Tree Plantation Initiative Launched in Tharparkar, Sindh

KARACHI: In a significant move towards environmental conservation, the Participatory Village Development Programme (PVDP) Sindh has launched the "Cool the Earth" initiative. This program aims to address the pressing issue of climate change through community involvement in tree plantation. The first phase of this ambitious tree-plantation drive is set to take place in Tharparkar, where local residents will be incentivized to grow trees, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their environment.

The "Cool the Earth" initiative is not just a local effort; it is a comprehensive program that will be implemented across Sindh, with a special emphasis on the Tharparkar region. This initiative is a collaborative effort, supported by the corporate sector, local communities, technical institutions, and the Sindh government. The launch event featured remarks from Dominic Stephen, the Executive Director of PVDP, who highlighted the critical role this program plays in climate action and empowering communities.

During the event, Tanveer Arif, a consultant for the Cool the Earth Programme, pointed out the alarming effects of climate change that Pakistan is currently facing. He noted the severe smog in central Punjab and the devastating floods in the southern regions of the country as clear indicators of a climate emergency. Arif emphasized that the unchecked urban expansion, which often comes at the expense of green spaces and agricultural land, has severely impacted the environment. He firmly believes that community-led tree plantation is essential for restoring ecological balance and protecting the environment from further degradation.

Arif also mentioned that PVDP Sindh is dedicated to collaborating with communities, government agencies, and private sector partners to ensure the success of the "Cool the Earth" initiative. He stated, "Through this collective effort, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come." This sentiment resonates with the core objective of the initiative, which is to empower communities by providing them with the necessary training and resources to actively participate in tree plantation and maintenance.

Naeem Qureshi, the President of the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH), expressed his organization’s commitment to fully support the Cool the Earth initiative in the province. Fawad Soomro from the Engro Foundation also spoke about the importance of corporate partnerships in promoting sustainable development. The event featured insights from renowned experts, including Dr. Attaullah Khan from the Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) and Dr. Zakir Hussain Dahri, Director of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), who shared valuable information on climate change, adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.

The "Cool the Earth" initiative represents a vital step towards combating climate change in Pakistan. By engaging local communities in tree plantation efforts, this program not only aims to restore the environment but also empowers individuals to take an active role in safeguarding their future. As we face increasing environmental challenges, initiatives like these remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of nurturing our planet for generations to come.