Environmental Education
Learning about Pakistan’s forests and wildlife — and how to stay safe when fire threatens, on the road or on foot.
Why our forests matter
Only about 2.5% of Pakistan — some 1.9 million hectares — is forested, and that cover has been shrinking fast. Between 1990 and 2005 the country lost nearly a quarter of its forest, around 625,000 hectares, with the rate of loss rising after 2000.
Pakistan is home to around 1,000 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, a number of them found nowhere else and many threatened, and to nearly 5,000 species of plants. Only a small share of the country is formally protected. Understanding this is the first step towards protecting it.
If you meet a fire while driving
A fire burning only the undergrowth, with little smoke, should not put you in danger. If there is a lot of smoke, slow down and watch for people, vehicles and livestock on the road; turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and close the windows and outside vents. If you cannot see clearly, pull over, stop, keep your lights on and wait for the smoke to clear.
If you are trapped by a fierce fire, stay in the car. Park in an area with little or no vegetation, facing the oncoming fire, and turn off the engine. Close the doors, windows and vents, lie on the floor and cover yourself with woollen or cotton blankets. Do not get out or open the windows until the fire front has passed. Always follow the directions of the police and firefighters.
If you meet a fire on foot
Don’t panic. Move to clear or already burnt ground, and don’t try to run uphill. Stay low and shelter behind a log, rocky outcrop or embankment to protect yourself from the heat. If your clothes catch fire, don’t run — stop, drop, cover your face and roll over and over to put out the flames.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.