German Government Strengthens Climate Resilience in Pakistan: Collaborative Projects Showcased at Climate Adaptation Forum

Peshawar: Recognizing Pakistan’s escalating susceptibility to climate change, the German Government has been actively assisting the Pakistani Government in climate change adaptation through the Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP). Various initiatives, including the KfW Billion Tree Afforestation Support Project (BTASP) and the GiZ Strengthening Adaptation and Resilience Project, are underway as part of this collaboration.

An event hosted by the Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership at the Pakistan Forest Institute in Peshawar shed light on the ongoing efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event coincided with the visit of a high-level delegation from the German Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation, KfW German Development Bank, and GIZ. Notable figures such as Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary, P&D Department KP, and Helmut Fischer, Head of Division Afghanistan, Pakistan German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, addressed the Climate Adaptation Forum.

Helmut Fischer emphasized Germany’s support for Pakistan in developing and implementing national climate targets, expanding renewable energy use, analyzing climate risks, and accessing international climate financing. The 2021 agreement between Pakistan and Germany on a climate and energy partnership, including continuous political dialogue and private sector involvement, was highlighted.

Junaid Dayar, Project Director of the Billion Tree Afforestation Support Project KP Forest Department, emphasized the threat posed to the livelihoods of the poor population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to high deforestation rates. He outlined the government initiatives, such as the Billion Tree Afforestation Program (BTAP) and the 10 Billion Trees Tsunami Programme (TBTTP), now known as “Green Pakistan,” with KfW financing through the BTASP to ensure participatory and sustainable management of restored forest landscapes.

Khadija Bano, Advisor, SAR Project GIZ Pakistan, discussed the comprehensive approach of the Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAR) project, covering climate risk management, financial instruments, and access to international climate finance. The project, active at the provincial level, collaborates with local partners like Lasoona to integrate climate change into various aspects of society and raise awareness.

Syed Nazar Hussain Shah, Secretary Climate Change KP, concluded the forum by presenting Forest Department gift hampers to the German Government delegation and other participants. The event provided a platform for fruitful exchanges on climate change adaptation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, involving government partners, project implementers, and international experts.