Imagine a forest in the middle of the city, trees clustered together, birds chirping, traffic noise blocked out.......not to mention the oxygen rich benefits....what would you say to that?
Just awesome!!!
Luckily, we have someone right here in Lahore, doing just that!
Restore Green is a wonderful initiative by Bilal Chaudri that is working to create urban forests in and around Lahore,
Having visited one of their projects, I was amazed by the success they have been able to achieve in just a few months. Planting and reviving native species only, their MIYAWAKI model is fast, cost effective and cohesive with local conditions. Being 100% organic and sustainable, this forest is there to stay!
Once taken to a certain stage, the plants become strong enough to sustain the highs and lows of the weather, more because they are native of this land and soil and do not require extra care like imported species do.
The forest not only includes flowering plants but fruits and vegetables trees as well, bringing back the bio diversity with it, including birds, insects, worms, squirrels and so many more breeds of the kind.
With almost 10,000 plants and trees in a small patch of land, this sustainable urban forest is a model worth replicating in areas across Pakistan.
Planning a trip to the Urban Forest was an absolute delight as the living example was right before us...We not only experienced the coolness and pleasant temperature change while touring the forest, but spotted very interesting bio-diversity as well. The dense forest blocked out all the noise pollution and the birds replaced it with their sweet chirping.....I wondered how amazing would it be to have a Reading Circle or an art activity there soon.
Bilal was a wonderful and patient guide and not just adults, but the kids also enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
The icing on the cake was the tree planting activity
Pledged to be a volunteer for this cause whenever and wherever needed.....We can't all make a forest, but we can all plant a tree!
#RestoreGreen #ClimateChange #ClimateReality
