Green Initiative Launched at New Gwadar International Airport with Major Tree Plantation Drive
A large-scale tree plantation campaign has officially started at the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) as part of the “Green Coverage Initiative,” aiming to align with the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) global commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The collaborative effort between Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), and the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) focuses on enhancing the natural surroundings of the NGIA. This greening effort is expected to significantly improve the environmental landscape around the airport.
The first phase, launched on September 3rd, involves covering more than three kilometers of access roads with trees, creating a greener approach to the airport. In the next phase, tree planting will expand across 4,300 acres of the NGIA to create a thriving green ecosystem.
A GDA official highlighted that many of the trees are being sourced from the local Plant Tissue Culture Lab and Greenhouse. This facility is part of the Belt and Road Engineering Research Center for Tropical Arid Non-Wood Forest, which operates in partnership with Central South University of Forestry and Technology, COPHC, and Yulin Holding Co., Ltd., within Gwadar's South Free Zone.
Recognizing the challenging conditions of Gwadar’s desert climate—characterized by minimal rainfall, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high soil salinity—the initiative focuses on planting species that can withstand heat, drought, and salty soil. These efforts are expected to create a long-term green belt and mitigate the harsh environmental conditions surrounding the airport.