iving in one of the most populated and, non-coincidentally, polluted city in the world is no joke for an environmentalist. A man who loves nature can’t but lose his inner peace in such a bustling metropolis. You can’t hear birds singing; and the scent of flowers is annihilated by poisonous exhausts. There’s no green to be seen on the horizon and one has to endure a perilous journey only to find a tree, to sit and enjoy a little relief from the scorching sun.

Karachi, one of the biggest and most densely inhabited cities in the world, is set to reach a population of 30 million very soon, if it is not already there. For comparison, that’s half of the population of Italy, squeezed into a massive concrete jungle. To live here – with no running water, no gas, and only a few hours of electricity a day – one, no doubt, must be brave. And, kind too. For that, Karachiites deserve all my respect. People will always make space for you. Like a loving mother, Karachi will take away from herself and give it to you, even at the cost of her own life.

Year after year, the city has sacrificed its natural beauty only to give way to new construction projects, which in turn are needed to host an ever-growing population. Allow me to say that this kind of development is not only unsustainable, but ecologically speaking, a complete disaster. I reached a point, a couples of months back, when I was ready to give up and leave. Then a friend told me about a place, down in Clifton, where I can recharge myself and, eventually, find hope.

“It’s an urban forest,” he had told me. “You won’t believe such a place exists in Karachi.”

So, I came, I saw, and I believed.

Clifton Urban Forest is a lush oasis amidst Karachi’s urban sprawl. Initiated on January 8, 2021, by Masood Lohar, the former head of UNDP-GEF SGP, from the platform of Sindh Radiant Organisation, this project aims at restoring the marine ecosystem which once adorned this stretch of the coast.

Today, after a little more than three years, it has flourished into a 220-acre haven of biodiversity and a beacon of hope for urban ecological renewal.

Masood’s story on how it all started is one worth listening. It began in a small blue camper’s tent, surrounded by heaps of garbage that once blighted this area. The bad odour was almost unbearable, he told me. With relentless dedication, he and his team removed tonnes of waste, dug deep to cleanse the land and planted 700,000 trees comprising 101 species, including mangroves, water lilies and lotuses. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment to this urban forest, to the point that he now lives on-site to personally take care of the trees, direct the whole team and prevent the illicit sale of rare birds. This Herculean effort transformed a neglected dump into the largest biodiversity-rich hotspot in Pakistan, attracting both local and migratory wildlife.

Flamingos, both greater and lesser, find sanctuary here. These majestic birds, some standing five-and-a-half feet tall, require ample space to take off, much like airplanes. Unfortunately, their presence also attracts poachers who seek to capture these exotic birds for private collections. Masood frequently contends with such threats, receiving phone calls from individuals offering money for flamingos and even catching poachers in the act. Despite these challenges, the lagoon remains a thriving habitat for these stunning creatures.

But Clifton Urban Forest’s impact extends far beyond flamingos. It hosts around 140 species of birds, including the black-tailed godwit and the Eurasian curlew, both internationally near-threatened species and the first-ever sighting of the crab plover in Pakistan. The forest’s dense foliage, teeming with insects, provides food for larger predators, creating a balanced ecosystem. This intricate web of life supports various species, from lizards and snakes to butterflies and honeybees, some of which are native and threatened species essential for pollination and ecosystem health.

In the face of escalating heatwaves and declining urban air quality, the Clifton Urban Forest plays a critical role in mitigating the harsh effects of climate change. Urban forests are vital for reducing temperatures, improving air quality and providing mental health benefits. This green lung of Karachi not only sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but also cools the surrounding areas, making life more bearable even in the hottest of the seasons.

As urban areas worldwide grapple with the adverse effects of climate change, here in Clifton, I stand as a witness to how community-based initiatives can effectively restore a natural ecosystem in the midst of a mega-city like Karachi. Covering multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, life on land and life below water, the Clifton Urban Forest showcases a holistic approach to urban environmental conservation. It has become a hub for students, researchers, bird watchers and wildlife photographers, drawn by its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Cultural activities, including folk music and literary sessions, thrive on its beachfront, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy.

At peak activity here, there were up to 70 people working side-by-side. Now the team has shrunk to about fifteen. Most of them work on voluntary basis. It is their commitment toward the environment that drives them, not the need for financial compensation. Muhammad Abid, a sustainability engineer native of Hyderabad, comes here every day to offer his expertise. Then there are Afzal, Rashid and the whole of Imran’s family, which includes five small children. Many others are either living on site with Masood, or paying a visit every now and then. Clifton Urban Forest is more than just a green space; it’s a thriving ecosystem and a community asset that enriches Karachi’s urban fabric. It’s a place that reminds us of the power of collective action and the possibility of reclaiming and restoring nature, even in the heart of a city like Karachi. If it could be done here, the rest have no excuses. It’s time to plant trees.

The writer is an Italian environmental activist, social entrepreneur and a freelance writer. He is currently volunteering at the Clifton Urban Forest in Karachi, where he contributes to urban reforestation efforts and promotes sustainable living practices