<p>This systematic review synthesizes evidence on urban forestry and ecosystem services in Pakistan (2010–2025) and compares Pakistani experience with China and Nepal. We identified peer-reviewed studies and policy/grey-literature documents through database searches (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) and targeted website review. Studies were screened by inclusion criteria (urban forestry or greening for climate mitigation/adaptation; focus on Pakistan, China, or Nepal; 2010–2025). Quantitative data on tree cover were scarce; however, national and city-level analyses indicate Pakistan’s total forest cover (~ 5% of land) remains far below ecological benchmarks, and urban tree canopy is minimal. Results show Pakistan’s urban greening yields local cooling (up to ~ 10&#xa0;°C difference) and pollutant reduction, but implementation is patchy. China’s “National Forest City” program (219 cities by 2023) and Nepal’s urban ecosystem-restoration projects (e.g. Kathmandu EbA) illustrate how systematic planning and community engagement can deliver multiple benefits. Pakistan lacks a cohesive national urban forestry strategy; existing provincial draft policies (Punjab, KP) are not fully implemented. Key findings include the need to quantify urban canopy (using remote sensing), to integrate green infrastructure in planning, and to strengthen governance/funding for tree planting. I identify critical research gaps (e.g. mapping urban tree cover, evaluating NbS performance) and policy gaps (absent legal framework for urban forests). The review concludes that Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive greening policy including legal targets for city canopy, dedicated budgets, master plans for street trees, and public outreach to realize nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation. These insights have broad relevance for South Asia’s arid megacities and UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable cities, climate action, and life on land.</p>

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Urban forestry in Pakistan assessing sustainability based on ecosystem services and nature based solutions

  • Kashaf Waseem

摘要

This systematic review synthesizes evidence on urban forestry and ecosystem services in Pakistan (2010–2025) and compares Pakistani experience with China and Nepal. We identified peer-reviewed studies and policy/grey-literature documents through database searches (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) and targeted website review. Studies were screened by inclusion criteria (urban forestry or greening for climate mitigation/adaptation; focus on Pakistan, China, or Nepal; 2010–2025). Quantitative data on tree cover were scarce; however, national and city-level analyses indicate Pakistan’s total forest cover (~ 5% of land) remains far below ecological benchmarks, and urban tree canopy is minimal. Results show Pakistan’s urban greening yields local cooling (up to ~ 10 °C difference) and pollutant reduction, but implementation is patchy. China’s “National Forest City” program (219 cities by 2023) and Nepal’s urban ecosystem-restoration projects (e.g. Kathmandu EbA) illustrate how systematic planning and community engagement can deliver multiple benefits. Pakistan lacks a cohesive national urban forestry strategy; existing provincial draft policies (Punjab, KP) are not fully implemented. Key findings include the need to quantify urban canopy (using remote sensing), to integrate green infrastructure in planning, and to strengthen governance/funding for tree planting. I identify critical research gaps (e.g. mapping urban tree cover, evaluating NbS performance) and policy gaps (absent legal framework for urban forests). The review concludes that Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive greening policy including legal targets for city canopy, dedicated budgets, master plans for street trees, and public outreach to realize nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation. These insights have broad relevance for South Asia’s arid megacities and UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable cities, climate action, and life on land.