Sindh Government Launches Riverine Forestation Project to Combat Climate Change and Restore Ecosystems

A large-scale riverine forest restoration initiative is being launched in Sindh, covering 41,000 hectares across the Jamshoro and Matiari districts. Developed under a public-private partnership model, the project aims to support climate change mitigation efforts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Pakistan by reviving degraded forest landscapes.

The Sindh government has approved the issuance of a letter of award by the Sindh Forest Department to selected bidders across three separate project packages. This restoration effort is expected to generate an estimated 35 to 40 million carbon credits. These credits will be traded in international carbon markets, potentially generating significant foreign exchange revenue for the country while supporting global climate goals.

As part of a broader environmental strategy, the board has also approved the involvement of the Asian Development Bank to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed expansion of the riverine forestation program. This second phase would cover approximately 88,000 hectares in Sindh, signaling a deeper commitment to long-term ecological restoration and sustainable land use.