GILGIT – The regional government of Gilgit-Baltistan, in collaboration with federal climate agencies, has launched the “Green Peaks 2026” initiative, an ambitious project to plant 10 million indigenous trees across the northern mountain ranges. The project aims to restore forest cover in areas hit by illegal logging and to mitigate the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
The inauguration ceremony was held in the scenic Hunza Valley, where local community leaders pledged their support for the drive. “The melting of our glaciers is a direct threat to the survival of downstream populations. Planting trees is our best defense against the warming climate,” the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan stated.
Climate experts have praised the focus on indigenous species, such as Cedar and Juniper, which are better suited for the high-altitude environment. Recent years have seen an increase in erratic weather patterns in the north, leading to devastating landslides. “Forests act as a natural sponge, absorbing rainwater and stabilizing the soil. This reforestation is a vital step toward disaster risk reduction,” a climate scientist based in Islamabad said.
The project also includes a “Green Guards” program, in which local youth will be hired and trained to protect the new plantations against timber mafias. The government has announced strict penalties for anyone found harming the newly planted trees.
International environmental organizations have also signaled interest in providing technical assistance. However, experts emphasize that community ownership is key. “Without the involvement of the local people who live on these lands, no reforestation project can succeed in the long term,” noted an environmental activist.
