TODAY, on World Environment Day, we must confront a sobering truth: an alarming 40pc of the planet’s land is degraded, putting our very survival at peril. This year, the day is centred on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Globally, efforts towards land restoration and combating desertification are encouraging, but the path ahead is daunting. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aims to revive ecosystems worldwide. However, with droughts increasing by 29pc since 2000 and projections that, by 2050, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population, urgent action is required. For Pakistan, these challenges are particularly acute. With more than 60pc of its land classified as rangeland and a mere 4.8pc forest cover, Pakistan is highly susceptible to desertification. The consequences are dire: loss of soil fertility, reduced farm output, and severe impacts on food security and livelihoods. The Indus delta, for instance, has shrunk dramatically due to poor water management and rising salinity, exacerbating matters.

The government must make the issue a top priority. First off, reforestation and afforestation initiatives, which not only enhance biodiversity but also help in carbon sequestration, are essential. The Green Pakistan Initiative and similar programmes should be expanded and rigorously monitored. In addition, sustainable farm practices must be promoted. The use of drip irrigation, adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, and soil conservation techniques are crucial. Agroforestry and conservation agriculture can mitigate land degradation and enhance climate resilience. Moreover, with Pakistan identified by the UN as among the countries facing drought emergencies, water management needs urgent reform. Our use should be efficient and we must develop infrastructure for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Policies should focus on reducing wastage in agriculture, which accounts for the bulk of water use in the country. A major component in combating desertification is community involvement. Empowering local communities with knowledge and resources to adopt sustainable practices can foster a culture of conservation. Incentives for farmers to practise soil conservation and water-saving techniques are vital. Pakistan must also strengthen its legislation to protect natural resources. Strict enforcement of laws against illegal logging, land conversion, and overgrazing is necessary to curb further degradation. We must commit to protecting our land because we are running out of time.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2024