Agriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive sectors because extreme events and changes in weather pervasively affect the crop production. During the past few years, variations in the environment have negatively affected the agriculture sector as the yield of major cereal crops has been significantly reduced by the sudden rise in temperature, irregular precipitation and extreme weather conditions in Pakistan.
Keeping in view the global and national perspective to minimize the hazards of climate change, a group of farmers from Masoom Support Foundation decided to start the Tree Plantation Campaign, following the launch of ‘The Billion Tree Tsunami” by the Govt. of Pakistan. ‘The Billion Tree Tsunami” was launched as a commitment to the Bonn Challenge to restore 350,000 hectares of forests and degraded land in Pakistan. The Bonn Challenges aims to restore 150 million hectares of the world’s degraded and deforested lands by 2020.
Pic: The team of Masoom Foundation with NAPP Program Consultant
The Tree Plantation campaign was initiated by a young farmer employee and executive member of Fairtrade body at Masoom Foundation – Muhamad Usman with a slogan ‘Plant a Tree to Save Life’.
‘’Air pollution and extreme heatwave are the common climate change issue prevailing in the area. Creating mass awareness on the environmental hazards due to change in weather is a moral and social responsibility of every citizen. A simple act as planting a tree and inspiring others to do the same can make a huge difference in the long run. We decided to start the campaign to create more awareness within farmers and masses about environmental calamities, global warming, and the benefits of tree plantation. It will be replicated as a social responsibility in the surroundings and bio farming will also be promoted ‘’- Muhamad Usman -Executive member of Fairtrade body at Masoom Foundation.
The campaign was inaugurated with the planting of 1000 plants in 6 surrounding villages covering approx. 200 acres of land, with a vision to exceed this initiative to 2000 trees covering more villages.
The rise in temperature significantly contributes to the decrease in rice yields thereby shortening the growing season for rice. The interconnectedness between climate change, agricultural sustainability, and food security objectives means many young people today are likely to be unaware of the importance of forests and trees for direct and indirect contribution to food production which is a growing concern. Therefore, the focus of the campaign is to involve, engage and sensitize youth in the surrounding areas on the need for such endeavors to effectively control environmental pollution. This can also inspire millions of youth in other regions to take the lead for such initiatives.
“I am contributing to a safe, clean, and green future for my children through this effort”- Muhamad Gulam Abbas – Farmer
