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SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
Grow Green to Earn Green
A Subsidiary of the Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries Department
Government of the Punjab
@spfcpakistanSPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017
Things to look on
Web: www.spfc.org.pk
The snake kills by squeezing very slowly. This is how the civilized world slowly, slowly pushes into the forest and takes away the world that used to be - James Cameron
· SPFC and WWF-Pakistan sign MoU
· The International Day of Forests celebrated
· SPFC and Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) collaborate for
a seminar
· News & Media
Newsletter | Issue 4 | March 2017
SPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017 | Page 2
SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
Grow Green to Earn Green
Web: www.spfc.org.pk @spfcpakistan
Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Chairman, SPFC, thchairing the 7 Board Meeting of SPFC
News
Lahore, Monday, March 20, 2017: South Punjab
Forest Company (SPFC) and World Wide Fund for
Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) have signed an MoU
with the aim to improve the forest cover of Punjab, by
promoting commercial forestry and Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with regards to forestry
in South Punjab.
The MoU was signed at SPFC's office by Tahir Rasheed, CEO, SPFC, and Hammad Naqi Khan, DG, WWF-Pakistan. The heads of both organizations pledged to play a role in improving the forest cover in assigned riverine, arid and irrigated areas of South Punjab, and also promoting forestry by engaging multi-national companies through CSR initiatives and protecting the natural tree cover.
It was also agreed that both the organizations will share the lessons learned in other spheres e.g. habitat improvement, corridor connectivity, restoring natural flora and environmental education etc. to promote conservation at large.
Both the organizations also agreed to seek the possibility of getting Carbon Credits for MNCs and other corporates against their efforts to increase the forest cover; organize educational trips to SPFC's assigned areas for research, knowledge sharing and awareness; develop informational material for the promotion of Public Private Partnership (PPP); and raising awareness to promote commercial forestry and CSR activities in the forestry sector.
Media coverage
· Pakistan Today http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/03/22/wwf-spfc-sign-mou-to-improve-forest-cover-in-country/
· Pakistan Observer http://pakobserver.net/wwf-spfc-sign-mou/
· Daily Pakistanhttps://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/business/spfc-wwf-pakistan-sign-mou-to-improve-forest-cover-of-punjab/
SPFC and WWF-Pakistan sign MoU to improve the forest cover of Punjab
Meeting of the Board of Directors of SPFC
Lahore, Thursday, March 02, 2017: The seventh
meeting of the Board of Directors (BOD) and first Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of SPFC was held under the
chairmanship of Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari,
wherein the various agenda/business were discussed.
The CEO, SPFC, gave a detailed briefing to the BOD on
the to-day progress of SPFC, whereas the Transaction
Advisors (TA) gave their presentation to the BOD on
technical and financial feasibilities for the development
of the afforestation project in South Punjab.
In the AGM, the financial statements for the Financial Year 2015-16 were approved, alongwith the appointment of Statutory Auditors of SPFC for the Financial Year 2017-18.
Tahir Rasheed, CEO, SPFC, and , ,Hammad Naqi Khan Director GeneralWWF-Pakistan, sign MoU to improve the forest cover of Punjab
SPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017 | Page 3
SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
Grow Green to Earn Green
Web: www.spfc.org.pk @spfcpakistan
Meeting with media representatives at SPFC’s Office
· Daily Times
http://dailytimes.com.pk/e-paper/2017-03-21/lahore/10462/74749/
SPFC and Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) collaborate for a seminar
Multan, Monday, March 13, 2017: SPFC in collaboration with the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) organized an inception seminar at MCCI, to sensitize the business community and members of the chamber, regarding the opportunities in the forestry sector.
The seminar began with a welcome address by Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi, President, MCCI, who chaired the event and appreciated the role of SPFC in promoting sustainable forestry investments in Pakistan.
Tahir Rasheed, CEO, SPFC, delivered a presentation on Investment Opportunities in Forestry Sector in South Punjab. He explained that investing in forestry will yield high returns and contribute to reducing deforestation.
Inception Seminar at The Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Media Coverage
· The Nation
h�p://na�on.com.pk/lahore/21-Mar-2017/call-to conserve-forests/
The presentation was followed by Q&A session. Shahid Naseem Khokhar, Former President, MCCI, gave the concluding remarks and urged the investors to benefit from the opportunity.
Sensitizing radio journalists
Lahore, Friday, March 10, 2017: SPFC in collaboration with Radio Pakistan took a unique initiative of sensitizing radio producers about the importance of forests and raising awareness of forestry among masses. The training session was attended by Syed Khalid Waqar, Station Director, Radio Pakistan, along with the programme staff.
The IDF is celebrated globally on March 21 to promote forestry and this year's theme 'Forests and Energy' aimed to highlight the dependence of people on wood to meet their energy requirements. Also that almost 900 million people, mostly in developing countries, are engaged in the wood-energy sector on a part or full-time basis.
Furthermore, SPFC officials attended the event organized by the Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries Department (FW&FD), Government of the Punjab, in Changa Manga to celebrate the IDF. The event was followed by a tree plantation drive.
International Day of Forests celebrated
Lahore, Monday, March 20, 2017: SPFC celebrated the International Day of Forests (IDF) by organizing a media briefing to sensitize the environmental journalists about the importance of forests and the need to conserve them for a greener Pakistan.
SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
SPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017 | Page 4
Grow Green to Earn Green
Web: www.spfc.org.pk @spfcpakistan
The end of sustainability
Lahore, March 5, 2017: A feature story published in The News on Sunday (TNS) by Syed Muhammad Abubakar, Communication & PR Specialist, SPFC, in which he highlights how unsustainable practices are exerting pressure on the natural resources of the country. The writer quotes Ashiq Ahmad Khan, Member, Board of Directors, SPFC, on the issue. The story also reveals the latest Climate Change Vulnerability Index 2017 by Verisk Maplecroft, according to which Pakistan is ranked 62 out of 191 countries vulnerable to climate change.
The story can be read here: http://tns.thenews.com.pk/end-sustainability/#.WNuLpFWGO02
Lahore, March 19, 2017: A feature story published in Urdu Daily Express highlights the increasing rate of
deforestation in Pakistan and the forestry initiatives taking place. The role of forests cannot be denied as they
help to keep the environment clean and healthy and contribute to fight climate change. The writer highlights
how the establishment of SPFC will prove beneficial for environment by reducing logging pressure on the
existing forests.
The story can be read here: https://www.express.pk/story/767726/
Four forestry initiatives Pakistan is taking to fight climate change
Lahore, March 21, 2017: An interesting story published in the Express Tribune by Syed Muhammad Abubakar, Communication & PR Specialist, SPFC, on the eve of the International Day of Forests, celebrated globally on March 21, highlights the important forestry initiatives taking place in Pakistan, especially the efforts by the Government of Punjab, to reduce dependence on natural forests, by establishing SPFC.
The story can be read here: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1361318/four-initiatives-pakistan-taking-fight-climate-change/
News & Media
Other Updates
Pakistan witnessing environmental degradation due to deforestation
March 31, 2017: A total of 20 investors have visited SPFC's office during the month of March to acquire information regarding the opportunity offered by SPFC, especially the bidding process. It is hoped that a large number of investors will apply to acquire land for sustainable forestry purposes.
Meeting with investors
Visit to Eucalyptus plantations
Monday, March 13, 2017: A team of SPFC comprising of Tahir Rasheed, CEO; Salman Ahmad, CFO; and Syed Naeem Abbas, Head – Internal Audit, visited private Eucalyptus plantations spreading across 100 acres, 10 km from Head Mohammad Wala. The aim of the visit was to assess the growth rate of Eucalyptus and its habitat.
Tahir Rasheed, CEO, SPFC, briefed the participants that how forests play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance and also urged that in current scenario urban forestry, agroforestry and commercial forestry need to be promoted, which will help to pass this natural resource to the generations to come. At the end, Syed Khalid Waqar, Station Director, Radio Pakistan, affirmed his continued support to raise awareness of forestry among the masses through radio.
Tahir Rasheed, CEO, SPFC, briefing producers at
Radio Pakistan
SPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017 | Page 5
SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
Grow Green to Earn Green
Web: www.spfc.org.pk @spfcpakistan
Raising forestry awareness through radio
Multan, Monday, March 13, 2017: Salman Ahmad, CFO, SPFC,
gave an exclusive interview on Radio Pakistan's programme
“Jamhoor Ki Awaz” in Saraiki language. The aim of the interview was
to sensitize the rural population of South Punjab regarding the
importance of forestry and the opportunity offered by SPFC to
promote sustainable forestry investments.
Interview
Syed Naeem Abbas, Head - Internal Audit, SPFC
Syed Naeem Abbas is the Head of Internal Audit at SPFC. He is a Fellow Member of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK (FCCA-UK), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and United Arab Emirates Chartered Accountant (UAECA). Naeem is a competent and result driven professional with more than 10 years of rich experience in auditing and financial advisory services with top 10 audit firms including Big 4 (KPMG). Before joining SPFC, Naeem worked as Manager Internal Audit for Emirates Al-Rawabi Group in UAE (an outsourced assignment for Al-Sharid Auditing & Management Consultancy).
Syed Naeem Abbas, Head-Internal Audit, SPFC
Visit to private Eucalyptus plantations
Salman Ahmad, CFO, SPFC, in an exclusive interview at Radio Pakistan Multan Station
In an exclusive interview with Syed Naeem Abbas, about his inspiration to join SPFC and future ambitions, he seemed committed to take the organization to a whole new level, so that SPFC can achieve its desired objectives.
i. What inspired you to join SPFC?
I have worked both nationally and internationally in various sectors, however, commercial forestry
through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode is a new concept in Pakistan, which inspired me to
join SPFC. Moreover, I belong to an agriculturist family and I'm happy to contribute to the country by
promoting forestry.
ii. Now that you are part of an organization which aims to promote sustainable forestry
investments in Pakistan, where do you find your role and how you aim to further its vision?
With SPFC's objective to promote commercial forestry, I find my role in trying to improve SPFC's
operations, with a belief that my efforts will help the organization to accomplish its objectives
SPFC | Issue 4 | March 2017 | Page 6
SOUTH PUNJAB FOREST COMPANY
South Punjab Forest Company (SPFC)
Grow Green to Earn Green
Web: www.spfc.org.pk @spfcpakistan
through a systematic and disciplined approach. Such approach will help to evaluate and improve the
effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
iii. Where do you foresee SPFC in future?
Trees, woods and forests contribute significantly to the quality of life both in rural and urban areas. I
believe SPFC will prove to be the first drop of rain in commercial forestry.
iv. Any message for the SPFC family?
Work hard to achieve SPFC's goals and objectives. You are seen, heard and valued. The company
wants you to be as effective as you can be.
Contact Us:
PABX: +92-42-99232376-9 | Fax: +92-42-99232399 | Email:[email protected]: 94-Babar Block, New Garden Town, Lahore
Editor: Syed Muhammad AbubakarEditorial Committee: Tahir Rasheed, Salman Ahmad, Syed Muhammad AbubakarDesigner: Syeda Fariha Muzamil
Social Media Posts
Happy International Women's Day!
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place gender equality and women empowerment at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The theme for International Women's Day focuses on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”.
Women also have highly specialized knowledge of trees and forests in terms of ecological diversity, sustainable management and conservation practices.
The role of women in the forestry sector is important and relevant policies and practices not only yield significant benefits to food security but also promote sustainable management of forests.
For more information: h�p://bit.ly/2oPhlwB
Today on take a look at the photo submissions of 10 #WorldWildlifeDayfinalists of photography competition #WWD http://bit.ly/2mlwyrp
For more information:
h�p://bit.ly/2n3csmV
We are celebrating by organizing a #interna�onaldayofforests#mediabriefing #journalists and sensitizing to highlight its importance
#idf17 #forests#forests4future #growgreen2earngreen#aw areness
For more information: h�p://bit.ly/2nNmiGZ
