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The Hunza Valley, known for its mesmerising views, from breathtaking orchards to the grand mountains that surround it, has now become a source of concern for its locals. The people who once felt pride and comfort in building their livelihoods on the predictable rhythms of nature have grown puzzled and uneasy about what the future holds. Ahmed, a member of the Borong Welfare and Development Organization, which supports community engagement, local welfare, agricultural support, and IT education for students, feels strongly about anything that directly or indirectly impacts his community.

Ahmed Karim is a resident of the beautiful valley of Hunza, and has been a professional farmer for the last six years. Over the past five years, Ahmed has observed significant changes in weather patterns. One of the earliest and most alarming has been the accelerated melting of glaciers, Hunza’s primary source of water. With the ever-changing climate, strong reactions have emerged from the people. For Ahmed, who once relied on stable weather patterns for his livelihood and lifestyle, it has been especially frustrating and disheartening to witness the collapse of agricultural systems under sudden climatic outbursts and extreme fluctuations. Snow-covered winters, spring glacier melts, and timely rainfall that once sustained the region’s farming now take form in rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and the rapid melting of glaciers that disrupt the environment and threaten livelihoods.

In Hunza, the most common agricultural yields include potatoes, tomatoes, cherries, apples, and apricots, many of which are in high demand across the country and beyond due to their quality and health benefits. Potato farming, another cornerstone of Hunza’s agriculture, has been particularly affected. The harvesting process for this staple crop requires six months of effort, mostly dependent on manual techniques and family labour. It involves soil preparation, irrigation, composting, weeding, and hand-harvesting. The harsh weather patterns kill months of arduous effort and labour leaving the community in despair. Other crops, like tomatoes, now face frequent pest outbreaks and damage from unseasonal warmth. It is important to note that these are not isolated incidents but clear indicators of a growing climate crisis.

Recently, Ahmed participated in a community engagement session on climate change and sustainable agriculture, organised by Community World Service Asia. The session brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and local stakeholders to explore practical solutions and adaptation strategies. Techniques such as crop rotation, organic composting, water-efficient irrigation, and the use of climate-resilient crop varieties were discussed. The session also emphasised the importance of conserving water, protecting soil health, and implementing community-driven solutions. Building on traditional techniques and knowledge, Ahmed was introduced to evidence-based agricultural practices, including organic mulching and integrated pest management. For communities like Hunza’s, such learning sessions are not merely supplementary, they are essential for sustainable growth, food security, and long-term resilience.

While Ahmed had participated in similar sessions in the past, he found this one particularly impactful for its emphasis on practical knowledge, community-driven innovation, and preparedness. As a forward-thinking and engaged member of his community, he strongly advocates for the equal participation of women, recognising their vital contributions and the pivotal role they play in shaping collective progress.

More than just an informative experience, the session left Ahmed with a renewed sense of hope and responsibility. He now sees his role not only as an agricultural grower but also as a messenger, committed to raising awareness about climate change and encouraging others to act. For him, climate change is no longer a distant concern. It is here, in the fields, homes, and mountains of Hunza. Ahmed believes the time to act is now, to prepare today for the generations that will come after.

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After witnessing decades of traditional cold winters and pleasant mild summers, erratic weather patterns have become a recurring reality. Homes that once needed no fans or air conditioners are now unbearably hot in the summer. Winters bring less snow, summers are warmer, signaling the broader climate crisis threatening the region’s fragile ecosystem and agricultural viability.

Gulkin, nestled in the heart of Upper Hunza, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, most notably the iconic Passu Cones of the Karakoram range. It stands near Gulmit, the cultural hub of Gojal Valley, known for its history and awe inspiring landscapes. Yet, like many mountain communities, the region has grown increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Saeed Arab Shah, a 61-year-old prominent Community member, farmer, and a businessman has lived a lifetime in the village Gulkin in Gojal, Hunza.Saeed Arab Shah, a 61-year-old prominent Community member, farmer, and a businessman has lived a lifetime in the village Gulkin in Gojal, Hunza.

In response to the challenges faced by northern communities, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in partnership with the Forest Department Hunza, recently organized a collaborative plantation drive in Gulkin and Gulmit. The initiative brought together 35 participants, including students, local leaders, government officials, and community members. For Arab Shah, the enthusiastic involvement of youth reflected a growing generational commitment to environmental protection and civic responsibility.

A passionate advocate for community capacity building, Arab Shah has long emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts. He believes tree plantation carries drastic long-term benefits such as reduced soil erosion, water conservation, and strengthening of the region’s natural ecosystem. However, he also expresses concern over the unregulated cutting of trees for domestic and commercial use, which makes the land more susceptible and prone to landslides, floods, and other climate-induced hazards. He asserts that afforestation can rejuvenate soil, improve air quality, conserve water resources, and help restore the region’s natural ecosystem.

A strong advocate for inclusive development, Arab Shah underscores the crucial role of women in fostering sustainable and resilient communities. He believes that empowering women and integrating their leadership into local decision-making processes is, in his view, essential for lasting change. People of Northern Pakistan have long valued women’s contributions in environmental, educational, and economic spheres, and Arab Shah believes this legacy must be strengthened further as it not only enhances community outcomes but also ensures more balanced and inclusive development.

Reflecting on the plantation drive, Saeed Arab Shah highlighted the high level of community engagement as the most inspiring aspect of the initiative. The participation of youth and families from diverse backgrounds created a strong sense of unity, purpose, and collective responsibility. This shared effort not only deepened participants’ connection to their land but also sparked a renewed determination to protect and preserve their natural environment.

Looking ahead, Arab Shah envisions a future where community-led initiatives, such as tree plantation, awareness sessions, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices become routine. He particularly advocates for initiatives that actively engage schools, youth, and women’s groups, reinforcing the benefit that could be gained after utilizing maximum community engagement due to the participation of women fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and civic responsibility from the ground up.

The recent plantation drive concluded on a pleasant and optimistic note. Participants, especially the young, expressed a profound sense of fulfillment, purpose, and redirection to continue working together for a greener and more resilient Hunza. For Arab Shah and his fellow community members, this initiative marked a meaningful step toward combating the local impacts of climate change and restoring the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Gojal Valley.

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In the scenic valley of Golkin, Hunza, a powerful movement has taken root; one that blends environmental stewardship with a celebration of women’s roles in community resilience. Launched in collaboration with the Forest Department of Gilgit Baltistan, the “One Daughter, One Tree” (Aik Bete, Aik Shajar) plantation drive marks a significant step in combating climate change through afforestation.

This initiative, supported by Community World Service Asia’s Climate Education and Awareness Program and funded by Week of Compassion, goes beyond tree planting. It is a tribute to daughters, mothers, and grandmothers, honouring their contributions while fostering environmental consciousness among students and local communities.

As Gulnaaz, a woman farmer from the region, shared, “We are planting hope. We are honouring nature. We are celebrating women and teaching our children to protect what sustains us.”

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the increasing frequency of floods and glacier retreat in the region. A representative from the Forest Department emphasised the critical need for afforestation to safeguard Hunza’s fragile ecosystem and raise public awareness about sustainable practices.

This event is the first in a series of plantation drives planned across more than 25 public and private schools, engaging youth and communities in long-term climate adaptation efforts.

Among the young changemakers is Safina, a passionate student from Al Amin Model School in Gulmit, Gojal. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of glacier melt and flooding in her valley, Safina joined the plantation drive with a clear purpose; to contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

Her actions speak volumes. By planting trees and advocating for climate awareness, Safina is not only protecting her community but also inspiring her peers to take ownership of their environment. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action in addressing global challenges.

As Hunza’s youth and elders unite under the banner of climate resilience, CWSA remains committed to supporting locally led solutions that protect both people and the planet. Together, these efforts are sowing the seeds of sustainability—one daughter, one tree at a time.

© Community World Service Asia