GIGLIT-BALTISTAN'S FORESTS -A CALL FOR ACTION

Syed Shams Uddin The Vital Importance of Forests in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Call for Action Environmental experts emphasize that for a country to maintain economic equilibrium and environmental stability, at least 25% of its total land area should ideally be under forest cover. However, Pakistan's forest cover is alarmingly low, comprising only about 4% of its total area. This national figure, concerning as it is, paints an even graver picture when it comes to Gilgit-Baltistan, the country's northernmost region and home to the critical water towers that sustain Pakistan's lifelines. Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, is alarmingly deficient in forest cover. The forested areas within the region are distributed as follows: 1. Chilas, Darel, and Tangir: 848 square miles 2. Astore: 120 square miles 3. Gilgit, Punyal, and Nagar: 96 square miles 4. Baltistan: 36 square miles Collectively, this accounts for a mere 4% of the region’s total area, highlighting a dire environmental crisis. The limited forest cover not only fails to meet ecological needs but also compromises the region’s ability to serve as a sustainable resource for the country’s environmental health. This dismal state is exacerbated by unchecked exploitation of the existing forests. Activities such as the extraction of timber, fuelwood, and illegal logging, coupled with the clearing of forested areas for agricultural expansion and mountain farming, have led to severe deforestation. The denudation of forests in Gilgit-Baltistan is not merely a regional issue but a national concern, given the role the region plays as a primary water source for the rest of Pakistan. The Indus River, fed by glaciers and streams originating in this region, is the lifeline of Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. Forest degradation threatens the stability of these vital water systems, increasing the risks of soil erosion, landslides, and flash floods. Given the environmental and socioeconomic significance of Gilgit-Baltistan, a balanced approach is urgently needed to address this crisis. This entails simultaneously meeting the needs of the local population while preserving the region’s ecological integrity. The task is undoubtedly daunting, as it requires harmonizing human activity with nature to ensure sustainable living. A comprehensive contingency plan is essential to tackle this issue. Boosting afforestation efforts, especially in areas near population hubs, is a critical first step. A large-scale tree plantation drive, involving native species that are well-suited to the region’s climate, can help restore degraded areas. Public awareness campaigns must also be launched to educate communities about the importance of forests and sustainable practices. Involving local populations in conservation efforts by providing them with incentives to protect and nurture forests can create a sense of ownership and responsibility. Moreover, stringent measures must be enacted to curb illegal logging and deforestation. Regulatory frameworks need to be strengthened, and enforcement mechanisms must be put in place to ensure compliance. Simultaneously, alternative sources of energy, such as hydropower and solar energy, should be promoted to reduce reliance on fuelwood. Gilgit-Baltistan, with its unique geography and vital role in Pakistan’s ecological system, cannot afford to lose its forests. Immediate and sustained action is the need of the hour to restore its forest cover, ensuring the region’s sustainability and securing the nation’s water and environmental resources for generations to come. There is, therefore, an urgent need for result-oriented and comprehensive projects focused on afforestation and meaningful vegetation across Gilgit-Baltistan. Such initiatives must be grounded in scientific principles and tailored to the region’s unique topography and ecological characteristics. This includes the introduction of drought-resistant tree species that are not only well-suited to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the area but also capable of thriving amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Given the fragile nature of the ecosystem in Gilgit-Baltistan, these projects must prioritize biodiversity conservation, soil stability, and water retention. Climate change has already begun to exacerbate environmental vulnerabilities in this region, with rising temperatures accelerating glacier melt and increasing the frequency of natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and soil erosion. A strategic afforestation drive that introduces resilient vegetation can act as a natural defense mechanism against these threats, while simultaneously improving carbon sequestration and enhancing air quality. To ensure success, afforestation efforts must involve multi-stakeholder engagement, including local communities, environmental experts, and policymakers. Local populations, in particular, need to be educated and empowered to take an active role in protecting and managing their natural resources. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, the establishment of community nurseries, and the provision of economic incentives for tree planting and forest preservation. Furthermore, the use of advanced technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, can aid in identifying suitable areas for plantation and monitoring the progress of vegetation projects. Such tools will ensure that interventions are data-driven and effectively targeted, maximizing their environmental and socioeconomic impact. In the face of the global climate crisis and the pressing challenges it brings, Gilgit-Baltistan must serve as a model for sustainable ecological restoration. By implementing scientifically informed and locally adapted afforestation projects, the region can not only protect its own fragile ecosystem but also contribute to the environmental resilience of the entire nation. In this context, the central government must also take proactive steps to introduce and make available aerial seeding facilities using advanced drone technology. This innovative approach can significantly enhance afforestation efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in areas that are otherwise inaccessible or challenging to reforest through conventional methods. Drone-based aerial seeding offers numerous advantages, including the ability to cover vast areas quickly and efficiently. It ensures that seeds are distributed uniformly, even in steep terrains and remote regions where manual plantation is impractical. This method not only accelerates the pace of afforestation but also reduces labor costs and time, making it an economically viable option for large-scale projects. Moreover, drones equipped with precision technology can deploy seeds embedded in nutrient-rich pods designed to support initial growth phases. These pods protect seeds from harsh environmental conditions and grazing by animals, increasing the likelihood of successful germination and establishment. The use of drought-resistant and indigenous tree species in aerial seeding programs can further ensure alignment with the region's topographical and climatic conditions, enhancing the long-term sustainability of the vegetation cover. The central government, in collaboration with environmental experts, local authorities, and international partners, should prioritize the development of such drone-based afforestation projects. Investment in research and development to adapt drone technology to the specific needs of Gilgit-Baltistan is crucial. Additionally, training programs for local communities and agencies in operating drone technology can foster skill development and create employment opportunities, aligning ecological goals with socioeconomic benefits. Integrating drone technology into a broader framework of ecological restoration will bolster efforts to combat deforestation, restore biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. By embracing such cutting-edge solutions, the government can set a precedent for innovative environmental management and demonstrate its commitment to preserving the fragile ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan for future generations.