Plantation campaign launched by Gandhara Resource Centre

Islamabad:A plantation campaign was launched by the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan under the Centre for Culture and Development (C2D) in collaboration with the Ghazi Barotha Taraqiati Idara (GBTI) to improve the environment on a sustained basis.

The saplings were planted to demonstrate the partner organisations’ willingness to continue their endeavours to improve climate and preserve the heritage of the culturally and historically rich ancient city of Taxila.

On this occasion, the GBTI and C2D also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to achieve four key objectives including combining efforts to enhance community development initiatives through social mobilisation and capacity building, organising joint seminars, workshops, conferences, and training programmes to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance academic collaboration, promoting and preserving Gandhara culture and heritage through collaborative initiatives, joint research projects, funding proposals and activities aimed at advancing knowledge and understanding in relevant fields.

Following the MoU signing ceremony plantation campaign was carried out in collaboration with the Ghazi Barotha Taraqiati Idara (GBTI). The event took place in Taxila, district Rawalpindi aimed to contribute to environmental conservation while reinforcing the connection between natural and cultural heritage. Forest and ornamental plants were donated by Malik Fateh Khan, chief executive officer of GBTI and adviser for Environment & Natural Resource Management at the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP). Tariq Nazir, regional programme manager at NRSP also graced the occasion.

The plantation event was attended by a wide range of participants, including CEO of Taxila Gardens Housing Society, representatives of Taxila Baithak, Green and Clean Taxila, Local and National Media, and community leaders. CEO Taxila Gardens expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of C2D and GRCP. He thanked the organisers and members core committee of C2D and GRCP i.e. Sara Mehmood, Riaz Ahmed, Iftikhar Uddin Siddique, Sohail Ahmed, Malick Ustar, and Iftikhar Ahmed for their dedication to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices in the heart of Taxila region.

Both local and national media journalists covered the campaign and appreciated the ongoing efforts of C2D and GRCP to preserve the heritage environment of Taxila. The plants were distributed to key stakeholders including Gandhara Art Village, Taxila and communities near the heritage sites at Mohra Muradu.