The Lens
Climate Dost
Reviving urban biodiversity through community action.
By Krusha Khakhar, QS ImpACT
With every tree planted and every volunteer engaged, MilKar and Climate Dost are making cities more resilient, proving that collective action can drive lasting environmental change.
Kashf Ahmed, winner of the QS ImpACT Community Biodiversity Protection Award, has been at the forefront of large-scale environmental restoration in Pakistan. Through his organisation, MilKar, which is alsoPakistan’s largest volunteer network, he partnered with Climate Dost to launch impactful urban biodiversity initiatives, proving the power of youth-led action.
The Urban Biodiversity Revival Project
To combat biodiversity loss and promote sustainable urban living, Climate Dost implemented large-scale conservation efforts in collaboration with local communities. The initiative resulted in the installation of 30,000 bird feeders, the planting of 50,000 trees, and the engagement of 5,000 youth volunteers, directly contributing to SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Beyond planting trees, Climate Dost focused on long-term sustainability. The organisation also trained volunteers to monitor tree health, implemented watering schedules, installed protective guards, and applied mulch to retain soil moisture. Community members also played an active role, ensuring the trees’ survival and creating a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Impact Through Collaboration
Climate Dost’s success was amplified through strategic partnerships with organisations like WWF, Al-Khidmat Foundation, and MilKar Foundation. These collaborations enabled large-scale reforestation efforts, strengthened urban ecosystems and empowered communities to take ownership of their local green spaces.
With the support of these partnerships, Climate Dost has been able to extend its reach beyond tree-planting efforts. By building local and international collaborations, they have launched conservation projects that improve air quality and urban resilience, while creating meaningful opportunities for youth engagement in sustainability efforts.
With every tree planted and every volunteer engaged, MilKar and Climate Dost are making cities more resilient, proving that collective action can drive lasting environmental change.
Looking Ahead
With every bird feeder installed and every tree planted, their work helps raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity in urban spaces.
Urban biodiversity loss is a growing challenge worldwide, but initiatives like Climate Dost's show that local action can create change. By mobilising young people, forging new partnerships and expanding conservation efforts, these activities create healthier urban habitats, restore ecosystems and ensure biodiversity can thrive in cities.
If this story inspires you and you’d like to support young changemakers like Kashf in expanding their impact, reach out to QS ImpACT at partnerships@qsimpact.org.
QS ImpACT is a UNEP-accredited global charity registered in the UK and Wales and the global SDG incubator for a better world. Our global community of youth grows and earns recognition for their positive impact on society. We equip young leaders with the skills to drive impactful actions through strategic collaborations with universities, organisations, and communities. In 2024, we impacted over 162,000 people across 101 countries, with over 7,000 community members and 50 Youth Ambassadors.
The culmination of the 2024 calendar year at QS ImpACT was marked by the prestigious QS ImpACT Awards, serving as our organisation's flagship event. The overarching theme and mission of the awards centered on celebrating youth-led impact through sustainable initiatives and innovations.
It featured influential speeches and engaging discussions, showcasing the participation of distinguished leaders from the United Nations, top university leaders, and sustainability experts. The final eight winners of the QS ImpACT Awards 2024 came from six different countries, driving change across diverse areas—from climate education and sustainable innovation to biodiversity protection, plastic pollution solutions, and waste management advocacy. Their collective impact highlights the power of young changemakers in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.