ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extends his message on the observance of the International Day of Forests 2024, joining the global community in emphasizing the theme of ‘Forests and Innovations: New solutions for a better world.’ This theme underscores the importance of leveraging technological advancements to combat the escalating threats to our forests, such as deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change.
Pakistan faces significant challenges in forest conservation, with less than 5 percent of its total area under forest cover and an annual loss of approximately 1.5 percent of these forests. The adverse effects of dwindling forest resources on Pakistan’s biodiversity, environment, and agriculture necessitate urgent action to preserve our indigenous forests, particularly in the face of escalating climate change impacts.
The government is committed to advancing the Green Pakistan Initiative, initially launched in 2016, to enhance forest cover and biodiversity conservation efforts. The next phase of this initiative aims to bolster forest cover, safeguard wildlife habitats, and promote carbon sequestration, recognizing the vital role forests play in our nation’s livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms the government’s dedication to implementing measures to preserve and enhance forest cover across Pakistan. He calls upon provincial governments, civil society organizations, and citizens to join hands in the mission for a Green Pakistan. Emphasizing the significance of today’s investments in securing our future, he urges collective efforts to safeguard this invaluable resource for the prosperity of future generations.
The message concludes with a call to action to plant trees today for a prosperous tomorrow, highlighting the critical importance of effective forest stewardship for sustainable national development.
