A Balochistan-based environmental organization has announced to establish Gwadar’s first climate school and install a new RO water plant to strengthen climate awareness and improve access to clean drinking water in the port city

Environmental activist Nafeesa Baloch, the only non-government member of the Provincial Environmental Protection Council headed by the Chief Minister of Balochistan, shared details of the initiatives during a meeting with Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, Baloch said her organization, Zameenk Balochistan, an indigenous, youth-led registered organization dedicated to climate education and the rehabilitation of climate-affected areas, has decided to launch the climate school to train young people in environmental leadership and climate resilience.

“The climate school will equip Gwadar’s youth with the knowledge and confidence to understand climate change and lead community-based solutions,” Baloch said. 

“Our aim is to build local climate leadership from the ground up.”

She added that Zameenk Balochistan will also install an RO water plant in Gwadar, which is expected to contribute to improving the city’s supply of clean drinking water.

Moin-ur-Rehman Khan welcomed the initiatives and assured full institutional support.

“GDA stands committed to promoting sustainable development, environmental protection and climate resilience in Gwadar,” he said. 

“We will continue to work closely with partners such as Zameenk Balochistan to support meaningful community-focused initiatives.”

Earlier in August, Zameenk Balochistan successfully completed a 30-day Climate School program in Gwadar, marking the graduation of its first batch of young climate learners.

The five-week initiative introduced children to climate science, environmental responsibility and local identity. 

Topics included Gwadar’s history, the difference between climate and weather, global warming, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and water conservation. The program concluded with students taking on roles as “young climate ambassadors of Gwadar.”

The organization called the program the realization of a long-term vision to build climate literacy and leadership among children in Balochistan, noting that participants demonstrated growing environmental awareness and responsibility.

Baloch has represented Balochistan at several high-level international climate forums, including the UN Water Conference 2023 and South Asia Convening, where she highlighted regional climate and environmental challenges. 

She has also worked extensively in Gwadar on community-based awareness, youth engagement and climate-focused advocacy.

She said the upcoming climate school and RO plant would help ensure that local communities, especially young people, are better equipped to shape the future of environmental stewardship in Gwadar, the report added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China