1Million trees to fight climate change in Pakistan

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Over the past decade, the country has experienced devastating natural disasters, including floods, heatwaves, droughts, and epidemics, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in economic damage. Rising temperatures, environmental degradation, and unchecked industrialization have also contributed to poor air quality, particularly in urban centers like Faisalabad, now ranked as the third most polluted city globally. The increasing pollution has had severe health consequences, with a rise in respiratory and waterborne diseases among children and vulnerable populations.

In response to these pressing challenges, AWARD Pakistan aimed to plant one million trees over two years while raising public awareness on climate change mitigation and environmental stewardship. Building on a legacy of planting over 705,000 trees between 1994 and 2024, the URAAN project emphasizes both ecosystem restoration and community engagement.

During 2025, a total of 5,000 trees were successfully planted across multiple areas in District Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh under the URAAN project. Key plantation sites included Chak No. 142 and 144 Ghartal, 306 Botala Gojra, 60 JB Essa Nagri, JB Pansra, Madina Town, Bishop Chaleo Colony, Shamasabad, Nawabanwala, Khurianwala, Chak 51 Khushpur, Khush Hall Town Faisalabad, Chak 361 Gojra, Duggal Pansra, Samundri, Lathianwala, Chak 383 Dawakhri Gojra, Chak 28 JB Faisalabad, Maqbool Pur Gojra, Kamila, Sadduana Faisalabad, Malkhanwala Faisalabad, Lyallpur Colony No. 2, and Astable Colony Gojra. These areas were carefully selected to maximize environmental and social impact, targeting both urban and rural communities.

The plantation drive was carried out with the active participation of community members, schools, youth groups, and volunteers. Various tree species were planted, contributing to biodiversity, restoring habitats for flora and fauna, and improving local ecosystems. In addition to tree planting, AWARD conducted awareness campaigns, environmental education sessions, and advocacy activities to sensitize the public about the importance of environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Community engagement remained a key component of the initiative, ensuring local ownership and sustainability of the efforts.

The long-term impacts of these activities are expected to be significant. The planted trees will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels, improving air quality, lowering urban and rural temperatures, and mitigating health risks associated with pollution. Furthermore, the initiative fosters behavioral change by increasing environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable practices, and strengthening community resilience against climate-related disasters.

AWARD Pakistan remains committed to achieving the ambitious target of planting 1 million trees and promoting environmental sustainability across the country. Continued support from donors, partners, and volunteers is crucial to ensure that these efforts translate into long-lasting environmental, social, and health benefits for the communities of Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, and beyond.

Through the URAAN initiative, AWARD Pakistan is not only planting trees but also planting hope, resilience, and a greener future for generations to come.

1Million trees to fight climate change in Pakistan

By Azeem Christopher | Project Leader

We appreciate your continued support and solidarity. The project aligns with the Government of Pakistan’s climate vision and global efforts to combat climate change through large-scale plantation campaigns. The Association for Women’s Awareness and Rural Development (AWARD) has launched the ambitious goal of planting 1 million trees over the next two years, recognizing Pakistan’s vulnerability as one of the top climate-affected countries in the world.

Over the past decade, Pakistan has faced devastating natural disasters, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and epidemics, all linked to rising temperatures and environmental degradation. These disasters have claimed thousands of lives and caused billions of dollars in damage. The 2025 monsoon floods alone displaced millions of families across Punjab, destroyed schools, crops, and livelihoods, and highlighted once again the urgent need for climate adaptation measures.

AWARD has a long history of community engagement in tree plantation. From 1994 to 2024, the organization and its partners successfully planted 705,656 trees, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and community awareness. Building on this legacy, the 1 Million Tree Drive aims not only to restore ecosystems but also to sensitize urban and rural populations about their role in climate change mitigation.

The AWARD team has been actively planting trees on several occasions, both independently and in collaboration with communities, schools, and youth groups. Tree plantation ceremonies have been organized on World Environment Day, Independence Day, International Youth Day, and during community gatherings, symbolizing collective responsibility for the environment. Activities are carried out through awareness walks, school campaigns, house visits, and group meetings, ensuring inclusivity and ownership. Communities are responding positively, actively participating in plantation drives and environmental education.

To extend this initiative to more districts, AWARD requires stronger collaboration and donor support. With the monsoon season providing the most suitable conditions for plantation, thousands of saplings have already been planted this year with the help of AWARD’s field team, volunteers, youth networks, and community-based organizations. In addition, clean environment walks have been organized in Faisalabad and neighboring districts, where hundreds of young people joined to advocate for a pollution-free future.

As part of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Project, AWARD organized tree plantation activities in six areas and also at a church and graveyard where 250 plants were planted. At the SEF Primary School in Taluka Kot Diji, 40 different types of plants such as Neem, Baid Mushk, Kona, Suanjhna (Moringa), Arjun, Mulberry (Shehtoot), and Sonober were planted. On this occasion, the villagers expressed their gratitude to AWARD for the initiative. Further tree plantation activities were carried out in the villages of Habiabad, Shahnawaz Katoher, Allah Wasayoo Kubar, Gullan Khan Dasti, Pir Dilber, and Gh. Qasim Khaskheli where community women actively participated. Out of the total saplings, 10 were planted at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Khairpur and another 10 at the Christian cemetery. The activity was supported by Mr. Saqib Patras, Security Guard at the AWARD Office, along with the gardeners of the church and the Christian cemetery. The importance of trees for a healthy environment was also highlighted during these activities.

In addition, under the Holistic Development Initiative (HDI), 37 trees were planted in three project areas including Chak No. 246 GB, Chak No. 3 JB, and Chak No. 118 JB. This drive was carried out as a self-help based activity and will continue in the coming month as well.

Similarly, in August 2025, the Women Leadership Program successfully conducted tree plantation activities in collaboration with organizations from different cities. Ten trees were planted in Multan in collaboration with the Church of Pakistan, another ten in Lahore with the Community Empowerment Hub, twenty in Gujranwala with the Eva Welfare Organization, and ten in Islamabad with the Weaving People to Grow Foundation. In Rawalpindi, five trees were planted by beneficiaries, while in Faisalabad another five are in process of being planted. A total of 60 trees were planted through this program, which aimed to promote environmental sustainability and community engagement while encouraging women’s leadership in climate action.

The long-term impact of this project will include a measurable decrease in carbon emissions and improved air quality. It will also generate health benefits through reduced air pollution and water contamination, contribute to lowering temperatures in both rural and urban settings to mitigate heatwave risks, restore habitats for plants and animals, and support biodiversity. Importantly, it will also bring behavioral changes through greater sensitization among communities about environmental care.

AWARD is committed to empowering people to “plant for the planet” and stand resilient against the harmful effects of climate change. We would like to request that our donors and partners continue their support, so that AWARD can achieve the ambitious target of 1 million trees and build stronger, greener, and healthier communities for the future of Pakistan. Every contribution whether in the form of resources, partnerships, or advocacy directly strengthens this movement. Together, we can leave behind a living legacy of resilience, sustainability, and hope for the generations to come.