Experts call climate-smart landscaping essential for sustainable development

FAISALABAD: Climate-smart landscaping has become a necessity rather than a choice for development in both urban and rural areas, speakers said at a conference held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

The conference, titled Climate-Smart Landscape: Redefining Beauty Through Resilience, was organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences (IHS) at UAF. Participants stressed that landscaping practices now need to respond to environmental pressures while also supporting long-term sustainability.

Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, said contemporary landscaping should not be limited to visual design alone and must also incorporate environmental resilience. He said climate-smart methods help maintain a balance between ecological sustainability, water conservation and biodiversity, allowing landscapes to remain attractive while also being environmentally sound.

He said such approaches are important for creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also better suited to changing environmental conditions.

Director of Horticulture Dr Ahmad Sattar Khan reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. He highlighted the need for innovative responses to challenges including rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns and soil degradation.

According to him, these pressures have made it increasingly important to adopt practical and forward-looking solutions in landscaping and agriculture.

Dr Muhammad Aslam Khan commended the university’s efforts to advance climate-smart agriculture and urged greater public participation in plantation campaigns. He said research, awareness initiatives and engagement with communities can help climate-smart landscapes address environmental problems while also reshaping ideas of beauty in a way that aligns with nature.

Conference organiser Dr Adnan Younis said growing climate volatility requires a shift away from conventional landscaping practices toward more efficient and resource-conscious alternatives. He said traditional beautification models are no longer sufficient in the face of environmental stress.

‘We must move beyond conventional beautification to adopt strategies that strengthen ecosystems, reduce environmental stress, and ensure long-term sustainability,’ he said.

The conference focused on the role of resilient and sustainable landscaping in responding to climate-related challenges. Speakers underlined that future development planning should integrate environmental considerations more closely, particularly in areas linked to land use, water management and biodiversity protection.

The discussion at UAF reflected a broader emphasis on linking aesthetics with resilience, with experts arguing that climate-smart landscaping can play a meaningful role in addressing environmental concerns while supporting development goals.