Reconnecting People with Nature’s Forgotten Knowledge
In an age where most people identify plants only as decorative landscap-ing or background scenery, botanical walks offer a rare opportunity to re-discover the natural world. These guided walks are more than recrea-tional hikes; they are immersive learning experiences that introduce participants to the plants, trees, herbs, and ecosystems that surround them.
Led by experts, botanical walks help people understand the medici-nal, nutritional, ecological, and cultural significance of native plant species while fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Around the world, botanical walks have become popular tools for envir-onmental education and conserva-tion awareness. Participants learn how plants contribute to biodiversity, support wildlife, and, in many cases, provide remedies and food that have been used for centuries.
Bringing a Global Concept to Islamabad
In Islamabad, where the Margalla Hills National Park provides a rich natural landscape, botanical walks are still a relatively new concept. Yet they are gaining attention thanks to the efforts of Maha, an artist and nature enthusiast who has introduced a unique platform for exploring the city’s botanical heritage.
Maha’s journey into organizing botanical walks began not from an academic background in botany, but from a personal desire to better understand Islamabad and the environment around her. Having completed a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture in Canada, she moved to Islamabad several years ago and found herself searching for meaningful ways to connect with the city.
From Personal Curiosity to a Public Initiative
The inspiration for botanical walks dates back to the COVID-19 lockdown period. During a stay in Nathia Gali, Maha became fascinated by the abundance of plants growing in the region and the traditional knowledge associated with them. Local residents introduced her to herbs and plants that had medicinal, nutritional, and culinary uses.
The experience revealed a gap in knowledge that she believes many urban Pakistanis share. While local communities often possess valuable knowledge about indigenous plants, much of that understanding is gradually disappearing from mainstream society.
Determined to create an opportunity for people to reconnect with this knowledge, Maha began searching for an expert who could lead public botanical walks.
Partnering with a Leading Botanist
Maha eventually approached academic institutions and was connected with Professor Dr. Rehmatullah Qureshi, one of Pakistan’s leading botanists. Together, they developed the idea of guided plant walks in the Margalla Hills.
The concept was simple but powerful. Participants would walk through natural trails while learning how to identify native plants and understand their ecological and traditional significance. Dr. Qureshi introduces plants using their scientific, English, and local names while explaining their characteristics, medicinal properties, and role within the ecosystem.
The Success of the First Botanical Walk
Despite concerns that public interest might be limited, the first botanical walk attracted participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including artists, environmentalists, filmmakers, researchers, and gardening enthusiasts.
The experience quickly evolved into more than a lesson in botany. Participants shared stories about how certain plants were used in their own cultures and communities, creating a unique exchange of scientific knowledge and cultural traditions.
Conservation Through Education
A central message of the botanical walks is environmental stewardship. While participants learn about edible and medicinal plants, they are also reminded that the Margalla Hills form part of a protected national park.
The purpose of the walks is not to encourage harvesting but to promote appreciation, understanding, and responsible conservation of natural resources. Maha believes that education is one of the most effective tools for protecting biodiversity and fostering long-term environmental awareness.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nature Stewards
exposure to nature will help young people develop a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
Children and teenagers are encouraged to attend the walks free of charge, reflecting Maha’s belief that conservation begins with education. She hopes that early By learning to identify plants and understand ecosystems, children gain a personal connection with the natural world, an essential step toward protecting it in the future.
Reconnecting People with Nature
At a time when concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and rapid urbanization are becoming increasingly urgent, botanical walks offer a simple yet meaningful way to reconnect people with nature.
Through her collaboration with Dr. Rehmatullah Qureshi, Maha has transformed a personal curiosity into a growing community initiative. In doing so, she is helping Islamabad’s residents rediscover a form of knowledge that has existed for generations but is often forgotte, the ability to recognize, understand, and value the plants that share our landscape.
