The University of Karachi (KU) and Services for Environment and Mangrove Protection (SEMP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an urban forest on the university campus. The MoU was signed by KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi and SEMP President Dr Kanwal Nazim.
The signing ceremony was attended by various faculty members, syndicate members, student and campus advisors, representatives of associations, and directors and section heads of relevant departments. During the ceremony, Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi emphasized the importance of addressing environmental concerns and highlighted that initiatives such as urban forests and large-scale plantation drives are crucial in combating climate change.
The urban forest project at KU aims to improve air quality on and around the campus while enhancing the overall environment. Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi appointed Dr Muhammad Faheem Siddiqui as the focal person for the project. The university plans to involve all concerned departments and individuals in designing a policy for the care of plants, birds, and animals within the KU premises.
Dr Muhammad Faheem Siddiqui, Secretary of the Landscape Gardening Council at KU, provided an overview of the urban forest project. The designated area for the forest spans 15 acres of land behind the School of Law building and near the Silver Jubilee Gate. SEMP has designed a four-layered canopy format for the project, which will involve the planting of 40,000 plants and saplings with the support of the corporate sector.
Dr Kanwal Nazim, President of SEMP, expressed the organization’s commitment to providing scientific assistance and care for the plants over the next two to three years. SEMP aims to collaborate with various sections and departments of KU to train their staff in order to ensure the proper protection of plants, birds, and animals within the urban forest. Dr Kanwal also highlighted SEMP’s successful establishment of five urban forests in different locations in Islamabad and Karachi.
The development of the urban forest at KU is a significant step towards environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices within the university community. The joint efforts of KU and SEMP are expected to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create a greener and healthier campus environment.
