The theme of International Day of Forest this year, 2016 is “forests and water. The day was marked by International Union of Conservation of Nature in collaboration with Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan and Capital Development Authority with an objective to protect forests from damages and promoting forestry to tackle the challenges of global warming.
In order to highlight the importance of the International Day of Forest a seminar was organized at Bahria University, Islamabad Campus today on 18th March 2016.
Ministry of climate Change has been playing a key role by providing stewardship all over the country to celebrate this day since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution on 21 December 2012, which declared that 21 March of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests”, Said by Mr. Iftikhar Gillani,
Joint Secretary Ministry of Climate Change while addressing the audience oninternational Forest Day. “During the Spring Tree Planting meeting held in Ministry during February 2016 we again circulated the message of this Year’s Day ,”Water and Forests” to all the provinces and Ministries and I am happy to know that there are many events planned all over the country and there is another one today by Riphah university “,highlighted by the joint Secretary of Ministry of climate Change.
I am very happy to note the quality of the presentations made today and the active role played by IUCN , Bahria / Air and Fatima Jinnah University who in fact have become our regular partners on such forestry related events, told by the Joint Secretary to the audience “ In order to reduce the rising trend of temperature and melting process of glaciers it is imperative that we should devote our energies towards bringing maximum area under green cover Emphasizing on the significance of forests ,said by Mr. Abdul Munaf
Qaymkhani, DIG Forest Ministry of Climate Change said. DIG forest further informed that the vision of the Prime Minister for our Green Pakistan Programme is to green the country on the lines of Great Green Wall of China; and we have already started working on this directive of the PM and surprisingly we found that the main species used by the Chinese is Ubhaan (Populus Euphratica) a native of Pakistan that once used to be aplenty in our riverine ecosystems and now on the verge of extinction. I am also happy to share that the some provinces have already started planting this species in the current Spring tree planting campaign. Similarly many forgotten local trees are our focus, Sohnajna (Moringa ) the Miracle tree is an example.
“Despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate – 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually”, said by Ms. Zill-e-Huma, Public Relations Officer Ministry of Climate Change while giving a presentation on the occasion.
“Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas informed by the Ms.Zile Huma “The theme of the International Forest Day today is very important and relevant to Pakistan at a time when we are in the final round to approve the National Forest Policy that has practical recommendations on wise use of our wetlands and flood waters sustainably”. Floods in fact have the potential to recharge and store tremendous volumes freshwater”,highlighted by Ms.Zile Huma
Mr. Sanaullah Aman, Member Capital Development Authority gave a detailed presentation on the Green Islamabad Programme of CDA. Moreover, he informed about the practical steps being taken by CDA to reduce environmental degradation and make Islamabad more green and beautiful.
Dr. Sofia Khalid, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science Department, Representative Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi gave a presentation on the role of academia in research collaboration on Forest and Water.
Ms. Fauzia Bilqis Malik, Manager IUCN Islamabad office highlighted the global and local achievements and work of IUCN in the conservation of forest. Ms. Fauzia also informed that every year on the International Day of Forests we celebrate the ways in which forests and trees sustain and protect us. This year we are raising awareness of how forests are essential for the biodiversity conservation and improved water resource management.
Representatives of Ministry of Climate Change, Capital Development Authority and other organizations appreciated the efforts of IUCN in climate change. Moreover, students of Bahria University and Fatima Jinnah University displayed posters having meaningful messages of forest and climate change.
The event ended with the vote of Thanks given by Rear Admiral Mr. Saleem Akhtar, Pro-Rector / DG, Bahria University, Islamabad in which he emphasized on the role of educated youth in promoting forestation.
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