Mumtaz Ahmed Bhatti
The Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program (TBTTP) was initiated by the Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC) in Pakistan with the ambitious goal of planting ten billion trees across the country. This program garnered significant attention and optimism due to its potential to address Pakistan’s pressing environmental issues. The MOCC initially made several commitments to ensure the program’s success, including the provision of vehicles and motorcycles to forest officers and employees, additional staffing, and recognition of outstanding performance with promotions, cash prizes, and certificates of appreciation.
However, it is disheartening to note that many of these promises remain unfulfilled, casting doubts on the program’s efficacy and raising concerns among those who have played a pivotal role in making TBTTP a success.A critical aspect of any large-scale environmental program is effective monitoring and evaluation. In the case of TBTTP, MOCC established monitoring teams tasked with assessing the progress of plantation activities. Regrettably, concerns have been raised about the qualifications and experience of individuals appointed to these teams. Many of them lack the necessary field experience and training in using devices such as GPS for accurate data collection and analysis. Consequently, the credibility of the monitoring reports generated by MOCC has been called into question, leaving numerous queries unanswered and doubts unresolved.To ensure the success and credibility of the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program, several crucial steps need to be taken by MOCC.(1) MOCC should promptly fulfill its promises of providing vehicles, promotions, and incentives to forest officers and employees. This will not only boost morale but also enhance motivation among those actively engaged in afforestation efforts.
(2) Appoint individuals with relevant field experience and training from reputable institutions for monitoring and evaluation roles. This will significantly improve the accuracy and credibility of monitoring reports, addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders.
(3) MOCC should prioritize transparency in its operations and be held accountable for its commitments. Regular updates and communication with forest officers, employees, and the public will build trust in the TBTTP.
(4) Invest in the capacity building of forest officers and employees, providing them with the necessary training, equipment, and resources to carry out afforestation activities effectively.
(5) Seek international expertise and collaboration to ensure the program aligns with global standards and best practices in afforestation and climate change mitigation.For the betterment of wildlife under the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program, the MOCC appointed project directors in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). These appointments signaled the commitment of the government to address wildlife conservation at a regional level. However, it is essential to note that Balochistan’s status remains magnificent in terms of the program’s implementation.There have been notable efforts in Balochistan to protect wildlife, such as the crackdown on illegal hunting. These measures are vital for preserving the region’s biodiversity and protecting vulnerable species.One of the key achievements of the Niaz kakar’s wildlife conservation efforts is the noticeable improvements in national parks across Balochistan. These protected areas play a critical role in safeguarding the country’s unique flora and fauna.The successful breeding of green turtles in Gwadar stands out as a significant achievement. This accomplishment highlights the PD Wildlife Balochistan Niaz Kakar dedication to protecting endangered species and their habitats. Green turtles, an endangered species globally, have found a safe haven in Gwadar due to these conservation efforts.
Despite the commendable progress made in wildlife conservation under the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program, some concerns have emerged. The Planning and Development Department of Punjab has expressed reservations In the monitoring report regarding the activities of Wildlife Punjab. This raises questions about the performance of the Wildlife department Punjab and necessitates a thorough examination of its operations.The Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program is a commendable initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of deforestation and climate change in Pakistan.
However, the unfulfilled promises, challenges in monitoring, and questions surrounding the program’s transparency and accountability threaten its success.Continue CIt is imperative for MOCC to take immediate action to address these concerns, as the program’s ultimate success depends on the dedication and hard work of forest officers and employees who have tirelessly contributed to its progress. By fulfilling promises, enhancing monitoring efforts, and promoting transparency, TBTTP can continue to be a source of pride for Pakistan and a valuable contribution to global environmental conservation efforts.
