THE Margalla Hills National Park has increasingly been recognized for its fragile ecosystems, which face growing threats from environmental degradation. In a significant demonstration of ecological commitment, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board initiated a plantation drive involving the journalists’ community to address the urgent need for reforestation following the removal of concrete structures from a well-known restaurant site within the park. Often being at the forefront of environmental advocacy, the journalists have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the environmental violations including pollution of freshwater springs, threats to wildlife health, worsening vehicular congestion and noise pollution.
Islamabad Wildlife Management Board directly involved the journalists in enhancing green space of the park, providing them with a deeper understanding of environmental conservation efforts and the importance of biodiversity. The Park is famous for its ecological importance and rich biodiversity. However, a number of violations including plastic pollution, waste disposal, vehicular emissions, illegal construction and deforestation have cost the natural environment of the park heavily. In addition, the park’s vulnerability to wildfires is exacerbated by prolonged heat waves and dry conditions supporting an environment ripe for ignition. More than 80 percent of the fires were human-induced, causing loss of about three percent of forest cover during the last five years. Therefore, the active engagement of local communities and visitors is also essential for protecting Margalla Hills National Park, warranting its ecological integrity.
This environmental crisis has prompted a response from various quarters, including the media community. The journalists have been reporting the violations and advocating for the protection of the park. Through their tireless work, they have educated the public about the critical threats facing Margalla Hills and have called for stronger regulations and better enforcement of climate supporting policies to preserve the area’s biodiversity. This journalistic activism has been vital in bringing environmental issues to the national discourse. Climate change is a prominent focus in a number of international media set-ups, but the media in Pakistan often reacts only to significant catastrophes. This event-oriented strategy lacks the ongoing, nuanced coverage crucial for raising awareness about climate change and its societal consequences. Additionally, many journalists are not adequately trained in climate and environmental science leading them to depend on superficial reporting that fails to address the complexities of the climate challenges.
However, the importance of continuing to empower journalists through knowledge sharing and hands-on engagement with such green initiatives has been recognized as a critical next step. Recently, journalists from different news organizations were invited to join a reforestation move aimed at readapting the natural ecosystem of Margalla Hills National Park. The event saw the planting of various local endangered tree species, including Amaltas, Chir Pine, Sanatha and other flora that contribute to carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which is important to maintain air quality of the city. In addition, these indigenous tree species offer habitat and sustenance for a variety of wildlife species, help prevent soil erosion, provide shelter for different animals, support numerous bird species that rely on their fruits for food and contribute significantly to the park’s understory ecosystem.
One of the most important aspects of the plantation move was the symbolic gesture of attaching a plaque with the name of a journalist to each plant. This was not just recognition of their engagement with this green drive, but also a tribute to their resolute efforts in raising awareness about environmental challenges and supporting sustainable practices to mitigate climate change impacts. The presence of these plaques serves as a lasting reminder of the journalists’ role in protecting the environment and their contribution to the larger cause of conservation efforts.
The plantation initiative goes much more than tree planting; it is an important reforestation effort that plays a vital role in restoring the balance of the ecosystem and contributing sustainability of the area’s water cycle. This active learning added to the ability of journalists to document environmental issues deeper and accurately, as they could now speak from personal experience, reinforcing their role as guardians of the environment. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and other environmental organizations are looking committed to fostering long-term sustainability of environmental advocacy by involving journalists in efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through their reporting, they can influence policy decisions and educate the public. Therefore, capacity building of journalists through such green initiatives reinforces the overall impact of environmental journalism. The plantation initiative symbolizes the capacity of collaboration between media and government in addressing climate challenges and is a step forward in the ongoing battle to protect Pakistan’s natural green landscape. Moreover, it points out the importance of reforestation and conservation efforts in ensuring a sustainable climate future through green journalism.
—The writer is a climate communication analyst based in Islamabad.
