ISLAMABAD: Danish Minister for Development Assistance and Climate Change Policy Dan Jorgensen on Thursday witnessed the signing of two projects to increase communities’ resilience to climate change and to unlock pathways to support implementation of carbon markets in Pakistan.

The Danish minister was in Islamabad to launch Green Action Plan and sign landmark climate projects.

The first project was signed with Aga Khan Foundation, heralding a new era of resilience in the northern Pakistan. Over the next two years, a groundbreaking project would be implemented, encompassing a range of innovative measures designed to enhance disaster response, strengthen infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.

The initiative would witness the formation of community-based disaster risk response teams and committees, ensuring that local communities were equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies.

Embassy says two countries are determined to forge ahead with their green engagement programme4

The project’s scope extended beyond disaster management as it envisioned a comprehensive habitat plan for 10 villages in the picturesque Kalash valley.

A key focus of the initiative is promoting climate-forward natural resource management through nature-based solutions. This will include the installation and upgrading of irrigation infrastructure, harnessing solar power for lift irrigation, empowering communities to establish passive solar greenhouses and providing training to local farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices.

By embracing these solutions, communities will be able to adapt to the changing climate and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The second project was signed with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) aimed to steer the discourse around carbon trading and carbon markets in Pakistan by addressing knowledge gaps and fostering capacities to achieve maximum benefits from this mechanism.

While carbon markets presented an enormous opportunity for Pakistan to mitigate its emissions, meet its NDCs and generate revenue, their development and utilisation had not been effective. Denmark presented a remarkable model in effective implementation of carbon trading in various sectors including agriculture and transport electrification, further aiming to introduce carbon taxes for sectors like corporate sector. Denmark can offer Pakistan effective best practices and knowledge to transform the country’s carbon trading sectors.

Earlier, Minister Jorgensen participated in a tree plantation event at Margalla Hills to reinforce Denmark’s commitment to engaging youth in the climate agenda and supporting Pakistan’s initiative to plant ten billion trees.

The embassy of Denmark said the two countries were determined to forge ahead with their Danish-Pakistani Green Engagement, working hand in hand to address economic and climate crises, build resilient communities and promote sustainable development.

By fostering partnerships and embracing green solutions, both nations can create a brighter and greener future.

The ambassador of Denmark in Islamabad, Jacob Linulf, welcomed all partners and friends in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives to his residence for the signing ceremony.

Minister Jorgensen said it was extremely important that relations between the two countries should be strengthened through green transition.

“When flooding, drought and other consequences of climate change happen, it is necessary to look at water management and ensure people have access to water, where Denmark has a lot of expertise. Second is mitigation. It is important that Pakistan has good secure energy. Here Denmark also has a lot of experience. We have managed to reduce our emissions by 50 per cent while doubling the size of our economy. Green transition will not hurt Pakistani economy. It makes good economic sense,” he said.

Earlier, Minister Jorgensen held meetings with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sherry Rehman, Minister for Climate Change, and discussed various aspects of climate action and cooperation.

They expressed their satisfaction with the current explorations of cooperation, particularly in the area of green transition.

They also announced the formal launch of the action plan under the Green Framework Engagement agreement between Denmark and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2023