Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan, Pakistan

Tree plantation through seed – A community interactive approach

Deforestation is major factor for the low forest area in Pakistan and its effects are very devastating and can cause loss of resources. Under the prevailing low forest area conditions in Pakistan, the seeds/stones of available forest and fruit trees are being wasted. The forest trees planted, along the sides of canals, roads and fields in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, shed their seeds around the year but due to unawareness of the community, these seeds are not properly collected, preserved and sown. Even the seeds of locally consumed fruits like mango, falsa, ber and jaman etc., are just wasted.

This project was designed to create awareness and provide hands-on training for utilizing the seeds of wild and commercial tree plantations for improving the green biomass. Through this project, a capacity of  more than 2,000 persons including local community members, students and staff was built through practical demonstration of the concept. Moreover, in the available land resources, small nurseries were also prepared at the willing institutes to create concepts of volunteer services as well as entrepreneurship for global sustainability through tree plantations.

What the Judges Thought

A positive project for students and the local community with many benefits for all. The train the trainer programme ensures that these gains are sustainable.

What it Means to Win

"Winning the International Green Gown Award will boost our energy to work with more dedication on societal benefit at large. It will serve as token of appreciation for thousands of the students involved, stakeholders working with us and hundreds of faculty and staff working for our green future society."

Professor Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Young graduates and volunteers were motivated to protect and conserve forests, fruits and  plants seeds.
2. Capacity building of young students to establish their own nurseries to become entrepreneurs.
3. Development of civic responsibilities to preserve the environment for healthy life-styles under 2030 climate action.