ISLAMABAD: In a significant step towards combating climate change, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan Friday joined forces to build climate resilience in Pakistan’s mountainous and coastal regions.

A statement issued by the ministry said that this collaboration, formalized through a Letter of Understanding (LoU) signed here aimed to enhance livelihood security and foster sustainable socio-economic development in vulnerable areas.

The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving Pakistan’s climate and development goals.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, she underscored the critical need for inclusive and resilient development strategies to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in fragile ecosystems.

“The LoU is a crucial step towards addressing the vulnerabilities faced by mountain communities and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in regions severely affected by climate change,” Romina Alam remarked.

The agreement focused on rural and coastal areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh’s coastal belt. The initiative sought to mitigate the adverse effects of glacial melting, sea-level rise, and agricultural vulnerabilities by implementing targeted climate interventions.

The LoU was signed by Aisha Humera Moriani, who is Secretary at the Ministry of Climate Change, and Akhtar Iqbal, the CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan.

Senior officials from the ministry, including Additional Secretary-I Zulfiqar Yunus, Additional Secretary-II Hammad Shamimi, and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Khalida Bashir, attended the event.

Aisha Humera Moriani emphasized the severe climate threats faced by Gilgit-Baltistan, often referred to as the “roof of the world,” where glacial lake outbursts, flash floods, and landslides disrupted infrastructure and livelihoods. Similarly, Sindh’s coastal areas are contending with sea intrusion, groundwater contamination, and declining agricultural productivity.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces frequent floods, droughts, and soil erosion, exacerbating deforestation and agricultural losses.

Additional Secretary Zulfiqar Yunus announced the recent approval of Pakistan’s carbon market policy by the prime minister. This policy enabled carbon trading under the Paris Agreement, allowing Pakistan to trade carbon credits internationally and attract green investments.

Romina Alam expressed the hope that the partnership with AKF-P would drive climate-smart agriculture, resource management, and infrastructure development while empowering local communities. The Aga Khan Foundation, with its expertise in clean energy and environmental education, was expected to play a vital role in strengthening community resilience, the statement said.

According to the this partnership aimed to protect ecosystems, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable development, advancing Pakistan’s climate resilience agenda.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025