Amir Khan

The United Nations has launched a new project to help Pakistan build climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements, said an environmental expert at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination while talking to WealthPK on the condition of anonymity. The project is christened "Building Climate-Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Human Settlement through Nature-Based Solutions". The project is not a stand-alone initiative, but rather a part of the UN Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023. It falls under the umbrella of the flagship program "Rise Up-Resilient Settlements for Urban Poor," which aims to promote urban adaptation and climate resilience in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. "Pakistan's long coastline makes it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in its coastal and marine ecosystems," said the environmental researcher. "Rehri Goth is one of the most exposed areas to climate-related risks such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and loss of biodiversity.

These risks are exacerbated by rapid urbanization, population growth, and underlying vulnerabilities such as poverty and limited access to the basic services," the researcher explained. The project aims to build climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements in Rehri Goth – a coastal region of Karachi, through nature-based solutions. This ambitious yet crucial goal is closely aligned with Pakistan's sustainable development goals, which focus on uplifting the vulnerable coastal communities that are severely impacted by the climate change. The project also aims to enhance local resilience and adaptive capacity across households, communities, and human settlements by combining the strengths of both soft measures (capacity building, action plans) and hard measures (protective infrastructure investment, eco-friendly interventions).

The researcher highlighted that what set this project apart was its dedication to inclusivity. He said special attention was given to the needs of marginalized groups, including women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. Their active participation ensures that climate resilience is embedded in every layer of the community." He further explained that the initiative encompassed several key components to enhance climate-resilient human settlement development. One crucial aspect involves "strengthening institutional and community capabilities, ensuring that the local populations are empowered to actively engage in sustainable progress." Another facet focuses on creating an environment conducive to nature-based solutions, promoting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and essential services that work in harmony with the nature. By integrating these solutions, the goal is to bolster the region's defences against the adverse effects of climate change.

The researcher also emphasized the importance of "effective local-level planning" for the success of the project. He said the incorporation of natural-based solutions and climate change adaptation into the planning process yielded a more comprehensive approach to resilience. Lastly, he said the project emphasizes knowledge management and sharing, aiming to disseminate experiences and best practices, thereby extending its impact well beyond the initial scope. "As the world watches, Pakistan's bold step towards climate resilience promises to be a beacon of hope for other vulnerable regions. The project's comprehensive approach, merging environmental protection with community development, is poised to create a transformative impact," said the environmental expert.

Credit: INP-WealthPk