STAFF REPORT PWH: To offset the effects of climatic change and global warming in the country, the Pakistan Forests Institute (PFI), Peshawar, has completed a comprehensive study to determine the climatic change scenarios in the countrys various ecological zones and its impact on forests resources.
“It is the first professional attempt to address the emerging issues of climate change and global warming and its overall impact on the environment and weather of the country and region,” says an official of the PFI.
The results of the study will help in designing adaptation and mitigation measures in forestry sector to counterbalance the effects of global warming and climatic change.
The official said that the mapping exercise has been undertaken to plan monitor forests cover in all districts of the country with the help of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing Technology (RST). This would help provide valuable and authentic information regarding precise extent of national forest cover and land use pattern and changes therein over time.
“The report has been finalized and would be made public after receiving feedback from all major stakeholders,” he added.
Facing ever increasing threat of water shortages at national-level, the official said we are working on a project to determine water stress survival range of different tree species and find out most suitable choice for future water deficient scenarios.