ISLAMABAD – WWF-Pakistan and Islamabad United cricket team on Wednesday launched a tree plantation drive with the aim to work towards a greener and climate resilient Islamabad.
The event was held at Fatima Jinnah Park where participants from both the organizations planted species of Orange and Amaltas trees. It was committed by WWF-Pakistan and Islamabad United that a total of 1,400 indigenous trees will be planted in the 2018 season.
Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, speaking on the occasion, said that according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the year 2017 was among the three warmest years on record. Hence, there is an urgent need to connect people to nature as part of our shared responsibility and sustainable future.
He also said that Pakistan has the highest annual deforestation rate in Asia and forests cover is less than 2.5 percent of the total land. He further shared that there is an urgent need to initiate massive plantation drives in and near metropolitan cities like Islamabad to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.
All set to plant #indigenous trees in #Islamabad. #SavingNature pic.twitter.com/nvAFe8UKNo
— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) February 14, 2018
Executive Director General Capital Development Authority (CDA), Sanaullah Aman, said that trees are essential to life on earth, and provide vital ecosystem services like clean air, water, food, timber, medicine and many other benefits.
He also shared that with climate change rising on the global environmental agenda, we need to value and conserve trees and forests that help reduce carbon emissions and provide livelihood opportunities to local communities.
.@REALsaeedajmal shares that he has planted 1000 trees in his academy & has saved a ber tree which is more than 100 yrs old. #1Run1Tree #SavingNature @IsbUnited pic.twitter.com/DHNQz4DQLr
— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) February 14, 2018
Ali Naqvi, Owner of Islamabad United said that the team firmly believes that the environment is key to reshaping our society for a better future. He further said that they were excited to offer the clout of cricketers and ambassadors to promote the excellent work of nature conservation in the country.
We have pledged to plant a tree for every run that is scored, and 10 for every wicket that is taken, by Islamabad United players in the PSL and the Pakistan team at ICC events. “Today, we are starting by celebrating Pakistan’s monumental win at the ICC Champion’s Trophy last year by planting 1,400 indigenous trees in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan,” he added.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Captain IU team lauding the efforts of both organizations said that global warming and climate-related impacts are occurring across Pakistan and over many sectors of the economy. These are the big challenges of the current era. “With the commitment to support the plantation drive by Islamabad United is leading the way towards sustainable solutions to deal with these challenges,” he added.
Students from private, government and less privileged schools also participated in the activity.
