From concrete to canopy

Urban centres in Pakistan, mainly cities like Karachi and Lahore, confront intensified flooding, rising temperatures, and stressed infrastructure because of climate change. Rapid urbanization together with poor planning worsens these climate impacts, threatening public health, livelihoods, and access to clean water in these cities.

In the midst of these challenges, a team from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) recently visited the Clifton Urban Forest in Karachi.

Increasing urbanization in Karachi has led to the loss of natural habitats, biodiversity, rising temperatures and air pollution. Amidst this, the Clifton Urban Forest stands out as an extraordinary idea heading for reversing ecological and environmental degradation. Founded by Masood Lohar, this is an innovative project that not merely provides an oasis in a concrete jungle but also sets an example for urban reforestation across Pakistan.

The Clifton Urban Forest is an attempt to transform Karachi’s barren and deserted landscape into an eco-paradise and green haven. Masood Lohar (environmentalist), the visionary behind this enterprise, was inspired by the Miyawaki method which is a Japanese reforestation technique that focuses on planting native species thickly to create forests in a short span of time.

Since the inception (2021) of the project, over 700,000 trees have been planted. The focus is on indigenous species such as Salvadora persica, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and local shrubs. The forest is now home to more than 140 species of birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. The Clifton Urban Forest is creating a biodiversity hotspot, which is not only visually appealing but ecologically functional as well.

In a city like Karachi, where temperature soars above 40 C, these trees and urban forest provide much-needed shade and contribute to lowering urban heat islands. Lohar highlights the importance of the Miyawaki method: “It is a proven technique that can restore degraded lands in record time. Our urban forest is living proof that with the right methods and commitment, we can restore nature even in the most challenging conditions.”

Within just a few years, the barren land has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem. The forest now landscapes dense clusters of trees, some growing up to 10 feet within the first year, which is significantly faster than conventional reforestation methods.

For the last two decades, Karachi has been encountering frequent environmental challenges, from a lack of green spaces to poor air quality. The Clifton Urban Forest focuses on these issues head-on by offering manifold benefits. It serves as a carbon sink, helping to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The trees also filter pollutants from the air, making the surrounding environment cleaner and healthier. “Every tree we plant is a step towards better and cleaner air quality for Karachi’s residents,” Lohar states.

The forest also plays an extremely important role in combatting urban flooding. Karachi experiences erratic rainfall, often leading to severe waterlogging and flood-like situations. The dense vegetation and shrubs of the Clifton Urban Forest helps absorb rainwater, reducing the strain on the city’s inadequate drainage system. Moreover, the presence of trees helps in soil retention and prevents erosion. Lohar says, “Forests are not just about trees; they protect our environment from the multiple threats we face in urban settings.”

On a social level, the Clifton Urban Forest is fast becoming a community hub. It provides an accessible green space where families can spend time, children can play, and individuals can reflect. The forest develops a sense of ownership among local residents, who are actively involved in its maintenance and upkeep. “This forest belongs to everyone. It is a place where people come to relax, to breathe fresh air, and to be reminded of what is truly important – our connection to nature,” he says.

One of the most striking features of the Clifton Urban Forest is its duplicability. Lohar believes that urban reforestation is the future for sustainable cities. “If we can do this in Karachi, one of the most contaminated and thickly inhabited cities in the world, then it can be done anywhere,” he says.

This urban forest can serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan, where green spaces are disappearing at a disturbing rate. Besides, the project has achieved international recognition, being awarded the Geo for Good Impact Award 2023 that acknowledges the use of Google’s mapping tools in creating real-world environmental impact.

Lohar is determined to expand the scope of the project, with plans to introduce more forests across Pakistan’s urban centres. He envisions a future where every city has its own urban forest, contributing to ecological resilience and the well-being of its inhabitants. “Our cities are choking on concrete and smog. We need forests to breathe life back into them,” he says passionately.

The Clifton Urban Forest is evidence to what can be achieved with vision, promise, and community support. It stands as a shining example of how urban spaces can be repurposed for environmental sustainability. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “We are on a mission to create a green revolution in Pakistan, and the Clifton Urban Forest is the first step.”

In a time when environmental degradation is threatening the future of our cities, initiatives like this one offer hope. They show that with the right approach, we can restore balance to our ecosystems and create healthier, more liveable urban environments. As Lohar puts it, “We owe it to future generations to leave behind cities that are not only functional but also in harmony with nature.”

The Clifton Urban Forest is a living example of how small actions can lead to colossal change. It stands as a reminder that despite all environmental or other challenges, nature can flourish if we give it a chance. This idea should be expanded within Karachi, and similar green spaces need to be developed in other major cities of Pakistan.

The writer is an assistant director, Climate Change Adaptation at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Islamabad.