Dubai, At the COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar announced the launch of “Recharge Pakistan,” a $77.8 million project aimed at using nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change over the next seven years.
According to World Wildlife Fund, the initiative was unveiled at Pakistan’s pavilion at COP28, where global leaders and environmentalists convened to address climate change issues. Recharge Pakistan aims to revolutionize environmental care in Pakistan, focusing on strengthening the Indus Basin and protecting vulnerable populations in the region.
The project is a collaborative effort involving substantial funding from multiple partners. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) contributes $66 million, with additional support of $5 million each from USAID and The Coca-Cola Foundation, and $1.8 million from WWF. This financing reflects a significant international investment in Pakistan’s ecological and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Kakar, speaking at COP28, highlighted the critical role of the Indus Basin in Pakistan’s climate adaptation strategy. He underscored the importance of ecosystem-based approaches under the “Living Indus” framework, aiming to mitigate the impacts of flooding and drought. The Recharge Pakistan project, as a central component of this strategy, is expected to serve as a global model for climate innovation.
The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan praised the initiative as a groundbreaking partnership that centers communities in climate and resource management. Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, expressed excitement about joining the coalition, emphasizing the project’s significance for communities along the Indus River and its role in supporting agricultural sustainability.
Dr. Adil Najam, President of WWF, remarked on the project’s importance for environmental and community responsibility, especially in light of the devastating 2022 floods. He noted the project’s aim to restore the Indus Basin and enhance Pakistan’s climate resilience.
Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the critical need for appropriate finance, partnerships, and planning in addressing climate crises. He hailed Recharge Pakistan as a bold step towards protecting ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future.
The project involves Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change, the Federal Flood Commission, local communities in Dera Ismail Khan, the Ramak Watershed, and Manchar-Chakar Watershed, alongside international partners like the Green Climate Fund, USAID, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and WWF.