Ministry of Climate change celebrated International Forest Day at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services with collaboration of Gaarana group of Companies, Be There, Young Parliamentarian Forum, Green Pakistan Program ,International Union of Conservation of Nature, Association of overseas Pakistanis, and SDPI “Forests and greenery are the ultimate cures against global devastation” said Romina Khurshid Alam, Parliamentary secretary, Ministry of Climate change on event celebration of International Forest Day. Despite of efforts on provincial, federal and governmental level Pakistan is still lacking the capacity to cope with international forestation level standards. Lapses far away from 25% forest are Pakistan unfortunately falls at only 5%. Hence, “Urban forestry is a need of the hour to make cities sustainable and livable. Urban forestry mainly concerns the need of plantation in cities which are more prone to high pollution levels and ultimately more diseases and disasters as compared to villages. Urban plantation could be suitable along road sides, along park corners and it might also be suitable for every house to plant a fruit tree in house lawn or open areas outside the houses. On other hand kitchen gardening must be appreciated at smaller levels and building green infrastructures and concept of vertical gardening is also taking shape as recently introduced in Amazon mall, a project of Graana Group of Companies. While talking about the importence of forest she said, “Forests apart of being a useful source of fruits and nuts, timber and fuel, shadow and shades help in maintaining climatic balance, keep check on pollution levels and support a large portion of biodiversity and as an economist, environmentalist, climatologist, governmental official and a responsible citizen we all are in no harm to do this Sadaqaa, indeed”. She also highlighted “Ghar ghar aik shajar” program crossing the target of 8,000 plants and distribution of 3600 plants in schools as the contributions of Ministry for the cause and ensured further projects. Mr.Zeeshan Naqvi, Deputy Mayor, Islamabad appreciated the plantation derive schemes of both CDA and Ministry and talked about the major positive change of mind of people towards sustainability and greenery. He further said that we have taken many initiatives under Prime Minister’s Green Pakistan Program.Chairman Graana Group of Companies, Mr. Shafique Akbar instructed about the major projects of company including urban forestry as a main theme including Amazon and talked about promoting this trend in common building as well along with in malls and markets.Dr Asghar Naeem Professor from National University of Science and Technology talked about urban forestry and said we are living in age of cities. He also said that Fores policy of Pakistan 2015 talks about urban forestation three times. Mr.Fawad an architect also highlighted that architects can play an active role in urban forestation by designing green architectures. FAO also issued the following messages on forest day: Forests and trees store carbon which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in, and around, urban areas. Trees also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent. Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by upto8 degree Celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent. Urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates. Trees reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas. Local population uses the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and medicine for use in homes, and as a source of income. Wood fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities produces renewable energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressure on natural forests and our reliance on fossil fuels. Forests in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to high quality fresh water supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Forests also protect watersheds and prevent flooding as they store water in their branches and soil. Well managed forests and trees in and around cities provide habitats, food and protection for many plants and animals, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity. Forests in cities and surrounding areas generate tourism, create tens of thousands of jobs and encourage city beautification scheme, building dynamic, energetic and prosperous green economics. Urban green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, improve mental health, prevent diseases and provide a place for people to socialize.
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