On World Environment Day, Bank Alfalah, a prominent commercial bank in Pakistan, joined hands with WWF-Pakistan to embark on an ambitious endeavor: the planting of 25,000 mangrove trees along the Balochistan coastline in 2024. This initiative marks a significant stride in their broader commitment to plant 100,000 trees by 2030 in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan.
In 2023, Bank Alfalah initiated the #GreenWayForward campaign, exemplified by the planting of 15,000 mangrove trees at the WWF Wetland Centre in Sandspit, Karachi. This symbolic gesture, representing the bank’s workforce, laid the foundation for their ongoing efforts to bolster mangrove reforestation and promote sustainable natural resource management across Pakistan.
WWF-Pakistan, renowned for its environmental advocacy and conservation initiatives, collaborates with governments, private sectors, and civil society to effect positive change in ecological preservation and resource utilization practices. Together, they aim to revitalize mangrove forests at Khdri Miani Hor, a stretch of the Balochistan coast spanning approximately 12 acres. Specifically selected mangrove species, like Rhizophora mucronata, were chosen for their adaptability to local climates and tidal conditions, as well as their economic and carbon sequestration benefits. Planting techniques will be tailored to species and site conditions to ensure optimal growth and sustainability.
The plantation of 25,000 mangrove trees will not only enhance local biodiversity but also create crucial habitats for marine and avian species, crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Furthermore, these mangroves act as a natural barrier against hurricanes and coastal erosion, offering protection during storms and reducing the risk of coastal flooding. Additionally, they play a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, mangrove ecosystems provide essential resources for local communities, such as timber, fuelwood, and fodder, thereby easing pressure on natural forests and supporting rehabilitation and slope stabilization efforts.