Islamabad – September 2, 2025 — In a symbolic and meaningful gesture underscoring Pakistan-Germany environmental cooperation, the Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan Ms Ina Lepel joined Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, in a tree plantation ceremony today at the KPK House in Islamabad.
The event marked renewed support for the Billion Tree Afforestation Support Project (BTASP), a flagship environmental initiative aimed at restoring Pakistan’s degraded forest landscapes through inclusive, community-driven efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of climate action and environmental sustainability, reaffirming Germany’s continued support for Pakistan’s reforestation and climate resilience goals. “Today’s tree planting is not just about a sapling—it symbolizes a long-term commitment to green growth, sustainable livelihoods, and our enduring friendship with the people of Pakistan,” the Ambassador said.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur appreciated Germany’s technical and financial support through BTASP, which he noted has played a critical role in strengthening community-based forest management and enhancing the province’s capacity to mitigate climate change impacts.
“The partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Germany stands as a model for effective international collaboration in environmental restoration,” said CM Gandapur. “Through BTASP, we are not just planting trees—we are empowering communities, protecting biodiversity, and securing a greener future for generations to come.”
The BTASP builds on the success of Pakistan’s original Billion Tree Tsunami and is implemented with support from Germany’s development cooperation agencies, particularly GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). The project aims to foster sustainable forest ecosystems, create green jobs, and strengthen resilience against natural disasters through reforestation and watershed management.
Community engagement remains a central pillar of the program, with local residents—especially women and youth—actively involved in nursery development, forest protection, and afforestation activities.
The tree plantation ceremony concluded with expressions of shared commitment to deepening the #PakGermanDosti (Pakistan-Germany friendship) and continuing collaborative efforts to combat climate change at both the local and global levels.
BY: The Times Union
