What is the Thar Million Tree Programme?

The Thar Million Tree Programme, led by Thar Foundation, has seen the planting of over 1.2 million trees across Tharparkar, Pakistan, using the Miyawaki technique to combat desertification and transform a 100-acre stretch of barren land into a flourishing forest.

What is the status of vulture conservation efforts in Tharparkar?

Thar Foundation and IUCN Pakistan have launched a vulture conservation project to protect nesting sites and raise awareness among nearby communities. Thanks to their sustained efforts, Tharparkar is now recognized as a Vulture Safe Zone, with the vulture population recovering, making it a rare conservation success story in Pakistan.

Home / Environment / Tharparkar's Green Transformation: From Desert to Thriving Oasis

Tharparkar's Green Transformation: From Desert to Thriving Oasis

Q: How have Thar Foundation and IUCN Pakistan helped local farmers in Tharparkar?

Thar Foundation and IUCN Pakistan have introduced innovative saline agriculture techniques, enabling local farmers to cultivate salt-tolerant crops like ladyfinger, tomatoes, groundnuts, and nutrient-rich fodder on over 165 acres of once-barren land, providing self-reliance and dignity to the community.

30 Oct

•

Summary

Over 1.2 million trees planted in Tharparkar to combat desertification
Saline agriculture projects transform barren land into productive farmland
Vulture conservation efforts help recover endangered bird populations

As of October 2025, a remarkable transformation has taken place in Tharparkar, Pakistan, once known for its scorching heat and scarce rainfall. Through a collaborative effort between Thar Foundation and IUCN Pakistan, the region has become a thriving green landscape, home to one of Pakistan's most ambitious community-driven biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Over the past few years, the Thar Million Tree Programme has seen the planting of more than 1.2 million trees across Tharparkar, using the Miyawaki technique to combat desertification and transform a 100-acre stretch of barren land into a flourishing forest. These native species, such as Roheero and Kandi, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with a survival rate of 72% and the ability to absorb over 123,000 tonnes of carbon, according to a 2022 IUCN study.

Alongside the reforestation efforts, Thar Foundation and IUCN have introduced innovative saline agriculture techniques, enabling local farmers to cultivate salt-tolerant crops like ladyfinger, tomatoes, groundnuts, and nutrient-rich fodder. This has transformed over 165 acres of once-barren land into productive farmland, providing self-reliance and dignity to the community.

Furthermore, the partnership has focused on conserving Tharparkar's biodiversity, particularly the critically endangered vulture population. Through extensive community engagement and the establishment of a Vulture Safe Zone, the vulture population has been recovering, making it a rare conservation success story in Pakistan.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.