# Natural Vegetation of Pakistan > **Natural vegetation** encompasses the flora and fauna found in different regions of a country. **Flora** refers to a plant community that grows over an area and is left undisturbed by humans. It includes trees, thorny bushes, and shrubs of all kinds. **Fauna** is all of the animal life present in a particular region at a time. ## Forests > A **Forest** can be defined as a region with a high density of trees. Forests are a habitat for a variety of living beings including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Trees help in producing oxygen which is the requirement of all living things. A forest is nature's most efficient ecosystem system with a high rate of photosynthesis affecting both animal and plant life. ## Geographic Tools and Techniques to Annotate and Map different Types of Forests. Geographical representations and **Geospatial technology** are terms to describe the range of modern tools contributing to the geographical mapping and analysis of the earth and human societies. These are linked to high-level resolution satellite imagery for monitoring forest cover, land-use changes, and environmental features of any area. **Geospatial technology** is an emerging field of study that consists of three major disciplines: 1. **Geographic Information System (GIS)** 2. **Remote Sensing (RS)** 3. **Global Positioning System (GPS)** Geo-Spatial technologies include Satellite images, Drones, Camera traps, and Audio records. When data is collected with **machine learning technology**, it can detect forest destruction, distribution, and can even detect a single felling in the forest. * **GIS (Geographic Information System):** Integrates Hardware and Software data to capture, manage, analyse, and display all forms of spatial data and imagery. This system is helping in preparing **3D maps**. It manages tracking of water for irrigation, aids in mapping aquifers to monitor their water level, and evaluates the impact of climate change on water resources. * **Applications:** Through this technology, Drones and Robots can be used to stop deforestation. Planning for afforestation and re-afforestation is easy and more efficient. GIS application for forest management has detected **4.2 million hectares** of planted forests including **4.8%** of coniferous and scrub forests in Pakistan. * **Forest Management:** GIS helps to model and map forests, predict future conditions under different scenarios, plan harvests, predict forest fires, and provide the assessment of the extent of the forest density and types of plantations and grasslands. ### LiDAR Technology **LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)** is another method of determining ranges by targeting an object of a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. * It is an advanced technology that estimates the **three-dimensional structure** of forest vegetation. * It measures the height and density of vegetation cover of large areas. * It has been successfully used to detect **forest fires**, capture forest structure, and map individual trees. * Visualising forest and vegetation LiDAR systems can rapidly collect vast amounts of data, creating 3D models with centimeter-level accuracy. This allows utility companies to pinpoint potential vegetation hazards, prioritize maintenance work, and optimise trimming schedules. ## Types of forests Pakistan serves as an excellent example of the range of forests that grow according to altitude: * **Coastal South:** The Arabian Sea is bounded by coastal forests such as **Mangroves**. * **Up to 1,000 meters:** **Tropical thorn forests** and shrubs grow. * **Up to 3,000 meters:** **Coniferous forests** thrive. * **Around 4,000 meters:** **Alpine forests** are found at even higher altitudes. ## Factors Affecting Different Types of Forests ### Altitude **Altitude** in the context of forests refers to the vertical height of the forest above sea level. This elevation directly influences the type of trees and vegetation that can thrive. | Altitude | Types of Forests | | :--- | :--- | | **Above 5000 Metres** | **Snow-line:** The mountains above this line have perpetual snow. Examples: Snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram. | | **4000-4500 Metres** | **Alpine Forests:** Found in northern areas, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan. | | **3000 Metres** | **Coniferous Evergreen Forests:** Found in northern areas, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Murree, Quetta and Kalat (Baluchistan), Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohistan, Shangla, and Swat (KPK). | | **Plains / Low Altitude** | **Tropical Thorn Forests (Natural):** Punjab plains, southern/western Baluchistan, Sindh plains. | | **Foothills** | **Sub-tropical Scrub Forests:** Foothills of lower Himalayas, Sulaiman and Kirther ranges, Western Mountains, and north of Makaran coastal ranges. | | **River Banks** | **Riverian Bela Forests (Irrigated):** Along the Indus river and its tributaries. | | **Sea Level** | **Mangrove Forests:** Found in coastal areas (Sindh and Baluchistan). | ### Climate and Soil While altitude is a major factor, **rainfall** is also important for the density and growth of forests. * **Water Storage:** Trees absorb large amounts of water and store it in their roots to remain healthy and mostly evergreen. * **Temperature:** * Trees in hot areas are less dense, have hard wood, and **broad leaves**. * They are mostly **deciduous** (shed leaves in the dry season). * Areas with high temperature and low rainfall typically have dry bushes. * **Soil:** The type of soil determines the density of the trees. ## Types of Forests It is estimated that for a stable economy, a country's forest cover should be at least **20-25%** of the land area. Pakistan is a rain-deficient country. The natural forest cover is only about **5%** as of 2024. There are two main categories: 1. **Productive Forests:** Forests which grow according to natural factors without human activity. They mostly have a dense canopy and their timber is used for commercial purposes. 2. **Protective Forests:** Trees grown by people or government schemes to increase area under tree cover. These are planted to protect soil, improve barren land, and are often planted in large blocks or linear shapes using irrigation. ## Irrigated Plantations Pakistan mostly has a semi-arid climate with low rainfall and high temperatures. Land area under forests is very little. **Irrigated plantations** help in increasing the area under tree cover. ### Advantages * Provide shade and protect the land from **soil erosion** (mostly planted along roadsides). * Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. * Leaves provide **fodder** for livestock and fertility to the soil when fallen. * Fruit trees are grown for commercial purposes. * Protect crops from strong winds and heavy rains. * **Control Waterlogging and Salinity:** Eucalyptus trees are often planted to absorb maximum sub-soil water. * Promote recreation, tourism, and beautification in parks. * Source of employment (maintenance/protection). * Source of firewood, crafts, and basketry. ### Disadvantages * Require a large area and a long time for trees to mature for income. * Constant threat of damage from storms, diseases, and illegal cutting. * Land cannot be used for other commercial purposes offering quick returns. * High maintenance costs. * Puts extra burden on **limited water supplies**. * Public reliance on government parks reduces private investment interest in this field. ## Productive Forests ### 1. Alpine forests These forests are found at the highest altitudes of the country **below the snow line**. * **Location:** Himalayas, Hindukush, and Karakoram mountains. * **Altitude:** Between **4000 m and 4500 m**. * **Features:** Trees are conical in shape, have stunted growth, and are evergreen with soft wood. * **Species:** Deodar, Kail. * **Use:** Mostly used as firewood. ### 2. Coniferous forests These trees grow over a large area in the northern mountains. * **Altitude:** Between **1000 m and 4000 m**. * **Features:** Mostly evergreen with soft wood. Trees are tall and conical with thick, leathery, needle-shaped leaves and sloping branches to prevent snow accumulation. * **Species:** Oak, walnut, deodar, chestnut, fir, spruce, and blue pine. * **Importance:** Provide timber, conserve soil, check floods, prevent landslides, and support tourism. ### 3. Tropical Thorn forests (Rakh) These trees grow over vast areas from **sea level to 1000 m**. * **Features:** Broad leaves, hard wood (due to high temp/low rain), and deciduous (shed leaves in dry season). Trees are generally of low height. * **Species:** Kikar, acacia, pulahi, and wild olives. * **Vegetation:** Dominated by xerophytic shrubs. * **Use:** Fuel wood, grazing, and watershed protection. ### 4. Sub-tropical Scrub forests These forests share features with tropical thorn forests (small thorny bushes/trees). * **Location:** Dry hillslopes of western mountains, Quetta, and Kalat divisions. * **Features:** Short and broad-leafed trees due to high temperatures and low rainfall. * **Species:** Pine nuts, blackberry, and poplar trees grow alongside tropical thorny bushes. ### 5. Mangroves Mangroves grow on the tidal flats of the **Indus and Hub delta**, where fresh river water mixes with salty sea water in coastal estuaries. They are also known as **floating forests**. * **Location:** Coast of the Arabian Sea on tidal mudflats. * **Features:** * Height varies from 3 to 8 meters. * Broad leaves with drip tips. * **Knobbly "knee roots"** project above the salty mud to absorb oxygen. * Leathery texture to minimize transpiration. * **Species:** Avicenna, Alba, and Rhizophora. ## Importance of Mangrove Forests * **Protection:** Provide coastal protection against sea storms, tsunamis, and earthquakes. * **Biodiversity:** Breeding ground for small fish and shrimp (high demand). * **Economy:** Coastal communities use wood for boat making, fishing rods, baskets, and fuel. ## Threats to Mangroves * **Dams:** Building of dams reduces fresh water and silt flow to the Indus delta, hindering growth. * **Urbanization:** Expansion of seaports, oil spills, and tourist developments. * **Pollution:** Dumping of domestic and industrial waste into the sea. ## Sustainable Development of Mangrove for Marine life > **Sustainable development** is a process of planning to use natural resources for the present generation while preserving them for future generations. * **Initiatives:** The Sindh Fisheries Department and NGOs help establish nurseries. * **Organizations:** * **Mangrove Action Project (MAP):** Works with local communities to conserve and restore forests. * **WWF:** Contributes to afforestation, raising awareness, and has increased mangrove cover by about **8000 hectares**. ## Importance of Mangroves for Climate Change Mangroves have far-reaching implications for climate change mitigation. * **Carbon Sequestration:** They capture atmospheric carbon and store it in roots and sediments. It is estimated that mangroves sequester up to **five times more carbon per hectare** than terrestrial forests. * **Resilience:** They protect the coastline from rising sea levels and extreme weather. * **Conflict:** There is a need to balance carbon benefits with socio-economic issues, requiring legal frameworks to restrict harmful activities. ## Deforestation in Pakistan **Deforestation** is the frequent cutting of trees on a large scale. * **Causes:** * Commercial use and fuel wood. * Wood-based industries: Sports goods, furniture, handicrafts, chipboard, plywood. * Agriculture expansion, tourism, industrial/urban development, and roads. * **Nomadic Livestock Farming:** Overgrazing leads to barren land. * **Energy Crisis:** Lack of natural gas forces locals to cut wood for fuel. For more on environmental challenges, see . ## Effects of Deforestation * **Climate Change:** Decrease in evapotranspiration leads to untimely rains and drought. * **Soil Erosion & Floods:** Rainwater washes loose soil into rivers/reservoirs, causing siltation and heavy floods. * **Energy Loss:** Siltation in dams reduces water storage and hydroelectricity generation (load shedding). * **Pollution:** Quality of air, water, and soil degrades. * **Biodiversity Loss:** Habitat loss leads to the extinction of species. ## Afforestation in Pakistan > **Afforestation** is the planting of trees on barren land. **Re-afforestation** is planting trees in areas affected by deforestation. Government and NGOs launch tree plantation campaigns twice a year (spring and monsoon). **Major Projects & Examples:** * **Changa-Manga (1866):** First irrigated forest planted near Lahore for railway wood and recreation. * **Other Irrigated Forests:** Planted near canals/barrages (Sukkur, Kotri, Wanbachran, Chichawatni) to control waterlogging and soil erosion. * **Rachna Doab Project:** Reclamation project between Ravi and Chenab rivers. * **Linear Plantation:** Along roads, railways, and canals. * **Agha Khan Rural Support Project (1995):** Successful program in Baluchistan. * **Miyawaki System:** Urban forests using fast-growing native clusters. * **Billion Tree Tsunami:** Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to reforest areas affected by logging and overgrazing. **Role of Ministry of Climate Change:** Creates policies for environmental protection, eco-tourism, and acts as a focal point for the **UNFCCC** (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). ## Impact of Natural Vegetation and Forests on Lifestyle Natural vegetation and physical features significantly influence the lifestyle of people in different regions of Pakistan. ## Lifestyle of the people of Northern mountains * **Environment:** Lofty mountains, glaciers, dense forests. * **Housing:** Small houses with sloping roofs (to shed snow). * **Winter:** People stay indoors, burn wood for fuel, and engage in **cottage industries** (wood crafts, woollen shawls, carpets, embroidery). * **Transhumance:** Migration with cattle to warmer areas in winter. * **Summer:** Subsistence agriculture, fruit growing, and tourism-related employment (hotels, guides). * **Development:** The **Karakoram Highway** has improved infrastructure and economic standards. For more on tourism in these areas, see . ## Lifestyle of the people of western mountains * **Environment:** Lower heights, low rainfall (~250 mm), thorny bushes. * **Economy:** * **Mining:** Rich in coal, marble, limestone. * **Livestock:** Nomadic farming due to rugged terrain. * **Industries:** Cement, sugar, chemical. * **Crafts:** Leather, marble products, carpet weaving. * **Transport:** The area is famous for **Truck Art**. * **Water:** Small dams on rivers (Kuram, Tochi, Gomal) store rainwater. ## Life Style of the People of Baluchistan * **Environment:** Rugged terrain, scanty rainfall (~125 mm). * **Irrigation:** Unique **Karez system** (underground canals), now often converted to tube wells. * **Occupation:** * Growing vegetables/fruits (e.g., in Quetta). * Nomadic livestock farming. * **Mining:** Gold, copper, natural gas, coal. * **Coastal Life:** **Gwadar** is a major port; Pasni and Ormara are fishing ports. Fish is exported to the Middle East. ## Lifestyle of the People of Indus Plain. * **Region:** Vast fertile land ("Bread Basket of Pakistan") drained by the River Indus. * **Vegetation:** Thin natural cover (Acacia trees); mostly irrigated forests. * **Occupation:** Agriculture is the main occupation due to fertile land and water. * **Climate:** Extreme climate (hot summers, cold winters). * **Housing:** Brick houses (protection from weather); Mud houses in desert areas (Cholistan, Thar). * **Development:** Highly developed infrastructure, urbanization, and industrialization. ## Life style of the People of Coastal area. * **Key Activity:** **Fishing** (subsistence and commercial). * **Economy:** Boat making, net making, fish processing, and ice factories. * **Markets:** **Ibrahim Hyderi** is a wholesale fish market with its own harbour. * **Tourism:** Beaches provide recreational facilities. ## Significance of Natural Vegetation and Forests on the Environment. Forests are essential for fresh air, biodiversity, raw materials (wood, medicine), and ecosystem regulation. * **Conservation Strategy:** * Adopting the **3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)**. * **Alternative Energy:** Promoting solar, wind, and hydroelectricity to reduce fuelwood consumption. * **Alternative Materials:** Using synthetic wood, plastic, and rubber. * **Education:** Increasing the literacy ratio and public awareness to combat climate change. * **Conclusion:** Conservation is vital not only for the economy but for a sustainable environment.