Climate Change Threatens Gilgit-Baltistan Forests

APP

Islamabad: At a time when Pakistan is grappling with severe climate change threats, the challenge of fresh afforestation and protecting existing forested areas has become increasingly critical for both federal and provincial governments.

With forests in many regions facing extreme pressure due to rising energy costs and the activities of the timber mafia, the onus on government departments to preserve these precious resources has intensified significantly.

According to the Forest and Wildlife Department, Gilgit-Baltistan has a total forested area of 249,205 hectares. The district of Diamer boasts the highest forest cover at 71 percent, followed by Astore at 12 percent and Gilgit at 10 percent. These three districts collectively account for 93 percent of the region’s forest area.

Gilgit-Baltistan, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is home to some of Pakistan’s most valuable forests, rich in biodiversity and vital to the livelihoods of local communities. Yet, these forests are under threat from deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change.

Despite numerous measures initiated by the government to protect these forests, there remains a pressing need for stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased public awareness to ensure their preservation.

What Measures Are Being Taken?

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, the Gilgit-Baltistan government is making concerted efforts to protect these forests. The Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Department has been established to manage the region’s forestry, wildlife, and other natural resources through sustainable and integrated approaches.

The department also serves as a hub for biodiversity and eco-tourism, with Conservation Committees formed to protect wildlife and forests and implement necessary legislation for educating local communities about forest conservation.

Secretary for Forests, Parks, and Wildlife, Zafar Waqar Taj, has highlighted the recent establishment of a dedicated force to protect forests and wildlife. “The region previously lacked such a force, but we have now begun training cadets specifically for this purpose,” he stated.

A recent batch of 50 cadets has graduated from the Police Training College in Gilgit, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the region’s forest and wildlife protection capabilities.

Taj added that the department aims to train 200 cadets annually, ultimately building a force of over 800 trained members within the next four years.

Tree Program Impact

Launched under the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program in 2019, a special initiative aimed to plant 170 million trees across Gilgit-Baltistan. The total PSDP allocation for this programme was Rs 6,920 million, including Rs 650 million for protected areas and Rs 359 million for wildlife protection.

While the government claims to have achieved the target of planting 10.765 million trees, some local residents remain skeptical about the post-plantation care of these trees.

“Many plants from this initiative either uprooted or dried due to lack of proper care,” said Abdul Rehman, a resident of Gilgit city. “The program’s success hinges on sustainable planting practices and proper maintenance to ensure the survival and growth of these trees.”

What Challenges Remain?

The fragmentation and scattered nature of forested areas pose significant challenges for management and conservation. Illegal logging and deforestation continue to threaten the region’s forests, with thousands of hectares lost over the past two decades.

“We have seen a significant decline in forest cover in recent years,” said Muhammad Iqbal, a local environmentalist. “If we don’t take action now, we risk losing our forests forever.”

Iqbal acknowledged the efforts of establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Deosai National Park and Khunjerab National Park, but emphasized the need for increased efforts to protect forests and wildlife.

A Greener Future

Forests, wildlife, and ecosystems in Gilgit-Baltistan are crucial for local communities, providing seasonal income from tourism and serving as a biodiversity hotspot that must be protected for future generations.

“We need to find a balance between conservation and livelihood,” said Ghulam Rasool, a local forest dweller. “By working together, we can safeguard the region’s ecological and economic sustainability and preserve the natural beauty of our incredible region.”

Protecting forested areas in Gilgit-Baltistan and across Pakistan remains a daunting task amid rising population pressures, increasing energy costs, illegal logging, and post-plantation management challenges.

Given the persistent failure to achieve desired outcomes despite repeated efforts, there is a critical need to reassess our policies and strategies. The loss of these forests would be a national tragedy, leading to further environmental disasters and economic losses.