SDG 15: Life on Land

Introduction:

SDG 15—Life on Land—emphasizes the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. At GIKI, this goal is reflected in initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable campus development. Surrounded by natural landscapes, the institute places strong importance on preserving its environment through tree plantations, responsible land management, and awareness campaigns led by student societies and research groups. These efforts not only safeguard the campus ecosystem but also inspire students to adopt long-term, environmentally responsible practices that contribute to the health and sustainability of land resources.

Excessive plantation in the campus & Tarbela mountains

The university is situated beside the river Indus in the mountains of Tarbela and Gadoon-Amazai, in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa near the town of Topi and in proximity to the lakes of Tarbela Dam (world’s largest earth-filled dam) and Ghazi. Its campus is in the mountains of Tarbela and Gadoon-Amazai. GIK institute is a Green Campus with excessive plantation in the campus & Tarbela mountains. This area of Pakistan is a natural habitat of many animals, birds, fishes and plants.

Plantation Drives on Campus – GIKI Plantation Drive to Complete the Target of 10,000 Trees

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) has launched an ambitious plantation drive with the goal of planting 10,000 trees, aiming to contribute to environmental sustainability and combat climate change. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with global efforts to restore ecosystems and improve air quality. The plantation drive involves active participation from students, faculty, and staff, who are working together to plant trees across the campus and surrounding areas. By increasing green cover, GIKI not only helps in mitigating the impact of climate change but also promotes biodiversity and enhances the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the campus. This drive is a part of GIKI’s broader sustainability initiatives, highlighting the importance of individual and collective action in achieving environmental goals and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Cutting of trees and pruning of leaves

At GIK Institute the trees are preserved as no one is allowed to cut trees. The pruning of leaves is done with permission of the competent authority.

GIKI, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Ltd., and WWF – Pakistan launched a New Monsoon Plantation Drive to plant 10,000 saplings at GIK Institute

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), in collaboration with Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Ltd. and WWF-Pakistan, has launched a new monsoon plantation drive aimed at planting 10,000 saplings at the GIK Institute campus. This initiative is a part of a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. The plantation drive, which will take place during the monsoon season, brings together the resources and expertise of the three organizations to enhance green cover, improve biodiversity, and contribute to the fight against climate change. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community are actively involved in planting and nurturing the saplings. This collaborative effort not only strengthens GIKI’s sustainability initiatives but also aligns with national and global goals for environmental protection. By planting 10,000 saplings, the drive aims to create a lasting positive impact on the campus’s ecosystem, promoting cleaner air and a healthier environment for future generations.

GIK institute conserves plants, animals, and wildlife through the following activities:

1. Excessive plantation in the campus & Tarbela mountains
2. We have our own nursery on the campus where rare plants are kept and planted around campus.
3. We are in line with the policies and guidelines of the Divisional Wildlife conservation department.
4. The campus is a natural habitat for Jackal, Wild boars, and many different categories of birds.
5. We also maintain a zoo on the campus in which we have many different types of 130x Birds which are properly fed and conserved.
6. Plantation drives are regularly conducted inside the campus to keep it green and environmentally friendly.
7. An Amount has been sanctioned to add new species of birds to the GIKI Zoo and also add new sheets to the zoo rooftop (renovation).

• At GIK Institute the trees are preserved as no one is allowed to cut trees. The pruning of leaves is done with permission of the competent authority. The notification of pruning of leaves is attached as evidence below.
• The wildlife is preserved with various campaigns of trash picking from mountain area and all over GIK Institute so that no animal could be harmed with PVC suffocation.
• Various plantation drives are conducted to keep the campus green.
• Courses related to the Environment, Health and Safety are offered regularly at GIK Institute
• The Institute has a policy on the Environment, Health and Safety and a committee has been constituted to ensure its implementation.

ISTIQBAAL by GIKI Adventure Club 14^th September 2024

Although ISTIQBAAL was primarily a welcoming and community-building event, several aspects align with the spirit of SDG 15—Life on Land. Organized by the GIKI Adventure Club, a society deeply connected with outdoor engagement and environmental appreciation, the event encouraged students to value the natural surroundings of the campus. By fostering teamwork, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces, the program subtly promoted a culture of environmental mindfulness. The Adventure Club’s emphasis on exploring and preserving the natural landscape helps new students develop an early sense of stewardship toward the environment, supporting the broader objectives of SDG 15 on conserving and sustainably interacting with terrestrial ecosystems.

Hiking and Clean Drive by ASHRAE 15^th September 2024

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), under the Department of Student Affairs, organized a Hiking and Clean Drive at GIKI on 15th September 2024. The event combined outdoor recreation with environmental responsibility, as participants enjoyed a scenic hike while actively cleaning up the surrounding areas. It promoted physical well-being, teamwork, and awareness about preserving natural habitats.

By encouraging a healthy lifestyle, gender-inclusive participation, sustainable community practices, climate action, conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, and partnerships for environmental goals, the event aligned with SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

Hiking Activity by Graduate Student Society 13^th October 2024

On 13th October 2024, the Graduate Student Society organized a hiking activity that encouraged students to embrace a healthier lifestyle while reconnecting with nature. The event promoted physical and mental well-being, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), while also raising awareness about climate action and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

President WWF International, Prof. Dr. Adil Najam delivered a thought-provoking lecture at GIK on “Pakistan and Climate Change in the Age of Adaptation.”

President of WWF International, Prof. Dr. Adil Najam, delivered a thought-provoking lecture at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIK) on “Pakistan and Climate Change in the Age of Adaptation,” highlighting the critical challenges posed by climate change, particularly for countries like Pakistan, which face severe risks to their ecosystems and biodiversity. His lecture emphasized the importance of adapting to climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures, flooding, and desertification, all of which threaten terrestrial ecosystems and land productivity. This directly links to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Prof. Najam stressed the need for robust conservation strategies, sustainable land management, and ecosystem restoration to safeguard the natural habitats and biodiversity that are increasingly threatened by climate change. He encouraged multi-sectoral efforts to manage land degradation, protect forests, and restore damaged ecosystems, all of which are essential to achieving SDG 15. By addressing these interconnected environmental issues, Prof. Najam’s insights highlighted how effective adaptation to climate change can also contribute to the broader goal of preserving life on land.