ver the past few years, Pakistan has gained international recognition for its ambitious reforestation efforts. The Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was launched in 2014. Later, it was extended to the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program.

The programme achieved notable success by planting and naturally regenerating over 1 billion trees across 350,000 hectares, getting recognition from the Bonn Challenge — a global initiative launched in 2011 by the German government and the IUCN to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 — as a step towards ecological restoration and sustainable land management.

This large-scale reforestation aligns closely with Pakistan’s climate policies by enhancing carbon sequestration, restoring ecosystems and bolstering climate resilience, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global climate goals.

Following the achievement, the real test is ensuring that these efforts translate into lasting environmental benefits. This required a focus on sustainable management practices. The initial enthusiasm surrounding the TBTTP can be attributed to tangible benefits observed in many communities and regions, including improved forest cover and enhanced local landscapes that have positively impacted both the environment and local livelihoods. As of April 30, 2023, the province had established 6,081 enclosures and planted approximately 337.06 million trees through farm forestry initiatives since the project’s inception.

While the initial success of the TBTTP has been evident through visible improvements in forest cover and local landscapes. According to a recent survey, challenges, such as unauthorised logging, limited upkeep and insufficient community involvement are hindering the long-term success of the project.

This is particularly evident in the Upper Dir, Haripur and Buner districts, where a significant portion of the planted saplings have not survived. Areas like Mansehra and Abbottabad have shown somewhat better outcomes. According to a local community leader from Upper Dir, only 25 percent of the saplings have thrived in some areas. The rest, he says, have perished due to a lack of proper care and follow-up.

Illegal logging is a serious problem. Communities in TBTTP-implemented districts report logging despite the efforts of forest conservation measures. In particular, villagers in Upper Dir and Haripur have expressed concerns about unequal access to forest resources. Such practices, if left unchecked, not only threaten the sustainability of forest cover but also undermine the government-led conservation-efforts.

A key theme emerging from the initiative is the willingness of local communities to engage in reforestation and forest management, provided that they receive adequate support. Communities in various districts have shown that active involvement, coupled with proper resources and knowledge, enables them to play a crucial role in environmental conservation.

However, many communities feel neglected after the initial planning phase, as ongoing support from the government or forest departments has been lacking. Reports from neghebans (forest caretakers) indicate that many have not received salaries for over a year, leading to frustration and reduced motivation to protect local forests.

Reforestation and sustainable forest management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are pivotal to Pakistan’s broad ecosystem restoration goals and its capacity to fulfill both national and international commitments.

Additionally, limited availability of local nurseries and challenges in accessing seeds and plants has posed obstacles to sustained reforestation efforts. Enhanced support from the Forest Department and other stakeholders in providing these resources could greatly benefit community-led reforestation initiatives.

In many districts, villagers have reported lack of follow-up support after the initial planting, leading to the failure of most of the saplings. This lack of engagement not only jeopardises the success of reforestation programmes but also misses the opportunity to foster strong, environmentally conscious communities.

Ensuring long-term success in reforestation efforts in KP requires a shift in focus. It is no longer enough to plant trees and declare success. A comprehensive approach to sustainable forest management, including ongoing maintenance/ support, community involvement and strong enforcement against illegal activities, is needed.

First, the government must prioritise continuous monitoring and care for reforested areas. This includes interacting with and training local communities in forest management practices while providing them with the necessary resources and tools needed to care for the forests. Establishing local nurseries and ensuring a steady supply of seedlings will empower communities to take greater responsibility for their environments.

Second, strong enforcement against illegal logging is paramount. There is a widespread perception among communities that the Forest Department is not adequately addressing the ongoing illegal activities. To address these concerns, transparent and effective enforcement measures must be implemented to safeguard forest resources and hold any or all violators accountable.

District Forest Officers should strengthen their presence within communities and receive necessary support from the provincial and federal governments.

Community engagement should be at the core of reforestation efforts. The success of any environmental initiative depends on the active participation of the people who live in and rely on these ecosystems. By involving communities in the planning, implementation and maintenance of reforestation projects, the government can ensure that reforestation efforts are sustainable and widely supported.

Reforestation and sustainable forest management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are pivotal to Pakistan’s broader ecosystem restoration goals and its capacity to fulfill both national and international climate commitments. As the world turns its attention to key milestones such as COP16 on biodiversity and the upcoming COP29, Pakistan has a significant opportunity to demonstrate leadership in advancing its climate pledges and supporting global sustainability objectives.

By strengthening governance, promoting community-driven conservation and ensuring robust protection against illegal activities, Pakistan can play a critical role in the global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. However, for these efforts to achieve long-term impact, securing ongoing climate finance, making strategic investments and fostering international collaboration will be essential. Pakistan should remain an active and committed contributor to global climate and ecosystem restoration efforts.

Mobeen Ali Khan, an economist, is a graduate from the University of Liverpool.

Dr Hina Aslam is a Hoffman fellow of World Economic Forum and a senior research fellow at the Australian National University.