Pakistan is amongst the seven countries vulnerable to the effect of climate change with sparse forest cover of less than 2%. The undesirable phenomenon spells daunting prospects for country, such as extreme weather, shrinking fresh water resources and increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. Despite the long list of the benefits of roadside tree plantation, this practice has not been widely adopted in Pakistan.
Green Motorway Initiative (GMI)
In 2019, FWO alongwith MORE took an initiative to transform the barren belt along motorway and decided a plantation drive by using all the integral resources for this noble cause. This plantation drive was named as GMI. The initiative was conceived to address the environmental degradation, eco system and crippling biotic conditions of the rapidly increasing transport system on Motorway M-2. Under the umbrella of FWO, MORE launched this laudable environmental move. MORE, being a dedicated subsidiary of FWO, is contributing to the environmental cause by taking active role in plantation drive within its controlled operational areas. MORE planted 160,665 plants on barren land along roadside on Motorway M-2 and its MSAs to make it greener under this initiative. Orchards and nurseries near Neela Dullah Interchange were also established to meet the demand for plantation. MORE has borne millions of rupees for plantation and maintenance of plants. This initiative is well underway by transforming Motorway M-2 into green and safer environment.
Impact of GMI
The benefits of GMI for environment are as follows:
- Protect road users from weather condition, provide shaded and comfortable travelling.
- Increase green cover and collect more carbon and dust from atmosphere.
- Reduce soil erosion.
- Economic Value of tree species.
- Reduced impact of noise, vibration and light of traffic.
- Provision of a new ecological habitat for birds.
GMI has modified environmental degrading challenges and the benefits of GMI will be seen in the near future.