Soil Erosion

In the context of deforestation, soil erosion cannot go ignored. The loss of trees and plant cover stemming from deforestation leaves the soil more prone to wind erosion, which then lifts the fertile topsoil from large masses of land. This poses significant risks to the environment and human settlements in the area.

As trees are cut down and lands lose their plantlife, the soil transforms from moist and fertile to dry, thus beginning a cycle of soil loss and lower productivity. Since trees, bushes and plants anchor the soil with their roots and break wind velocity, deforestation occurs, the land is exposed and becomes more vulnerable to winds and water damage. Without trees to anchor the soil and absorb water, excess rain can easily push exposed soil down a mountainside. In a state of constant erosion and instability, the land loses its ability to soak up water, making flooding more common and facilitating landslides.

As one woman noted: “Since the earthquake, the soil has become drier, [leading to more landslides.] Landslides can be extremely dangerous in some areas.”

In any conversations on flooding and landslides in AJK, it is important to bear in mind that soil erosion from deforestation is a significant contributor to these disasters.

The GAP program is dedicated to treeplanting in order to combat deforestation and soil erosion.

After consulting with local experts and bioengineers, Islamic Relief made the strategic decision to plant robinia (kikr in Urdu) and pine trees over fifteen kilometers of land mass. While pine is a more long-term investment, taking ten to fifteen years to grow fully, the robinia will grow in one to two years. Both robinia and pine are indigenous to AJK. Robinia is an excellent species because while it does require sun, it does not require too much water – which is crucial in an area where the soil is dry and the water table is receding. Additionally, Robinia helps with land stabilization because of its deep root system which locks into the land and acts as an anchor, protecting against soil erosion. Furthermore, robinia flower buds provide pollination for bees, which then produce honey which can be a source of food and economic income.

Many women we spoke to in the communities impacted by the GAP project described how their families are now working on plantation sites and that they want to see more plantations expanded to increase women’s livelihoods and prevent climate change.