PESHAWAR, Aug. 4: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation on sustainable natural resource management, forest conservation, and climate resilience during a high-level meeting at the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme (UGPP) and the Billion Trees Afforestation Support Project (BTASP).
The FAO delegation, led by Ms. Kiyal Akmatbek, Head of Office, FAO Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accompanied by Mr. Mujeeb and Mr. Arbab Madad, visited the PMU to explore new avenues for collaboration under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding frameworks.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in Natural Resource Management (NRM), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation initiatives across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During the meeting, Project Director Muhammad Junaid Dayar briefed the visiting delegation on the progress made under the province’s ongoing afforestation and environmental conservation programmes. He highlighted key achievements, innovative interventions, and the department’s long-term vision to enhance ecological resilience, expand forest resources, and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
To mark the occasion, Ms. Kiyal Akmatbek planted a Cassia nodosa sapling at the PMU premises, formally inaugurating the Monsoon Plantation Campaign 2026.
The symbolic plantation ceremony reflected the shared commitment of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the FAO to translate climate commitments into practical action through afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
Officials emphasized that strategic partnerships between international organizations and provincial institutions are essential to addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities.
The participants reaffirmed that every tree planted today is an investment in a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient future, underscoring their commitment to advancing sustainable development and environmental conservation across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.