Rafiullah Mandokhail
ZHOB: In order to improve the forest cover and enhance alternate livelihoods opportunities in Suleiman range, hundreds of plants of different species have been distributed among the Chilghoza growers. Around 38,000 wild and 1500 fruit plants distributed among the community in Sherani district.
Plants distribution ceremony held in the area that was presided over by District Forest Officer Sherani Sultan Lawoon. Growers from every nook and corner of the district were present on the occasion. DFO Sultan Lawoon said that as the deforestation has immense effects on climate and environment, FAO is committed to developing the forestry sector in the region. He said that the trees would be planted by growers in barren land to increase forest area and contribute to making the region clean and green.
Value Chain Specialist Food and Agriculture Organization Yahya Musakhail on the occasion said that distribution of plants was part of the GEF funded project, “The Restoration Initiative “ with the objective of improved local livelihoods through increased productivity and enhanced services and functions of the Chilghoza forests of Pakistan. The project brings around 30,000 hectares areas of Chilghoza forests under sustainable forest management through active participation of the local communities. This will also include 3600 hectares under Assisted Natural Regeneration and 800 hectare under agro forestry and farm forestry.
He said in Balochistan, the world’s largest pure stand of Chilghoza pine forests is found within the Suleiman Mountain Range, occupying an area of 26,000 haters with 0.7 million trees found here of various age groups and a volume of 876,560 cubic meters.
The main Chilghoza forests in the area are included Qaisa Ghar, Kunnday Qaisa, Narray Ghar, Obshtha Suka, Dolay, Zarghoon Zawar, Gaardaw and Ponga areas of the hilly district. The community members assured the FAO of full support in services delivery.
