MANSEHRA: Students from the Department of Forestry at Hazara University visited the Siran Forest Division for a field exposure programme aimed at connecting classroom learning with practical experience in forest management and conservation.
The students were accompanied by Pro-Vice Chancellor Syed Mujtaba Shah and faculty members during the visit, where they gained practical insights into sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and the functioning of forest ecosystems.
Muhammad Haneef, Community Development Officer (CDO) of the Siran Forest Division, briefed the delegation on participatory forest management and the role of local communities in protecting and managing forest resources.
The students also received an on-field briefing from Muhammad Zeeshan, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO), Lower Siran Sub-Division. He explained the natural structure of local forests, major conservation challenges and modern approaches to forest management.
The field visit provided students with an opportunity to observe forest management practices directly and understand how scientific knowledge, community participation and effective conservation measures can contribute to healthier forest ecosystems.
Such practical learning experiences can play an important role in preparing the next generation of forestry professionals and environmental leaders to address challenges including biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change.
The visit highlighted the importance of combining academic education with field-based learning to promote responsible and sustainable management of Pakistan’s valuable forest resources.
