ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
The Environment Wing of Capital Development Authority (CDA) hosted a high-level delegation led by the Ethiopian Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula at Fatima Jinnah Park, F-9, Islamabad, to mark the launch of the “Plant Fraternity” campaign (promoting brotherhood through afforestation). The event was organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad and the Human Resource Development Network of Pakistan (HRDN). This initiative is regarded as a significant step towards enhancing environmental cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
A large number of youth enthusiastically participated in the tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing the commitment of both nations to address environmental challenges and further strengthen people-to-people ties.
The Ethiopian Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, said that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions. He mentioned that the Ethiopian Government had sent its delegation to Pakistan as a gesture of solidarity in the fight against climate change. He added, “The ‘Plant Fraternity’ campaign is a gift from our government, through which we aim to share the successful experiences of our Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy Programme, with Pakistan.”
Ambassador H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula further said that under the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has planted over 41.2 billion saplings over the past six years, addressing issues such as deforestation, food insecurity, unemployment and poverty while promoting green areas.
Director General Environment, CDA, Awais Tarar, appreciated the Ethiopian Embassy for this campaign, noting that it would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also play a significant role in Islamabad’s green development agenda. He mentioned that CDA is undertaking comprehensive measures to expand afforestation and tree plantation in the capital, ensuring active participation from the local community. He said that during the current year’s tree plantation campaign, a total of 149,200 environmentally-friendly plants have been planted across the city so far, while 427,600 seed balls have been dispersed and 1,620,301 seeds have been sown. The objective of these measures is to make Islamabad a greener, more lush, and more beautiful city, ensuring a safer and healthier urban environment.
HRDN’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Robeela Bangash, highlighted the role of youth in climate action and urged them to actively participate in afforestation campaigns. She emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and ensuring a healthier future for coming generations.
It is important to note that the “Plant Fraternity” campaign (promoting brotherhood through afforestation) reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Ethiopia towards environmental sustainability and deepening friendship between the two countries.
