PM approves launch of ‘Protected Area Initiative’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan approves the launch of ‘Protected Area Initiative’, under which 12 national parks will be established across the country.

The approval was given in a meeting on Climate Change, attended by Advisor to the PM on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other relevant officials.

In a bid to generate employment, PM Khan approved the establishment of 12 national parks under the announced initiative in the wake of COVID-19.

The national parks to be established will include the creation of botanical gardens and protection and preservation of the country’s flora, informed Advisor to PM on Climate Change.

In addition, the authorities have been directed to identify green areas in the federal capital, which will be made part of the Margalla Hills National Park, he further briefed.  

To proceed further with the implementation of the initiative on the provincial level, PM Khan has directed to consult the respective chief ministers.

The ‘Protected Area Initiative’ of the ‘Green Pakistan’ program will be formally inaugurated by the PM after the consultation process with stakeholders is concluded by the Ministry of Climate Change.

Prior to this, the government of Pakistan signed an agreement worth $188 million with the World Bank (WB) to address climate change issues including environmental degradation and deforestation.

Advisor to the PM Aslam informed of the government’s plan to increase environmental protection through forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation programs by utilising the allocated funds at the signing ceremony.

Under the Green Stimulus program, the authorities will work on PM’s objectives of 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project, which included increased tree planting, setting up new nurseries, natural forests, and promotion of honey, fruits and olive plantation in Pakistan.

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