trees in Pakistan. This program will be implemented through involving rural and urban population .In this regard Ministry of Climate Change is working very closely to civil society, international organizations and private sectors.
Federal Minister also informed that Climate Change Policy is approved by the National Assembly and will be introduced in senate in next week. He also informed that National Forest Policy has been approved by the Council of Common Interest .He also emphasized that Pakistan is at 7th Number on the list of countries mostly affected by climate change
PM Focal Person on Climate Change and Green Pakistan Program is not only about numerical increase in trees but also changing the behavior of people regarding saving forestry. He also informed about the REDD PLUS Program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation ).Under this program international fund is being created to give those local communities who save carbon by reducing deforestation. He also informed that under Green Pakistan Program 20% will be flowering and fruit trees.
Inspector General Forest Syed Mehmood Nasir informed while replying to a question that Federal Forestry Board is also being revived in new Forest Policy.
Earlier in the morning Prime Minister of Pakistan formally launched Green Pakistan Program by planting a tree in Prime Minister Office.
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