• Environmental Conservation
• Reforestation

Environmental Conservation

Among the most critical long term needs are conservation of forests and water sources. The felling of trees over the last years resulted in large number of casualties during the earthquake because of lack of forest cover. Most areas in the Siran Valley suffer from large-scale landslides which, in addition to being extremely dangerous, result in blocking of access roads, thus cutting off the communities for several weeks at a time.

The reforestation effort is among the most critical conservation works that needs to be undertaken on as large a scale as possible.

Reforestation

The reforestation porgram was initiated in monsoon season of 2006 through plantation of 15,000 saplings by the community. The program has been devised by Brig. Yasub Dogar who held meetings and discussions with the community. Discussions were also held with the Forest Department for supply of saplings.

Through consultation a person was selected to lead the program who also arranged for the plantation of saplings. The program is based on purchasing the saplings from the Forest Department and paying a small amount per tree to the community members who participate in the program. They are to be paid after an audit of the trees is carried out just after plantation, during the month of December, March and June and payment will be made according to the number of surviving saplings. The community is also expected to make up any shortfall or loss of saplings.

This programme will be further expanded in the next spring season by involving women and school children as well as community members. Forestation is considered one of the most effective ways to minimize casualties by preventing landslides and is crucial for earthquake areas.