Trees are more than just a beautiful landmark

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Ms. Suad Khan

The goal of green spaces is not limited to simply beautifying urban areas. Trees are the lungs, livers and beating heart of the world's cities, and are essential to creating healthy, livable and sustainable cities around the world.

Trees are an important way to mitigate climate change and improve air quality, making cities healthier places to live. They are also essential for places with warm climates. In fact, the strategic placement of trees in cities can help cool the air by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, making humid urban heat more bearable. Large trees are also excellent for absorbing polluting gases and filtering fine particles such as dust, dirt or smoke from the air by trapping them in the leaves and bark.

And trees are not just good for the environment - they have positive effects on us humans too. Research shows that living near and having access to green spaces can improve physical and mental health by reducing high blood pressure and psychological stress, for example.

For all these reasons, modern urban planning must take trees seriously. That's also why FAQ and the Arbor Day Foundation launched the World's Tree Cities programme, a collaborative effort to encourage cities and towns around the world to invest in, conserve and manage urban forests and trees sustainably.

2019 was the first year to qualify for this global initiative and the commitment to urban forestry of 68 cities from 17 countries was recognized. Since then, the program has nearly doubled in size and now includes 120 cities from 23 countries.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has 4.2 million hectares of forest and planted trees which equates to 4.8 percent of the total land area. On the other hand, according to the National Forest Policy of 1952, forests must constitute 33 percent of land area for maintenance of ecological balance.

Due to stark ecological imbalance the population in Pakistan is facing the spread of the environmental pollutants which are causing health problems including respiratory diseases and other health hazards.

Here lies the necessity of paying attention to the environment and raising the slogan: "A Tree in Every Grain of Sand."

To address the pressing need for green spaces and ecological balance, urban planning and afforestation efforts must also emphasize the integration of indigenous plantation practices. Indigenous tree species, adapted to local climates and ecosystems, play a vital role in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of urban forests. They require less water, are naturally resistant to pests, and support local biodiversity by providing habitats for native wildlife.

In the context of countries like Pakistan, where forest cover is critically low, promoting indigenous plantations can act as a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation. Planting native trees not only contributes to cleaner air and reduced urban heat but also aligns with the cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Such efforts can foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility, encouraging citizens to actively participate in the preservation and expansion of green spaces.

By prioritizing the use of native trees and implementing policies that promote sustainable urban forestry, we can work toward achieving a greener, healthier future for generations to come. The slogan "A Tree in Every Grain of Sand" is not just a call to action but a vision for restoring balance to the environment through the thoughtful and deliberate integration of nature into our cities and lives.