HYDERABAD: In an effort to address climate change and environmental degradation, the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, has launched an ambitious 10 million tree plantation campaign in collaboration with provincial institutions, farmers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
According to a statement issued by the varsity, the initiative aims to restore ecological balance and mitigate the adverse impacts of deforestation and climate change in the region.
The SAU’s energy and environment department, in partnership with Lions Club Karachi, High Court Environment Campaigner and Rotary International hosted a seminar titled ‘Planting for the Future: 10 Million Trees as Guardians Against Climate Change’ to launch the campaign.
The ceremony was chaired by by SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri who explained the crucial role trees played in combating rising temperatures and destructive effects of climate change. He noted that deforestation had not only displaced millions of people due to flooding but also caused irreparable harm to the agriculture sector.
He called for united efforts by 1,100 union councils, over 50,000 schools, 300 colleges, 300 technical institutes and more than 70 universities to achieve the target of the plantation of 10 million trees. With these institutions working together, the target of planting 10 million trees was achievable, he said. To ensure transparency, he announced the introduction of a geo-tagging application to monitor the growth of saplings.
Dr Nusrat Shah, vice chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, stressed the need for incorporating environmental education at the school and college levels, and commending the SAU's leadership in spearheading the plantation drive across various regions, including Larkana.
Dr Arbela Bhutto, vice chancellor of Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro University of Art, Design, and Heritage, echoed the sentiment, calling attention to the importance of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, sanitation and climate action.
Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority Chairman Qabool Muhammad Khatian announced an initiative to plant over 100,000 along four major canals.