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HYDERABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam and Hoopo Inc. (Canada) on Thursday have joined hands to establish a University Smart Carbon Management Task Force and implement agriculture, forestry and nature-based carbon management solutions with the vision of transforming rural areas into carbon-neutral model villages.
At a ceremony held at SAU, experts voiced serious concern over Sindh’s rapidly declining forest cover, now less than three percent and emphasized the urgent need to introduce carbon literacy programs in universities and strengthen carbon credit marketing mechanisms to combat the escalating impacts of climate change.
According to the SAU spokesperson, the event, organized in collaboration with Hoopo Inc. Canada also marked the distribution of Carbon Awareness Tokens (CATs) among students at the Senate Hall, drawing a large gathering of faculty members and students.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, in his presidential address said that rapidly growing industries, transportation expansion and energy sectors were significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions, which was adversely affecting the ecological balance.
He pointed out that increasing urban traffic and the absence of filters or clean technologies in industries had turned air pollution into a major public and environmental challenge.
VC added that the ceremony was not just about token distribution but an acknowledgment of students’ contributions to various climate-related initiatives and competitions. Under this partnership, he noted, multiple initiatives including mangrove and riverine forest plantation, silage and livestock projects and AI-enabled carbon literacy programs had been launched to empower students with modern climate knowledge and practical skills for a sustainable future.
Dean Faculty of Crop Protection Prof. Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi lauded Hoopo Canada’s efforts, calling the collaboration a milestone for SAU in promoting startups, entrepreneurship and hands-on student engagement. He cited projects such as biochar development, Moringa pitcher tree plantation, silage capacity building and poverty alleviation as effective models for sustainable development.
Dr. Abdul Waheed Solangi, focal person for Hoopo Canada, explained that under the partnership, two key goals had been set, establishing the University Smart Carbon Management Task Force and implementing carbon management solutions across agriculture, forestry and natural resources, with a special focus on developing model carbon-neutral villages.
He added that through the Carbon Awareness Tokens program, students were gaining productive knowledge about climate change, carbon markets and modern science along with earning opportunities, bringing the “learn and earn” concept to life.
The ceremony concluded with the Vice Chancellor distributing Carbon Awareness Tokens and cash awards among students for their outstanding performance.