Plantation Drive for Clean & Green Campuses

Environmental degradation, climate change, deforestation, and poor waste management are increasingly affecting public health, disaster risks, and quality of life in Pakistan. Rising temperatures, air pollution, urban flooding, and loss of green cover pose serious challenges, particularly for young generations who will face the long-term consequences of these issues.

Universities, as centers of learning and innovation, play a vital role in promoting environmental responsibility and climate resilience. Under the Governor’s Initiative “Youth for Humanity”, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Punjab Provincial Branch is actively engaging university students and faculty in sustainable environmental actions through structured plantation, cleanliness, and waste management initiatives.

This initiative empowers youth to become environmental stewards, contributing directly to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Punjab.

Objectives of the Initiative

  • Increase green cover and improve campus environments.
  • Promote environmental awareness and climate responsibility among students.
  • Encourage sustainable practices such as waste segregation and cleanliness.
  • Engage youth in long-term environmental monitoring and stewardship.

Key Interventions

  1. Clean & Green Campus Initiative

PRCS Punjab, in collaboration with universities, is implementing systematic actions to improve campus environments, including:

  • Conducting tree plantation drives throughout the year across university campuses.
  • Preparation of a Campus Plantation Map, dividing campuses into departmental clusters with clearly allocated plantation zones.
  • Introduction and promotion of waste segregation systems, including:
    • Organic waste
    • Recyclable waste
    • Hazardous waste
      with appropriate disposal mechanisms.
  • Mobilization of student volunteers for regular campus cleanliness activities.

These interventions are improving air quality, enhancing campus aesthetics, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

  1. Research & Partnerships

To strengthen technical capacity and sustainability, PRCS Punjab is promoting collaboration and research-based engagement, including:

  • Encouraging research projects and student initiatives on:
    • Environment and climate change
    • Climate resilience
    • Sustainable waste management
  • Collaboration with partner organizations, NGOs, and the Forest Department for:
    • Technical expertise
    • Provision of saplings
    • Expert sessions and guidance
  • Integration of academic knowledge with practical environmental action on campuses.
  1. Long-Term Monitoring & Student Engagement

Recognizing that sustainability requires continued effort, PRCS Punjab is ensuring long-term engagement through:

  • Monitoring and reporting the survival rate of planted trees to ensure long-term impact.
  • Organizing university-wide cleanliness drives as part of student volunteer engagement days.
  • Hosting panel discussions and awareness sessions with environmental and climate experts.
  • Formation of Green Monitor Volunteer Groups responsible for:
    • Plantation maintenance
    • Waste segregation oversight
    • Campus cleanliness monitoring

Impact & Outcomes

  • Enhanced green spaces and improved environmental conditions on university campuses.
  • Increased awareness of climate change and environmental protection among youth.
  • Active participation of students in sustainable practices and environmental leadership.
  • Strengthened institutional collaboration for long-term environmental resilience.

Sustainability

By integrating plantation, waste management, and environmental monitoring into campus life, PRCS Punjab is ensuring that these efforts continue beyond one-time activities. Students engaged through this initiative become long-term advocates for environmental protection, contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development across Punjab.