International Day of Forests is being observed today (Thursday) across the globe including Pakistan to raise awareness regarding importance of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.
This year’s theme of the Day is, “Forests and Innovations: New solutions for a better world.”
The day encourages efforts to organise local, national and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree plantation campaigns.
In his message in connection with the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the government is embarking on the next phase of its ambitious Green Pakistan Initiative to improve forest cover, preserve wildlife habitats and facilitate carbon sequestration.
“The government will ensure that the country's crucial forest ecosystems are protected as they are the lifeline of livelihood and environmental well-being of the nation,” he said.
The prime minister called upon the provincial governments, civil society and the people to become partners in the quest for Green Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz pointed out that Pakistan’s total area under forest cover is less than 5% percent, and around 1.5% of these forests are lost every year.
This, he said, has profound impacts on Pakistan’s biodiversity, environment and agriculture.
Being one of the most climate-impacted countries in the world, he said climate change events are becoming more frequent and massively devastating for Pakistan, pointing to the urgent need to conserve our indigenous forests. “This has become critical to our survival as a nation.”
PM Shehbaz urged the nation to synergize their efforts in safeguarding this invaluable resource and ensure its effective stewardship for the next generation.
