NANKANA SAHIB: Baba Guru Nanak University (BGNU) organised the 2nd Annual Forest Futures Festival 2026 to promote environmental sustainability, forest conservation and entrepreneurship through the sustainable use of forest-based resources.
Organised by the university’s Department of Botany under the theme “Tree Plantation and Forest-Based Enterprise Exploration,” the festival brought together academic leaders, agricultural and environmental experts, entrepreneurs and industry representatives to explore opportunities for sustainable business development, value addition to forest resources and student entrepreneurship.
A major highlight of the festival was a tree plantation drive at the university’s Agro Tourism Park, where 700 trees were planted to expand green cover and support environmental conservation. The university has set a target of planting 2,000 trees as part of its commitment to developing a greener and more sustainable campus. A fruit orchard has also been established at the park to integrate tree cultivation with agricultural development and agro-tourism.
Baba Guru Nanak University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Imran attended the event as chief guest, while Registrar Mubashar Tariq and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology Prof. Dr. Kafeel Ahmad participated as guests of honour.
Forest-Based Enterprises Offer Sustainable Business Opportunities
An expert session examined the potential of forest-based enterprises to support sustainable livelihoods, generate economic opportunities and encourage students to establish environmentally responsible businesses.
Discussions covered forest tourism, honey and bee products, sericulture, mushroom cultivation, medicinal and aromatic plants, and non-timber forest products. Speakers highlighted the importance of value addition, innovation and responsible resource management in developing businesses while protecting natural ecosystems.
The festival featured experts and industry representatives, including Prof. Dr. Shahzad Basra, CEO of Virsa Agri Farms and National Nutrition Expert; Tariq Tanveer, CEO and Founder of the Agri Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan (ATDCP); Rana Khalid Zafar Munj, CEO of Ever Best Foods; and Gulam Rasool Pakistani, founder of Shajjar Dost and Green Pakistan Clean Pakistan Foundation.
Other participants included Engr. M. Imtiaz Asad, Director of Entrepreneurship at ATDCP; Sajid Iqbal Sandu, National Agriculture Expert and CEO of Green Circle; Murshad Masood Qazi, CEO of Clay Handi; Nazia Zulfiqar, Manager of Clay Handi Restaurant in the United States; Muhammad Arshad, CEO of Pamico Industry, Faisalabad; and Ch. M. Sarfraz Gujjar of Dr. Muhammad Din Farm.
Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability
The festival was organised in collaboration with ATDCP, Virsa Farms, Green Circle, NRP and Green Pakistan, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental protection, sustainable agriculture and forest-based entrepreneurship.
Through tree plantation, expert discussions and engagement with industry representatives, Baba Guru Nanak University aimed to connect environmental conservation with economic development and encourage students to explore sustainable business opportunities.
The university’s plantation target and fruit orchard initiative further reflect its efforts to integrate environmental awareness, agricultural innovation and agro-tourism into campus development.
