Balochistan Forest Department and BRSP sign MoU on resource protection and tree plantation

QUETTA: The Forest and Wildlife Department Balochistan and the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) have signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on protecting natural resources, raising environmental awareness, preventing forest fires, tree plantation and dealing with the effects of climate change.

The agreement was signed by Balochistan Secretary for Forests and Wildlife Imran Gichki and BRSP Chief Executive Officer Dr Tahir Rasheed. Under the agreement, the two organisations will take joint steps, involving local communities, to protect, restore and sustainably use forests, rangelands, water resources, wildlife habitats and other natural resources.

Prevention of fires and tree plantation

The main points of the agreement include preventing forest fires, timely reporting, training community volunteers, measures to control fires and restoring affected areas. A community-level monitoring system will also be strengthened to prevent illegal felling, illegal hunting, unauthorised use of wildlife and illegal grazing.

Both organisations will jointly take part in the spring and monsoon Tree Plantation campaigns. The Forest Department will supply local, environment-friendly saplings from its nurseries, while BRSP will ensure public participation through its community network and field staff. The agreement also includes cooperation on agroforestry, soil and water conservation, fuel-saving technologies and the promotion of renewable energy, so as to reduce reliance on wood as fuel and the pressure on forests.

The two organisations will prepare joint projects on climate change, biodiversity, environmental restoration and carbon finance. They will also make joint efforts to secure support from national and international financial institutions. A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) will be set up for oversight and will meet every three months. The agreement will initially remain in force for five years and can be extended by mutual consent. Funding for specific projects will be settled in separate project agreements.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan