Plantation Season 2025: Reviving our rural and urban ecosystems with indigenous species

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Dr. Farrukh A. Chishtie

As March 2025 unfolds, Pakistan finds itself at a critical crossroads in the face of intensifying climate change. Plantation of indigenous across the country is a sustainable, nature-based solution needed now.

The 2022 floods underscored how vulnerable our nation has become to erratic monsoons and extreme weather events. Entire communities were submerged, infrastructure crumbled, and thousands were displaced. Even in the aftermath, severe droughts have recently plagued major urban centers such as Karachi and Lahore, exacerbating water stress and driving up temperatures. These events serve as a stark reminder that we need holistic, long-term strategies to heal our ecosystems—and, importantly, to safeguard our future.

One such approach is to revive indigenous plantation on a national scale, an endeavor that offers both climate adaptation and mitigation benefits. Experience tells us that when we rely on alien or exotic trees, we disrupt local habitats, harm native species, and often fail to realize the full ecological value of a well-rooted indigenous canopy. The importance of planting local species has already been highlighted in earlier campaigns across the country, underscoring how indigenous trees like Neem, Sheesham, Kachnar, and Sukh Chain naturally cope with local climate conditions while providing shade, clean air, and enhanced biodiversity.

Indigenous trees for climate resilience

Now, as we reflect on the lessons from these disastrous floods and the mounting challenges posed by drought in our cities, it becomes clearer than ever that indigenous plantation is not merely an environmental footnote: it is a powerful, cost-effective, and inclusive nature-based solution. By anchoring local knowledge and expertise — traditionally passed down through generations of farmers, horticulturists, and community elders — we stand a better chance of regenerating depleted soils, replenishing groundwater, and resisting the devastating impacts of heavy rains and unchecked urban sprawl.

This cover story will explore how a nationwide indigenous plantation campaign can help revitalize Pakistan’s rural and urban landscapes, highlighting strategies that intertwine ecological restoration with community-led activism. From insights into ancient rainwater-harvesting methods to policies that prioritize tree survival and sustainability, we will discuss a framework that not only promises greener cities and countryside but also helps stabilize our climate. After all, planting trees is more than just an act of beautification — it is an act of resilience and renewal.

Harnessing Local Knowledge and Community Involvement

In the aftermath of the 2022 floods, the focus on indigenous plantation has taken on an urgency unparalleled in Pakistan’s environmental history. Communities across the country continue to grapple with the devastation caused by floodwaters that tore through fragile embankments, while urban dwellers face a lingering drought that heightens water scarcity and soaring temperatures. Strengthening our ecosystems is, therefore, not merely a question of policy, but a matter of survival. By centering local plant species that have evolved in harmony with our climate and geography, we reinforce nature’s own buffering capacity — trees stabilize riverbanks, improve soil structure, and regulate water infiltration to reduce the risk of floods and droughts alike.

What makes this effort distinct from previous tree-planting drives is the recognition that indigenous knowledge — passed down through generations of farmers, local botanists, and horticultural experts — stands as an invaluable source of wisdom. In many rural parts of the country, communities have long used drought-resistant native plants such as Sukh Chain, Kachnar, and Neem to protect farmland from erosion and provide essential shade.

Sukh Chain

This reservoir of experience, which includes hands-on strategies for rainwater harvesting, natural pest control, and seed-saving techniques, can provide a blueprint for large-scale restoration efforts. By weaving together modern methods with time-tested traditions, we ensure that our reforestation campaigns do more than simply dot the landscape with saplings: we help them flourish sustainably.

Equally critical is the need to raise awareness and participation at every level. From urban students to rural smallholders, each group holds a piece of the puzzle. For example, city administrations, in partnership with local environmental nonprofits, can establish mini “green corridors” in highly congested areas — pockets of biodiversity that help filter air pollution and regulate temperatures. In rural areas, farmers who have experienced crop failure and water shortages firsthand often become the most effective champions of reforestation, sharing success stories about how planting hardy local trees increased yields and stabilized water tables.

Beyond planting, nurturing these saplings to maturity is the true challenge. With limited water resources, especially in semi-arid and drought-prone regions, we must systematically integrate techniques like rainwater harvesting into everyday practice. Rain barrels, rooftop catchments, and irrigation channels linked to sustainable drainage systems can make the difference between a thriving woodland and a withering one.

By recovering age-old practices — once passed off as outdated or too modest —alongside modern innovations, we forge an “all-hands-on-deck” approach. It is this synergy that will help build a durable green canopy, capable of withstanding future floods and extreme heat.

Subh-e-Nau’s legacy of promoting native species

Subh-e-Nau, both as a publication and an organization, has long championed the cause of indigenous plantation. Dating back to its plantation campaigns of the early 2000s, Subh-e-Nau made sustainability and the promotion of native plant species a foundational element of all tree-planting initiatives. This emphasis stems from a clear understanding of how exotic or invasive species can destabilize local ecologies, threaten bird populations, and fail to provide the same level of environmental resilience as native trees.

Indeed, Subh-e-Nau’s commitment to indigenous greenery runs deeper than mere rhetoric. Over the years, the organization has pushed for official recognition of a “National Day for Plantation,” advocated for extensive workshops on rainwater harvesting, and demanded that all relevant ministries and public offices take direct responsibility for sustaining the trees planted under their watch.

Even before urban droughts became recurring headlines, Subh-e-Nau highlighted the natural water-saving abilities of local species, urging all participants to learn how these plants harmonize with climate conditions to conserve our most precious resource —water.

As recent events have shown, these lessons are more pertinent than ever. With climate extremes ravaging both rural and urban areas, Subh-e-Nau’s early initiatives illustrate how grass-roots action, anchored in scientific research and local knowledge, can yield remarkably durable results. By underscoring indigenous plantation and pairing it with community education — especially on the vital practice of harvesting rainwater — the organization has consistently spotlighted the essential link between healthy ecosystems and human well-being.

Now, in 2025, the Subh-e-Nau approach serves as a clarion call for government agencies, nonprofits, and citizens alike. Long-term survival hinges on understanding and respecting the delicate equilibrium of Pakistan’s varied ecosystems — and that balance is best preserved when we give indigenous trees the attention and priority they deserve.

Exotic species pitfalls: Lessons from the past

Central to the success of a nationwide plantation campaign is a steadfast refusal to compromise on tree quality by using exotic or invasive species. Since well before the cataclysmic 2022 floods, scientific research and field observations in Pakistan have repeatedly shown that certain non-native trees — like the notorious Paper Mulberry or Conocarpus — cause ecological imbalance and pose real threats to both human health and local wildlife. By contrast, indigenous trees have co-evolved with local climates, soils, and animal species, forming intricate connections that help stabilize the land, sustain bird populations, and naturally filter water resources.

We only must look at how exotics have fared in areas such as Islamabad or parts of Balochistan to see the pitfalls. Paper Mulberry, introduced decades ago for quick greening, led to severe pollen allergies and supplanted native flora. Once the floods of 2022 arrived, these weak-rooted, invasive species were ill-equipped to fortify embankments or absorb the deluge, contributing to extensive erosion and damage. By contrast, resilient indigenous trees in nearby areas suffered fewer losses, highlighting their role as frontline defenders against extreme weather.

This stark difference underscores the unique adaptability and ecological benefits that local tree species bring. Indigenous vegetation provides more than simply a canopy of green: it offers habitats for a variety of pollinators, birds, and other animals critical for maintaining biodiversity. The deeper roots of these trees enhance soil stability and water infiltration, which is vital not only for preventing flash floods but also for replenishing groundwater in drought-stricken urban areas. With climate impacts growing more pronounced each year, an integrated approach — where indigenous knowledge, water-conservation practices, and native species selection come together — stands as one of the best nature-based solutions for both climate adaptation and mitigation.

Socioeconomic benefits of native tree planting

Beyond ecological benefits, an indigenous-centric plantation strategy yields substantial social and economic dividends. In many rural regions, farmers are turning to native trees as a protective buffer for their crops, providing natural shade, attracting beneficial insects, and helping regulate local microclimates. This approach has proven especially pivotal in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, where drought conditions and soaring temperatures have caused considerable damage to both cash and subsistence crops. By integrating indigenous trees into their fields — often as windbreaks or boundary markers — farmers have not only boosted their yields but also reduced dependency on expensive chemical inputs.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises can also benefit. In areas with thriving plantations of Neem, Sheesham, or Acacia, new economic opportunities emerge in the form of carpentry workshops, essential-oil extraction, and even eco-tourism. The revival of indigenous greenery attracts birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and casual visitors seeking respite from the urban sprawl — an avenue for local communities to develop sustainable income streams. Meanwhile, in the cities, entrepreneurs are exploring urban reforestation projects that partner with municipal councils and private businesses to create “green belts,” offering cooler, healthier public spaces for residents.

To make these gains more than just one-off success stories, we must recognize the role of public engagement and community ownership. Subh-e-Nau’s model of direct outreach — through workshops, open plantation drives, and on-site demonstrations —has been instrumental in helping citizens relate to the idea that indigenous plantation can directly improve their health, finances, and long-term climate resilience.

Nationally, the momentum to establish local stewardship committees — groups of volunteers trained to maintain saplings, share water-harvesting methods, and keep biodiversity records — has only just begun. Yet these are precisely the grassroots structures we need to ensure that the benefits of native reforestation flow back into local economies, reinforcing a sense of collective responsibility for Pakistan’s natural heritage.

Climate adaptation meets mitigation through reforestation

Another core advantage of embracing indigenous plantation lies in the explicit link it forges between climate adaptation and mitigation — two strategies often discussed in policy circles yet seldom executed in a cohesive manner. Trees, particularly those that are well-suited to local conditions, serve as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases while simultaneously buffering against the impacts of extreme weather. When the 2022 floods ravaged low-lying districts in Sindh and Punjab, regions with higher coverage of native species — like Babool and Acacia — experienced less soil erosion and faster water absorption, proving once more that healthy ecosystems can minimize climate risks.

Crucially, this “nature-based solution” framework extends beyond just absorbing carbon. Indigenous trees and the broader vegetative cover they support help regulate local temperatures, reduce heat islands in congested cities, and lend themselves to integrated water management through techniques such as rainwater harvesting. In other words, by planting the right trees in the right places — and ensuring their long-term survival — we advance both adaptation (by creating more drought- and flood-resilient landscapes) and mitigation (by pulling more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere).

Building on this synergistic approach, several local governments are now experimenting with pilot programs that combine environmental stewardship with social uplift. For instance, community-led cooperatives in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are sharing seeds and saplings, training each other in water conservation, and jointly monitoring the growth of newly planted areas. These collaborative models not only safeguard saplings from neglect or encroachment but also strengthen social cohesion, helping neighbors look out for each other’s farmlands and water reserves.

Yet, success hinges on integrating such efforts into a larger national policy. As climate impacts become more pronounced, stand-alone projects will not suffice. Subh-e-Nau’s call for systematic coordination — across ministries, forest departments, research institutions, and grassroots NGOs — remains critical. From distributing appropriate seedlings to providing technical know-how for rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation, a large-scale, well-coordinated plan is the only way to ensure that newly planted trees become a permanent and thriving part of Pakistan’s ecological future.

National Plantation Day: A unifying call to action

A cornerstone of this unified approach is the annual National Plantation Day, a tradition spearheaded by Subh-e-Nau that has evolved into a nationwide call to action. Originally set for August 18, this day was conceived to galvanize individuals, civil society, and government agencies to plant indigenous trees and actively learn methods of sustainable stewardship.

More than just a symbolic event, National Plantation Day can become a rallying point for communities to coordinate mass plantings, exchange local saplings, and share practical knowledge on everything from soil preparation to rainwater harvesting.

Over the years, the celebration of National Plantation Day will broaden its scope. Schools can potentially organize drives where students plant and adopt a tree, local forest officials set up free seedling distribution camps, and NGOs conduct open workshops on composting and water conservation. Perhaps most remarkably, many families will turn the day into a generational activity — children, parents, and grandparents coming together to place seedlings in ground they can collectively nurture. This inclusivity cements a sense of long-term commitment, ensuring that saplings do not wither due to neglect once the day’s excitement passes.

In March 2025, as we reflect on the progress and challenges still facing our reforestation efforts, National Plantation Day stands out as a shining possibility of continuity and cooperation we can realize across Pakistan. Each year, thousands of new volunteers can join the ranks of seasoned tree-planters who have already witnessed firsthand the benefits of expanding indigenous tree cover — whether in the form of safer river embankments, cooler neighborhoods, or the return of native bird species to suburban parks.

By fostering a spirit of collective responsibility, National Plantation Day also reinforces the idea that environmental protection is not a solitary task, but rather a shared duty spanning all segments of society. When government agencies and citizens join hands in a single, synchronized initiative — even if it lasts just one day — it ignites a spark that can burn all year long. In essence, this annual event serves as both a reminder of our past successes and a stepping stone toward more ambitious, integrated, and resilient strategies that honor Pakistan’s unique ecological heritage.

Mangroves and other key native species

While calls for large-scale planting often focus on sheer numbers, choosing the right species is just as vital. Indigenous trees are uniquely tailored to Pakistan’s terrain and climate, and each variety offers specific benefits to both local ecosystems and communities. From easily recognizable names such as Sukh Chain, Kachnar, Chanar, Sheesham (Tahli), and Phulah (of the Kiker family) to road-friendly species like Babool, Amaltas, and Saimal, these trees not only create shade and absorb floodwaters but also support native birdlife and pollinators (see pictorial on other indigenous species for more).

For coastal regions, mangroves provide a remarkable layer of natural defense against storm surges, rising sea levels, and tsunamis, offering protection to vulnerable communities along Pakistan’s southern shoreline. Unlike exotics that may struggle in saline environments, indigenous mangroves thrive in brackish waters, stabilizing shorelines through their complex root systems and sustaining a host of marine life.

Each of these species — be it a towering Chanar in the northern highlands or the hardy Neem in more arid zones — contributes to a greener landscape in a way that invasive varieties simply cannot replicate. They preserve soil quality, improve groundwater recharge, and create habitats that foster biodiversity. Indeed, a key principle of Subh-e-Nau’s reforestation drives has always been to prioritize such native trees, often supported by detailed pictorials and guides that outline how to plant, care for, and propagate each species. These references highlight distinctive leaf shapes, flowering patterns, and seasonal cycles, all of which help local communities recognize the tremendous potential of indigenous flora.

By ensuring that we plant trees that naturally belong here — and by tapping into generations of local expertise in cultivation — we solidify the framework for a thriving, sustainable Pakistan. Rather than a haphazard attempt to introduce quick-growing but ecologically incompatible trees, this indigenous-first mindset guarantees longer survival rates, stronger defenses against climate extremes, and enduring benefits for every segment of society.

Forging ahead in a sustainable manner

The challenges posed by the 2022 floods, the recent urban droughts, and the spiraling effects of climate change demand a united, long-term strategy — one that places indigenous knowledge at its heart. Over the course of these pages, we have seen how native trees not only reinforce ecological balance but also serve as powerful tools for climate adaptation and mitigation. From preventing soil erosion to replenishing groundwater, and from supporting local livelihoods to bolstering coastal defenses, indigenous species provide tangible, cost-effective solutions that benefit all sectors of society.

Yet, in the end, the most critical lesson remains that these efforts must be sustained and scaled across Pakistan. Whether spearheaded by government agencies, local NGOs, or grassroots volunteers, each successful plantation campaign testifies to the resilience of our landscapes and the determination of our communities. With every plantation season, and with every seedling we nurture, we reaffirm a commitment to preserving our shared heritage and securing a livable future for generations to come.

By embracing indigenous plantation, Pakistan invests not only in verdant forests and thriving habitats but also in the health and prosperity of its people. It is a choice that honors our ecological roots, fosters sustainable growth, and answers the urgent call of a rapidly changing climate.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, and other aspects of Earth’s climate, driven primarily by rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Although the planet’s climate has always undergone natural variations, modern human activities — such as burning fossil fuels and clearing forests — are accelerating these changes at an unprecedented rate.

For Pakistan, climate change manifests through more intense and erratic monsoon rains, scorching heatwaves, recurring droughts, and the rising threat of floods. As witnessed during the catastrophic 2022 floods, these events can wreak havoc on infrastructure, agriculture, and entire communities. By intensifying both flood and drought cycles, climate change underscores the need for nature-based solutions like indigenous plantation — an approach that not only absorbs carbon but also helps safeguard water resources, stabilize riverbanks, and protect biodiversity.