KARACHI: Speakers at a plantation drive held at Karachi University (KU) on Tuesday underscored the need for greater efforts to increase green cover of the city, making it environment-friendly and resilient to climate change.

The plantation drive was organised by Professor Dr Syed Irtafaq Ali Botanical Garden and Herbarium at KU in collaboration with Dua Foundation.

“Rapid urbanization has turned Karachi into a concrete jungle. There is a dire need to encourage plantation at every level and in each and every sector, involving all stakeholders,” said KU Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, while expressing concern over how the city’s landscape had changed over the years and in the process it lost significant green cover.

Tree plantation, he said, should be the state’s and society’s priority, if we wanted to leave a better and healthy world for the next generation.

The vice chancellor also informed the audience about the plantation efforts recently taken in collaboration with other institutions on the campus.

He appreciated the Dua Foundation for its initiatives aimed at promoting nature conservation and natural resources.

The non-profit organisation had remained in contact with university departments concerned and supplied plants on a regular basis.

Prof Anjum Parveen, director of the garden and herbarium, shared details of various activities taking place at the facility as well as of its flora.

Dr Faiyaz Alam representing the foundation lauded both federal and provincial governments for launching tree-plantation campaigns and described them as very positive.

“If we are able to sustain these steps, they will definitely provide the much-needed relief to citizens, lead to environmental improvement and in the long run will help tackle the adverse impacts of climate change.”

He was of the opinion that protection and care of plants and trees should be given equal importance. “We need to create awareness in this regard, especially among youth. Their engagement is crucial in ensuring success and sustainability of these efforts. This is the only way we can achieve the goal of a green Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2021