ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday urged the nation to contribute to the country’s environmental preservation efforts in the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign starting today.
This year’s campaign, which marks a significant push towards increasing the nation’s tree cover, highlights the critical role of trees in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity.
In his message, President Zardari expressed profound gratitude to the citizens of Pakistan for their steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. He emphasized that this campaign transcends seasonal activities, representing a vital national duty to safeguard and enhance the natural beauty and resources of Pakistan.
“Trees are the foundation of life,” President Zardari stated. “They provide us with clean air, regulate our climate, and sustain diverse ecosystems. As we face escalating environmental challenges, the importance of tree plantation cannot be overstated. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘If the Hour (the day of Resurrection) is about to be established and one of you was holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before the Hour is established to plant it.'”
Currently, only about 5% of Pakistan’s land area is covered by forests, which are under severe pressure due to rising demand for wood and other land uses. The Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign aims to address this shortfall and foster a greener, healthier future for the younger generation.
President Zardari highlighted ongoing national efforts to combat deforestation and climate change. The ‘Upscaled Green Pakistan Programme’ has made significant strides, achieving an ambitious planting target and earning international recognition.
Additionally, the Delta Blue Carbon initiative has successfully restored mangrove forests, increasing mangrove cover by 300% since 1990 and generating $27 million through carbon credits. The ‘Living Indus Program,’ which recently received the UN Decade of Restoration Flagship Award, is another key initiative focused on halting deforestation and restoring ecosystems.
“The Government alone cannot achieve these goals without the active involvement of our communities,” President Zardari remarked. “We need the collective effort of all sectors of society, particularly our youth, to make this campaign a success. It is essential that we educate and engage the younger generation in understanding the pivotal role of forests in addressing climate change.”
He called on all Pakistanis, especially young people, to actively participate in the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign 2024 by planting trees and supporting the national objective of expanding tree cover. “Let this campaign be a symbol of our dedication to sustainability and our love for the land that sustains us,” President Zardari concluded. “Together, we can achieve our vision of a greener Pakistan.”
The campaign promises to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s environmental efforts, with hopes of making a lasting impact on the country’s ecological future.
