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Climate change

Pakistan's Flagship Initiative Honored as UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration World Restoration Flagship

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Government of Pakistan's flagship initiative, "Reversing Deforestation and Degradation in High Conservation Value Chilgoza Pine Forests," has received international recognition as one of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration World Restoration Flagships. The initiative, implemented between 2018 and 2025 under The Restoration Initiative, represents a strong collaboration between the Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change, Provincial Forest Departments, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project focuses on conserving and restoring Pakistan's unique Chilgoza pine forests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity and community livelihoods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The initiative restored 3,800 hectares of degraded forest land and developed sustainable forest management plans for 69,000 hectares.
  • Over one million Chilgoza pine seedlings were planted, benefiting more than 30,000 households through training, tools, and innovative technologies.
  • The project was implemented across some of the most remote and ecologically sensitive mountain regions, requiring strong collaboration with local communities.
  • The initiative has been recognized as a model for community-led restoration to protect biodiversity while enabling dignified livelihood opportunities.
  • The Government of Pakistan has committed to scaling up this integrated restoration approach in other fragile ecosystems through domestic public financing.
  • Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister, highlighted the initiative's achievements and praised the partnerships that made it possible.
  • The initiative has been recognized globally, with Pakistan committed to expanding this model to safeguard its natural heritage and secure a greener, more resilient future for its people.
  • The project involved a collaboration between the Government of Pakistan, Provincial Forest Departments, and the FAO.
  • The initiative was implemented between 2018 and 2025.

Statistics:

  • 3,800 hectares of degraded forest land were restored.
  • 69,000 hectares of forest land were developed with sustainable forest management plans.
  • Over one million Chilgoza pine seedlings were planted.
  • More than 30,000 households directly benefited through training, tools, and innovative technologies.
  • 2018-2025: The timeframe of the project's implementation.

Sources:

  • FAO press release issued in Islamabad
  • [SOURCE 1: FAO press release;
  • [SOURCE 2: The Restoration Initiative;
  • [SOURCE 3: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)]

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