Pakistan's poor international ranking in under-forest area is causing massive economic and environmental damage to the country therefore this should be taken very seriously. The government should make forest management system effective as importance of forests cannot be underestimated, said Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president in a statement on Friday. Malik Tahir Javaid said that Pakistan ranked 79 with around one percent area under forest while Russia and India stand at first and 10th position with over 49 percent and 23 percent forest area, respectively.
Deforestation in Pakistan is a big issue as it is not only leaving adverse impact on the environment but also hitting the economy hard. The government, private sector and all segments of society should join hands to tackle the issue of shrinking forests in Pakistan, he said. He said wood production, processing and the pulp and paper industries accounts over one percent of the global gross domestic product.
"We have to recognize that forestry is an integral feature of sustainable economic development. It should be the focus policy corridors for generating new economic opportunities," the LCCI chief said. Currently, the local industry such as paper and furniture is experiencing serious supply-shocks which are not only impeding their further growth but also slashing their international competitiveness, he added.
The government should make long-term arrangements for attracting large investment and also provide incentives for advanced forest management technologies. All city-district governments should earmark certain percentage of land in their areas for forestation, he maintained.
Timely policy-response, investment and coordinated efforts from the key stakeholders are required to improve the situation he said and proposed that the ministry of environment should adopt a comprehensive forest development strategy to address the production and conservation needs in close consultation with the private sector and scientific community.
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