The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK) celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day with a significant environmental initiative by launching a day-long plantation drive. Over 200 medicinal and fruit trees were planted on the premises of the ICCBS, aiming to create an Urban Forest within the center.
The event was inaugurated by Prof Dr Atta-ur Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, along with Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of ICCBS. The drive was marked by the active participation of senior faculty members, including Senior Professor Dr M Raza Shah, Prof Dr Syed Abid Ali, Prof Dr Syed Ghulam Musharraf, Prof Dr Asmat Saleem, Prof Dr Shabana Simjee, Prof Dr Zaheer-Ul-Haq, Dr Imran Malik, and Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed. A large number of students, research officers, and other faculty members also took part in the initiative, planting saplings throughout the day.
Speaking at the event, Prof Atta-ur Rahman emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate change, highlighting that extreme weather conditions are a growing threat to life on Earth. “The plantation of trees is the need of the hour,” he stated, stressing that trees are the most effective natural technology available to cool the planet and reverse global warming.
Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Karachi is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. She described the creation of an urban forest at ICCBS as an environmentally friendly step that holds significant promise for the city. “The significance of urban forests in connection with climate change in Karachi cannot be ignored,” she said, noting that living near urban forests has been shown to have positive effects on mental health.
Dr Shaheen also highlighted the broader environmental benefits of urban forestry, including its role in erosion control, noise and air pollution reduction, wastewater management, and watershed protection.
The plantation drive at ICCBS is part of a growing movement in Pakistan to combat the effects of climate change through reforestation and the creation of urban green spaces. As Karachi faces increasing environmental challenges, initiatives like these are crucial in promoting sustainability and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Related: Delegation of Industrialists Visits ICCBS University of Karachi
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