Islamabad: Government, humanitarian, and development leaders convened in Islamabad to explore Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as effective strategies for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and disaster risks in Pakistan. The two-day national seminar, organized by WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), aimed to identify practical pathways for scaling up NbS across the country.

According to WWF-Pakistan, the event served as a platform to strengthen partnerships and accelerate the integration of NbS into climate adaptation and sustainable development efforts. Amir Mohyuddin, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, emphasized the shifting monsoon patterns and increasing flood dynamics in Pakistan. He highlighted the Ministry's initiatives to address these challenges and commended the contributions of WWF-Pakistan and PRCS in promoting innovative NbS.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, discussed the organization's efforts in developing and scaling NbS such as floating treatment wetlands and check dams. These interventions, part of the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project, have benefited over 500,000 people across 16 districts and are set to expand under the Recharge Pakistan program, expected to benefit 680,000 people and enhance climate resilience for over seven million residents.

Participants at the seminar engaged in technical and panel discussions, focusing on policies, financing, and collaboration needed to scale NbS implementation. Mrs. Farzhana Naek, Chairperson of PRCS, highlighted the necessity for stronger institutional coordination, supportive policies, and community engagement to advance NbS nationwide.