In the last 24 years, Pakistan has witnessed a disheartening loss of almost 20% of its forest cover, a research study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed. This concerning decline in greenery is exacerbated by factors such as rapid population growth, rising urbanization, high poverty rates, and a scarcity of energy, particularly in the form of gas.
Cities like Lahore and Islamabad are witnessing the detrimental impact of infrastructure development, with large road structures taking a toll on forestation. Consequently, Pakistan now ranks among the countries with the lowest number of trees globally, possessing less than one billion trees. Furthermore, the total forest area in Pakistan has decreased by a significant 20% since 2000.
The causes are multifaceted, ranging from timber mafias exploiting forests to individuals resorting to wood fires due to erratic access to electricity. This grim scenario demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts to reverse the trend. To address this crisis, a comprehensive strategy is imperative. Enforcing and strengthening laws to protect forests, promoting reforestation efforts, and encouraging sustainable land-use practices are key components.
Moreover, increasing public awareness about the environmental significance of forests and the consequences of deforestation is essential. Alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on forest resources should be explored to reduce reliance on unsustainable practices. Collaboration with international organizations and neighboring countries is vital to address transboundary issues related to deforestation.
In the face of climate change and the vital role of forests in regulating weather patterns and carbon storage, Pakistan must act swiftly and decisively. The nation’s future sustainability hinges on a concerted effort to protect and replenish its dwindling forests. The time for action is now.
Pakistan imeharibika kwa asilimia 20 ya misitu yake katika miaka 24 iliyopita, kulingana na utafiti uliofanywa na Taasisi ya Pakistan ya Uchumi wa Maendeleo (PIDA). "Uharibifu huu wa kijani unaongezeka kwa sababu za ""kiongezeka kwa idadi ya watu, kuongezeka kwa mijini, viwango vya juu vya umaskini, na upungufu wa nishati, hasa katika fomu ya gesi.""" Miji kama Lahore na Islamabad inaonekana kuwa na athari mbaya ya maendeleo ya miundombinu, na miundo mikubwa ya barabara inachukua gharama ya misitu. Pakistan sasa ni miongoni mwa nchi zenye miti michache duniani, ikiwa na miti chini ya bilioni moja. Kwa kuongezea, eneo la misitu nchini Pakistan limepungua kwa asilimia 20 tangu mwaka 2000. Sababu ni nyingi, kuanzia mafia ya mbao wanaotumia misitu hadi watu binafsi wanaotumia moto wa kuni kwa sababu ya upatikanaji usio wa kawaida wa umeme. Hali hii mbaya inahitaji tahadhari ya haraka na juhudi za ushirikiano ili kubadilisha mwenendo huo. Ili kukabiliana na mgogoro huu, mkakati wa kina ni muhimu. Utekelezaji na kuimarisha sheria za kulinda misitu, kukuza juhudi za ukataji miti, na kuhamasisha mazoea ya matumizi endelevu ya ardhi ni vipengele muhimu. Zaidi ya hayo, kuongeza ufahamu wa umma kuhusu umuhimu wa mazingira ya misitu na matokeo ya ukataji miti ni muhimu. Njia mbadala za kuishi kwa jamii zinazotegemea rasilimali za misitu zinapaswa kuchunguzwa ili kupunguza utegemezi kwa mazoea yasiyo ya kudumu. Ushirikiano na mashirika ya kimataifa na nchi jirani ni muhimu kushughulikia masuala ya kuvuka mipaka yanayohusiana na ukataji misitu. Kwa sababu ya mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa na jukumu muhimu la misitu katika kudhibiti mifumo ya hali ya hewa na kuhifadhi kaboni, Pakistan lazima ifanye haraka na kwa uamuzi. Utegemezi wa nchi hiyo wakati ujao unategemea jitihada za pamoja za kulinda na kurudisha misitu yake inayopungua. Wakati wa kutenda ni sasa.