Sustainable Forest Management-Forest Policies Change in Pakistan to Increase Carbon Sequestration and Mitigate Climate Change

Currently,the forestry sector in Pakistan is confronted with many challenges,including deforestation,massive degradation of forests,a decline in their productivity,loss of biodiversity,soil erosion,desertification,and a reduction in environmental and recreational values,making the country one of the most vulnerable to climate change effects.The Global Climate Risk Index has placed Pakistan as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change impacts,in spite of the fact that Pakistan's contribution to global greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions is less than 1%.The underlying causes for this situation include population pressure,dependence of local communities on forests and a lack of economic incentives for them,lack of modern&SFM approach,weak enforcement or non-compliance with laws and policies,ambiguous land tenure systems,prolonged droughts,forest fires,and floods;transfer of forest lands for non-forestry purposes;forest land encroachment;lack of intra-and inter-sectoral coordination;a lack of technologies and alternatives for wood;and lack of awareness of the benefits of forests beyond wood and non-wood products.Currently,efforts are being made for the revival of forestry through mega tree plantation programs and the strengthening of regulatory mechanisms.But still,future emissions of GHG are expected to increase due to rapid deforestation,land-use changes,and planned development in the infrastructure sector.Hence,to sustainably maintain the existing natural forests,increase carbon sequestration,and decrease GHG emissions,the adoption of modern forest management practices and various policy measures in the forestry sector are recommended.This includes strategies to increase green cover,i.e.,afforestation;modern forest management practices in their true spirit;promoting ecotourism;strengthening and implementing relevant policies and laws;strengthening concerned institutions;paying incentives and providing ecosystem services to dependable communities;and encouraging energy from renewable sources.