PPAF for Concerted Strategy to Mitigate Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Quetta (26 June 2024)

Quetta, June 26, 2024: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in collaboration with the Center for Peace Development (CPD), BRDS, and IDO, organized a seminar to celebrate World Environment Day. Themed "Our Land, Our Future," the seminar aimed to raise awareness about the adverse effects of climate change on human lives and the environment and the role of all stakeholders in addressing this issue effectively. Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail was the chief guest of the seminar. The seminar highlighted climate change as the biggest challenge of the 21st century, especially for Pakistan, one of the top five countries most affected by its extraordinary impacts. While addressing the seminar, Governor Mandokhail urged the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to mitigate the risks of climate change. He quoted an environmental expert who discussed the water scarcity issue in Quetta, stating that the city needs another 300 years to control the alarming degee of water depletion. Human and livestock lives are in danger due to environmental hazards, a series of natural disasters, and public indifference caused by government neglect, Mandokhail deplored. He added that almost 70% of people in Balochistan are dependent on agriculture and cattle, and if a coordinated plan is not developed, there will be dire repercussions in the near future, which need immediate attention and consistent policies to overcome this issue. To reduce the threat posed by climate change, natural disasters, deforestation, and land degradation, he urged for changing legislation and planting saplings domestically. He emphasized the need to conserve the environment. The governor praised the PPAF and CPD for their efforts to raise public awareness of the negative effects of climate change among the public, academic community, and lawmakers. Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of PPAF, said, “World Environment Day is an essential platform to bring global attention to the critical environmental issues we face. Educating our youth about these challenges is crucial. Through awareness and education, we can inspire individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take meaningful environmental actions.” Barech emphasized the severe impacts of climate change on agriculture and health. "Altered precipitation patterns and extreme weather events directly impact farmers, especially smallholders. Rising temperatures expand the range of vector-borne diseases, disproportionately affecting poorer communities," he noted. Highlighting PPAF's initiatives, Barech said, "We advocate for climate-friendly policies and empower communities for sustainable resource management. Our projects focus on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure." During a panel discussion on Land Restoration, Combating Desertification, and Drought Resilience, Dr. Rubaba Buledi, advisor to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Ghulam Muhammad, Chief Conservator of the Forest Department, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Bazai, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Balochistan, Dr. Tahir Rasheed, CEO of BRSP, and Former MPA Qadir Nael shed the light on the issues related to climate change, challenges and desired role of all stakeholders to address this global issue. Earlier, the CEO of CPD introduced the PPAF’s flagship program, the Restoration of Social Services (RSS) project. The CEO explained that the RSS project aims to strengthen community resilience against climate change through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.