The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s initiative to restore the degraded lands and forests has surpassed its commitment to the Bonn Challenge – afforestation across 348,400 hectares by the end of 2017 – having already restored 350,000 hectares of land as confirmed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The project was initiated by the ruling government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in KPK in 2015. Chairman PTI, Imran Khan had initially pledged $150 million for the cause. The KPK government has already invested $123 million and will further allocate $100 million to continue the project up to 2020.
The project has achieved the target through planned afforestation (40%) and protected natural regeneration (60%).
The Bonn Challenge
The Bonn Challenge aims to restore 150 million hectares of degraded land by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2025. KPK’s Billion Tree Tsunami is the first project that has fulfilled its pledge towards the restoration goals of the Bonn Challenge.
Billion Tree Tsunami Vision
According to the official website of the project, the project’s vision is to ensure Green Growth while striving for sustainable forestry development.
“The Billion Tree Tsunami Project is driven by current Government’s vision of Green Growth which ties in the needs for sustainable forestry development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa generating Green jobs, Gender empowerment, preserving Pakistan’s natural capital while also addressing the global issue of Climate Change”.
The government has also initiated 1300 nurseries throughout the KP province.
International Recognition
The successful completion of the project before the deadline is being applauded all over the world.
Global media outlets including BBC, VOA, Independent, UPI, Gulf News, Al Jazeera etc. and forums like World Economic Forum have acknowledged the efforts made by Pakistan to overcome the global climate challenges.
. @wef's exclusive report on #BillionTreeTsunami ; the project was recognised by the Bonn Challenge and BTT has surpassed it ! pic.twitter.com/6DKPGZoaGN
— Tehreek-e-Insaf (@InsafPK) August 20, 2017
#BillionTreeTsunami changing the image of Pakistan on International level 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/VSALBWFzEC
— KP Updates (@KPKUpdates) August 18, 2017
Inger Andersen, Director General of IUCN said,
“IUCN congratulates the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on reaching this momentous milestone. The Billion Tree Tsunami initiative is a true conservation success story, one that further demonstrates Pakistan’s leadership role in the international restoration effort and continued commitment to the Bonn Challenge”.
Pledges in action: Pakistan’s Billion Tree Tsunami realises its restoration commitment to the #BonnChallenge https://t.co/SF5XIPna1n pic.twitter.com/ApFO5qDa5B
— IUCN (@IUCN) August 18, 2017
WWF has also praised the initiative of restoring the forests.
Why Billion Tree Tsunami?
Pakistan has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2017, Pakistan is listed in the top 10 countries to be affected by climate change. These are driving factors for the Billion Tree Tsunami project, which aims to restore the beauty and wildlife of Pakistan.
Such initiatives are the need of the hour, not just in KPK but throughout Pakistan to restore its natural beauty and to counter climate change on a countrywide and global scale.
Apreciated
:)
Who ever did this, salute to you guys. Thats the visionary approach. THANK YOU GOVT. OF PAKISTAN. Never thought this kind of news can come from Pakistan. Whole world is proud of you.
I always thought this billion tree was fake but glad to know it’s real. Good work.
How can you call it fake when you always favor PTI ? Supporting in a new style ..huh.
Your first perception was right, but don’t drive your conclusion from what you see on TV ;)
Boss, first of all let me tell you I’m not a blind supporter of anyone like you that I’ll defend their wrong doings n corruption. And secondly, I’m not supporter of anyone, maybe u just presumed that since i bash Nawaz corruption and their dynasty so I’m PTI supporter. It’s not the case. It’s just that some of us do not follow anyone blindly on the basis of creed, cast etc unlike you. So I’d also suggest you that stop being a slave and have courage to call the black sheep a black sheep. Ok?
So do i ????
Hopefully its not the Chinese species planted in Karachi
correction, how come pledged Rs. 150 million dollars rupees 150 million dollars ????
15 billion rupees = 150 million dollars
Thanks kpk government and Imran khan for cleaning our air this will benefit whole Pakistan
Can they show some aerial views before and after 1 billion tree plantation ? These “1 billion” are not planted in a month and some areas might be greener than before, some pictures please? Not what international media has reported from nurseries.
It is hard to believe this coming from a government which failed to stop life risking dengue in capital province and its readiness is so badly exposed.
It is also hard to trust a government which is making big claims of an independent accountability commission but could not make its chairman independent and is appointed on temporary basis.
It is not easily to digest this from a government which could not address corruption charges from its ministers and could not complete investigation on corruption charges it has put on on another coalition party in province.
Be positive brother. If you can raise your hands on its failures then you have the courage to appreciate its achievements. I didn’t believe until i watched this news on GEO.
bhai before after ki pics bhi imran khan official ki id pe di hui hain
Either before or after, but Gullu butt mentality will remain the same. Mian Sahab chars bhi piye ga tou tum kaho ge aab e Hayat pi raha hai. Tumhara bas chalay tou usko poojna shuru kar dou tum. Kahien woh tum tou nahi thay jo uski gaari ko chaat raha tha?
I belong to KPK Rural Area. everyone is participating in KPK Billion Tree project. children are also participating and planting trees.
Hope Sindh Ko Bhi Aqal A Jaye
Nahi aye gi aqal. Sindh ka koi pursanay haal nahi. Sindh k hukmran sub se ziada beghirat aur behis hain. Nawaz walay tou phir bhi punjab ko poora Pakistan samjh k kaam karwa rahay hain per Sindh k rulers baich k kha rahay hain Sindh ko.
KPK Governemnt deserve to be appreciated and Syed Nazar Hussain Shah, Secretary, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife, Should also be applaud as his effort bore this achievement.
Well done indeed ……