Green Media Initiatives organized an awareness seminar titled “Save Old Trees” in connection with International Earth Day.
Dr. Moin Uddin from Indiana University, USA, emphasized the immense significance of old trees by presenting his insights through the scientific lens of dendrochronology. He explained that the study of tree rings offers valuable information about historical climate patterns, environmental changes, and major natural events that occurred over centuries. According to Dr. Moin Uddin, each ring in a tree’s trunk serves as a natural record of rainfall, temperature, droughts, and even human activity. By carefully analyzing these rings, scientists are able to reconstruct the environmental history of a region and gain a clearer understanding of how ecosystems respond to stress. He stressed that old trees are living archives of the planet’s past, and their preservation is essential not only for scientific research but also for guiding future policies on climate resilience and sustainable development.
Dr. Iqbal Saeed Khan, Managing Director of the Seed Corporation, spoke at length about the critical role trees play in safeguarding the environment and maintaining ecological balance. He highlighted that trees act as natural air filters, reduce urban heat, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity. Dr. Khan expressed concern over poor urban and transportation planning, which has led to widespread tree cutting and increased pollution levels. He also pointed out that the lack of long-term climate planning is exacerbating environmental degradation. As weather patterns continue to change rapidly due to climate change, he emphasized that societies must adopt adaptive strategies without delay. He urged policymakers, planners, and citizens alike to recognize their collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges through informed decision-making and sustainable practices.
Fahim Khan, Director of Karachi Zoo, shed light on the zoo’s important role in environmental conservation and the preservation of natural habitats. He explained that modern zoos are not merely recreational spaces but serve as centers for conservation, education, and research. Karachi Zoo, he noted, actively contributes to raising awareness about wildlife protection and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. By maintaining green spaces and supporting conservation initiatives, the zoo plays a part in promoting environmental stewardship among visitors, particularly children and young people.
Senior journalist Umar Asghar highlighted the need to address environmental issues that directly affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens. He observed that problems such as air pollution, water scarcity, heatwaves, and the loss of urban green spaces are often discussed at a global level, while local solutions remain neglected. He criticized the tendency of authorities to shift responsibility by citing global climate change, instead of taking concrete action to resolve city-level environmental concerns. According to him, meaningful change begins with acknowledging and fixing local issues that have immediate impacts on communities.
The Editor of Farozaan Magazine, Mehmood Alam Khalid, drew attention to serious flaws in urban planning, particularly the removal of valuable old trees in the name of development. He expressed concern over the widespread plantation of invasive species such as Conocarpus in urban areas, noting that such practices can harm local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. He emphasized the need for environmentally informed planning that prioritizes native tree species and preserves existing mature trees.
Concluding the seminar, the Founder of Green Media Initiatives (GMI), Shabina Faraz, summarized the key discussions and reinforced the collective message of environmental responsibility and sustainable planning. She thanked the speakers, participants, and organizers for their contributions. Suleman Sajjad was also acknowledged for his assistance in successfully arranging the event at Karachi Zoo, ensuring its smooth execution and positive impact.
