Sindh govt awards young climate activist for preserving green heritage

Climate and environmental activist Aneeqa Bashir was recognised by the Sindh Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Climate Change on Wednesday for her efforts to preserve Pakistan’s green heritage.

Arshad Wali Muhammad, the caretaker minister overseeing the ministry, presented an award to the young climate advocate.

Aneeqa — who initiated a campaign to record and safeguard centuries-old Banyan trees, designating them as vital national green heritage — is focused on the mission to preserve the country's green heritage and raise environmental awareness. 

Her dedication extends to overseeing platforms such as Agreenerpakistan.org and projectbanyantrees.com, both of which foster awareness regarding the preservation of our green heritage.

The young climate activist has written several articles highlighting the effects of climate change and pollution in Pakistan and hopes to galvanise youth to come forward as caretakers of the environment.

"With this goal in mind, she runs workshops to educate Pakistan’s youth on environmental issues and the ways in which they can positively contribute. She also oversees a recycling network," a statement read.

Moving forward Aneeqa plans to work towards implementing the Youth Environmental Responsibility Act, a bill she has drafted requiring students to plant and care for trees as a graduation prerequisite (the bill takes inspiration from similar measures successfully implemented in Switzerland and the Philippines).

She hopes to introduce private-public partnerships under her ‘A Greener Pakistan’ initiative to create job opportunities in the climate domain for the lower-income sector.

This project entails pairing heritage trees with users expressing interest in their plantation/restoration, enabling interaction between users and their trees. Designated caretakers would then tend to the Banyan trees long-term health and ensure that plantations are conducted with respect to local biodiversity.

Another upcoming project addresses pressing issues of water waste management and pollution. Aneeqa has taken the lead in making meaningful changes to combat climate change. Her passion, determination, and innovative ideas are driving impactful actions on various fronts.

For her efforts, Aneeqa has previously been recognised by the SDGs Academy at the National Youth Policy Dialogue awards ceremony in 2023, winning a national changemaker climate hero award.

She was featured internationally by the United Nations as part of their Celebrating Ways Youth Lead campaign. She has also been recognised by key figures including Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and former forest minister Taimur Talpur for her mission for a greener Pakistan.