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HomeEnvironmental ImpactsPPAF: A Unified Approach to Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change

PPAF: A Unified Approach to Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change

“Raising Awareness for a Sustainable Future: Seminar on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation in Quetta”

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) recently collaborated with the Center for Peace Development (CPD), BRDS, and IDO to organize a seminar in Quetta to celebrate World Environment Day. The seminar, themed “Our Land, Our Future,” aimed to raise awareness about the adverse effects of climate change on human lives and the environment, emphasizing the role of all stakeholders in addressing this pressing issue effectively.

Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail graced the seminar as the chief guest, where climate change was highlighted as the most significant challenge of the 21st century, particularly for Pakistan, one of the top five countries most affected by its extraordinary impacts. Governor Mandokhail stressed the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to mitigate the risks of climate change, citing an environmental expert who discussed the water scarcity issue in Quetta. The expert mentioned that the city needs another 300 years to control the alarming degree of water depletion, putting human and livestock lives at risk due to environmental hazards, natural disasters, and public indifference caused by government neglect.

With almost 70% of people in Balochistan dependent on agriculture and cattle, Governor Mandokhail emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated plan to address the dire repercussions of climate change in the near future. He called for immediate attention and consistent policies to overcome this critical issue, advocating for changes in legislation and domestic tree planting to reduce the threat posed by climate change, natural disasters, deforestation, and land degradation.

Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of PPAF, highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on agriculture and health, emphasizing the importance of educating youth about environmental challenges. He praised the efforts of PPAF and CPD in raising public awareness about the negative effects of climate change and advocating for climate-friendly policies and sustainable resource management.

During a panel discussion on Land Restoration, Combating Desertification, and Drought Resilience, various experts shared insights on the impacts of climate change on different sectors. Dr. Rubaba Buledi, advisor to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, highlighted the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on women and stressed the importance of working together to mitigate damages. Ghulam Muhammad, Chief Conservator of the Forest Department, discussed efforts in combating desertification through afforestation and reforestation, while Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Bazai, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Balochistan, advocated for climate-smart agricultural practices and efficient irrigation techniques.

Dr. Tahir Rasheed, CEO of BRSP, emphasized the importance of community-driven projects in restoring degraded lands and improving agricultural practices, while former MPA Qadir Nael underscored the need for Pakistan to prioritize environmental issues to avoid catastrophic consequences. The CEO of CPD introduced the PPAF’s flagship program, the Restoration of Social Services (RSS) project, aimed at strengthening community resilience against climate change through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

Overall, the seminar served as a platform to raise awareness about the critical environmental issues posed by climate change and the urgent need for collective action to address these challenges effectively. The speakers and participants highlighted the importance of sustainable practices, community empowerment, and policy changes to build resilience against the impacts of climate change in Balochistan and beyond.

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