ISLAMABAD: Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen described his meetings with Pakistani leadership as highly productive and fruitful.

Following witnessing of signing ceremony of two projects including Increasing Communities Resilience to Climate Change and Unlocking Pathways to support implementation of carbon markets in Pakistan, he spoke to media and expressed satisfaction with his discussions with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman.

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

This transformative initiative will witness formation of community-based disaster risk response teams and committees, ensuring that local communities are equipped with necessary tools and knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies. Project’s scope extends beyond disaster management, as it envisions comprehensive habitat plan for ten villages in picturesque Kalash Valley.

In close collaboration with government and civil society stakeholders, this plan will pave way for sustainable development, balancing needs of communities with preservation of natural resources.

Key focus of initiative is promoting climate-forward natural resource management through nature-based solutions. This will include 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 changing climate and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Second project was signed with Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). Project aims to steer discourse around carbon trading and carbon markets by addressing knowledge gaps and fostering capacities to achieve maximum benefits from this mechanism.

This project will, therefore, focus on addressing current knowledge gaps in implementation framework of carbon markets, expedite discourse at both provincial and federal levels through capacity building and through advocacy, communications and outreach activities.

Danish Minister said, “Denmark and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in building climate-resilient green energy infrastructure including wind energy to overcome challenge of climate change and to resolve energy problems in Pakistan.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 17 2023

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