Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan urgently needs to increase its forest coverage, which would not only help mitigate the effects of climate change, but also boost the economy and create more jobs, according to WealthPK. Currently, the overall forest coverage is only about 4.5%, resulting in a dry climate and negligible revenue generation in all aspects. The carbon credit market is rapidly becoming a hotspot for investors and Pakistan can cash in on this opportunity by following the standard process. Talking to WealthPK about the importance of land forests, Aitezaz Mahfooz, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) at the Forestry Planning and Monitoring Circle, Peshawar, said forests are becoming more valuable around the world as they store carbon and help fight climate change. “Pakistan is badly in need of launching more programs like the well-disciplined project of 10-billion Tree Afforestation Project (10-BTTP). Forests play a vital role in the economy, environment, and ecology of a country,” he said.

Continuing the discussion, he said, “Pakistan has a rich diversity of forests, ecosystems, and wildlife. Its forests include both timber and non-timber types, which provide various benefits for the environment and the economy. Some of these benefits are medicinal plants and herbs, honey, gums, nuts, fodder, wood, and fuel. Forests prevent soil erosion and landslides, regulate water flow, improve water and air quality, and maintain soil fertility,” Aitezaz said. Forests provide natural and low-cost water purification for humans and animals. They can also produce sustainable biomass energy. With proper management and landscaping, forests can attract tourists and adventurers, he added. To leverage the potential of land forests for vast national interest, Pakistan must emphasize a few key lines, i.e., community involvement, forest conservation, prevention from encroachment, and illegal logging. Afforestation should be considered an obligation. Only then will forests remain.

Investing in research and monitoring is also crucial, as it can lead to opportunities for carbon credits trading. International cooperation on climate action and sustainable development should also be pursued, Aitezaz emphasized. Talking about the environmental and economic importance of land forests, Executive Director (ED) Sindh-based Indus Development Organization Zain Daudpoto said land forests in Pakistan are no less than a blessing, but unfortunately this important sector has been neglected, causing huge national and global loss with respect to the environmental protection. “Forests not only increase work opportunities but also help improve the economy and revenue generation. They guarantee a protected environment and are also the habitat and sanctuaries of wildlife. “There is a need for proper implementation of the Forest Act so that both the government and the public may be aware of their role and responsibilities, and benefits. When people know about the importance of forests, they will protect and invest in them.

In this way, both the government and the private sector can also plan to train people in how to benefit from forest products for a variety of purposes, i.e., medicinal, commercial, ecosystem, environment, tourism, and afforestation,” Daudpoto said. Daudpoto, a master trainer on various aspects of forestation since 2005, such as forest degradation, afforestation, seeding, protection, and economic and environmental benefits, said that people need to be educated about the importance of increasing and preserving the forest area. He cited China as a role model for Pakistan to follow in order to improve its forest coverage and reap more benefits from its products. China is rapidly expanding its forest coverage, which provide a sustainable income for its people. Daudpoto said, “China’s ‘Grain for Green Program’ in the late 90s worked wonders, turning large areas into grasslands and plantation havens. Chinese expertise can be sought but it’s important to first weave a proper policy framework to make Pakistan greener.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk