Friends of Forest Conference 2025: Punjab Unites for a Greener Future

LAHORE: The Punjab Forest Department has announced the launch of the Friends of Forest Conference 2025, an initiative aimed at fostering collective action to protect forests, restore green cover, and combat the adverse effects of climate change across the province. This significant event seeks to address the mounting environmental challenges caused by rapid urbanization and population growth, which are placing immense pressure on Punjab’s already limited green resources.
The conference will serve as a collaborative platform that unites citizens, experts, policymakers, and nature enthusiasts under a shared vision of ecological sustainability. Through a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions, participants will explore practical solutions for afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The conference will also showcase innovative ideas, community-driven success stories, and best practices drawn from both local and international forestry models.

Key themes of the discussions will include community engagement in forest conservation, behavioural change to enhance green cover, and the integration of faith, culture, and values into tree plantation initiatives. The program will also highlight strategies for urban and social forestry, promoting green spaces as a vital component of sustainable city development.
The event will feature a distinguished panel of experts and activists, including Masood Lohar of the Clifton Urban Forest Project, Teacher Usman Abbasi from Kashmir, Dr. M. Asif, Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, climate change specialist Dr. Imran Lodhi, and Dr. Shafiq Ahmad Kamboh from the University of Punjab, among others. These thought leaders will share insights into community-based forestry, environmental education, and innovative approaches to conservation.
The conference is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society leaders, environmental NGOs, academia, youth groups, and volunteers. By bringing together diverse voices, the Friends of Forest Conference 2025 aims to inspire partnerships and collective action for a greener, more sustainable Punjab.