By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Pakistan Army and Houbara Foundation International Pakistan jointly carried out the aerial broadcasting of desert plant seeds over the Cholistan Desert earlier this morning — marking the 27th consecutive year of this unique ecological restoration initiative.
Across the globe, wildlife habitats are deteriorating due to rampant wood-cutting by local communities and overgrazing by livestock. As a result, wild animals and birds struggle to find their natural food sources, leading to a rapid decline in populations and widespread ecological imbalance.
To counter this, the Houbara Foundation International Pakistan, in partnership with the Pakistan Army, launched a project in 1998 to restore vegetation in the Cholistan Desert — a vital wintering habitat for the Houbara Bustard and many other species. Since then, the project has consistently focused on reviving the native desert flora through aerial seed broadcasting.
This year alone, 200 kilograms of seeds of indigenous desert plants and grasses were dispersed, bringing the total quantity broadcast over the last 27 years to more than 3,327 kilograms. Regular habitat monitoring reveals promising outcomes, with strong signs of improved germination and vegetation cover.
Officials say that while full restoration of desert ecosystems is a time-consuming and challenging task, the commitment remains strong. With the unwavering support of the Pakistan Army, Houbara Foundation continues to work towards restoring the ecological balance by reintroducing native vegetation and reviving the populations of key wildlife species in the Cholistan region.
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