Forest to increase by 6%

LAHORE—Celebrating the World Forestry Day, falling in March 21, Pakistan has set the target of increasing its forest cover from the existing 4.8 to 6 percent by 2015 under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the protected areas from the existing 11 to 12 percent. Being a signatory of the UN convention on climate change, Kyoto Protocol and acting upon the spirit of the theme for the year 2008, “Biodiversity and Climate Change, Pakistan is working to enforce the provisions of these conventions aiming at mitigating the threats of climate change and protecting biodiversity from the emerging threats of anthropogenic forces,” Forest Ministry sources told APP. One mature tree produces 4.6 tons oxygen, absorbs 6.3 tons CO2, drops 55 kg organic matter and retains 30,000 liters water annually. These figures are illustrative and are based on research carried out in Germany. Moreover one mature tree releases oxygen for 36 infants and 10 trees produce cooling effect equal to one ton Air Conditioner, it said. Sector wise breakup of the Spring Tree Planting Campaign, 2008, target includes planting 8.15 million saplings in government forests, 2.15 million in other government departments.

—Online