Deforestation and climate change in Balochistan: People in Zhob take oath not to cut trees

Report: Murtaza Zaib Zehri

Rampant deforestation in Balochistan has further exacerbated climate change, adversely affecting the ecological status of the region.

Experts say that deforestation is not only harming the local wildlife but also disrupting the ecological balance.

Deforestation has increased soil erosion in Balochistan, while groundwater levels are also decreasing.

Increase in heat intensity due to deforestation

Apart from this, the loss of forests is also affecting the air quality, which is increasing the heat intensity in the region.

According to environmentalists, deforestation is a major cause of climate change, as forests reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Deforestation impedes this process, accelerating global warming.

Local initiative for forest conservation in Zhob: Oath on Quran and signature on stamp paper

Local elders have taken a unique and effective initiative to protect the forests in Usman Babarzai area of ​​Zhob district of Balochistan. During the last 30 years, local people cut wood from the forest to use it as fuel or sell it in the market.

However, in recent years the elders of the area have taken an important step to protect the forests.

Signature on Oath and Stamp Paper: Commitment to protect forests

According to Jalal Khan, a senior citizen of the area, the local elders gathered the people in a gathering and took an oath on the Koran that they would neither use nor sell wood from the forest.

“We have also made people sign a stamp paper along with taking an oath so that they realize their responsibilities and efforts to protect forests can be more effective,” explained Jalal Khan.

Implementation Monitoring: Prevention of poaching and theft in forests

To ensure the implementation of this decision, local elders also patrol the forest to ensure that no illegal activities take place.

Jalal Khan said that some people who come from outside to have a picnic still steal firewood from the forest. More measures are needed to prevent this theft.

Environmental benefits: protection of forests and olive trees

According to local elders, the environmental conditions of the area have improved significantly after this decision.

Reduced deforestation has improved the local environment, and wildlife has also benefited. Akbar Shah, a local tribal leader, confirmed that there are olive trees in the Zhob area and the local people are working under the auspices to protect them.

Akbar Shah said, “We are protecting olive trees with your help, which are playing an important role in forest conservation.”

A successful effort by local communities: a model for forest conservation

This local initiative is not only a successful example of forest conservation, but also shows that effective solutions to environmental problems are possible with the joint efforts and commitment of the local community.

Through this successful model, other regions can be inspired to adopt similar effective strategies for forest protection.

Experts have demanded the government and local administration to take immediate steps to protect and restore forests.

These measures include enforcement of strict forest conservation laws, tree planting campaigns and awareness raising among the local community.

It is imperative that concerted efforts are made to restore forests in Balochistan to maintain ecological balance and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Balochistan Government’s position

According to Balochistan officials, the government is taking various measures to prevent deforestation in the province to maintain ecological balance and reduce the effects of climate change.

First, the government has tightened laws to protect forests. Special forces have been formed to monitor and patrol forest areas to prevent illegal logging and theft.

With the help of these forces, illegal activities in the forests are being controlled and legal action is being taken against the violators.

According to officials, the government has introduced plans to promote tree planting campaigns.

Under these projects, citizens and local communities are being sensitized regarding forest restoration and expansion.

Tree planting campaigns are being conducted in schools, colleges and community centers to promote eco-friendly habits and sensitize the youth on the importance of forests.

Third, the government has taken steps to promote partnerships with the local community. Local elders and tribes are being involved in forest conservation and are being encouraged to use forest resources in a sustainable manner.

Local communities are being made aware of the environmental benefits and are being encouraged to play an active role in forest restoration, so that effective measures can be taken at the local level to protect forests.