Climate Resilience and Water Management Projects Launched in Balochistan
Pakistan strengthens climate resilience with new water management projects in Balochistan, supported by FAO and the World Bank, ensuring food security and sustainable development.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a significant step towards climate resilience and sustainable water management with the launch of two major initiatives in Balochistan and Sindh. These projects, backed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, aim to enhance food security, support vulnerable communities, and integrate sustainable water resource management.
Integrated Water Resource Management in Balochistan
The Balochistan Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) project has been formally approved by the provincial government, with technical assistance from the FAO. Funded by the World Bank, this initiative will enhance institutional capacity, manage both surface and groundwater resources, and promote gender-inclusive governance.
Key Highlights of the IWRM Project:
- Development of a legal framework for sustainable water governance.
- Integration of climate adaptation strategies into water management policies.
- Promotion of gender-inclusive approaches in decision-making.
- Enhanced institutional coordination for resource management.
Dr. Robina Wahaj, FAO’s Senior Land and Water Officer, emphasized the importance of this project, stating: “This initiative aligns water management with climate adaptation strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to governance challenges.”
The FAO’s Balochistan head, Waleed Mahdi, called it “a milestone in sustainable and inclusive water governance.”
BRAVE Initiative Launched in Sindh
Simultaneously, the Building Resilience and Addressing Vulnerabilities to Emergencies (BRAVE) initiative was launched in Sujawal, Sindh. Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, BRAVE will support 60 villages across Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab, benefiting approximately 9,000 households per district.
Objectives of BRAVE Initiative:
- Strengthen climate resilience among vulnerable communities.
- Improve food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
- Implement climate-resilient interventions in key sectors including livestock, forestry, and renewable energy.
The program is being led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with FAO, Unicef, CARE International, ACTED, and Islamic Relief.
During a high-level meeting in Sujawal, government officials and development partners launched the Extended Technical Working Group, which will oversee and drive climate-resilient strategies.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sujawal, Abdul Karim Sangrasi, called the initiative “a pivotal step in building long-term resilience against climate change.”
Collaborative Efforts for Climate Adaptation
The success of these projects lies in their multi-stakeholder approach, combining governmental efforts, international funding, and technical expertise from various organizations. The FAO Sindh head, Julius Githinji Muchemi, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment by stating: “Through collaborative knowledge-sharing and innovative models, we aim to transform agri-food systems and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.”
Why Climate Resilience Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change. Issues such as water scarcity, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation continue to threaten food security and livelihoods, especially in provinces like Balochistan and Sindh.
By implementing integrated water resource management and climate adaptation projects, Pakistan is:
- Ensuring water security for agricultural and domestic use.
- Enhancing food production resilience against climate fluctuations.
- Strengthening community capacities to mitigate climate-related risks.
- Developing gender-inclusive water governance frameworks.
Future Prospects and Sustainability
The sustainability of these projects depends on:
- Continuous government support and policy enforcement.
- Ongoing international funding and technical assistance.
- Community participation in sustainable practices.
- Strengthening of local institutions to manage resources effectively.
Conclusion
The launch of climate resilience and water management projects in Balochistan and Sindh marks a significant step towards a sustainable future for Pakistan. By addressing water scarcity and climate vulnerabilities through integrated policies, innovative solutions, and international collaboration, these initiatives will pave the way for long-term environmental stability and food security.
For more updates on Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts, explore Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and FAO Pakistan.
Internal Links:
- Climate Change Policies in Pakistan
- Impact of Water Scarcity on Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture Strategies
