Islamabad, 15 November 2023 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA), hosted a comprehensive workshop involving various stakeholders for the development of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environment Policy. The aim of the workshop was to enhance climate resilience in communities by creating vital policy measures tailored to the region’s specific needs. Captain Retd. Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Chief Secretary, Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasized the importance of collective efforts involving government, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development agencies in addressing the challenges posed by the global climate crisis, especially in vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
He advocated for inclusive workshops that engage the most vulnerable communities, increasing awareness about resource use and sustainability. The workshop began with opening remarks and a presentation titled “State of Environment of Gilgit-Baltistan” by Mr. Shehzad Hasan Shigri, Director of GB-EPA. Shigri provided an overview of the environmental interventions already in place, identified existing gaps, and highlighted the need for expanded efforts and a comprehensive environmental policy. The event saw active participation from various government departments, agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
This diverse involvement ensures broad ownership of the policy and an inclusive approach to its development. Notably, the workshop included the participation of 23 women from different backgrounds, ensuring that gender-responsive recommendations are integrated into the forthcoming environment policy. Mr. Usman Manzoor, Programme Officer at UNDP, presented an overview of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Strategy (LTS), and UNDP’s Climate Promise Project initiatives. The workshop also included discussions on the primary focus areas of the upcoming GB Environment Policy.
Participants were grouped according to thematic areas such as Hydrology and Water Resources, Biodiversity, Green Initiative and Sustainable Development, Climate Change Livelihood and Social Protection, and Environment Policy. Group discussions led to presentations on key recommendations, which were shared with all participants to ensure collective awareness and consideration in future policy-making by UNDP. The Climate Promise Project by UNDP supports provincial governments in creating policies that align with NDCs and LTS goals. In addition to aiding the Gilgit-Baltistan government in environmental policy development, the project is also assisting the Government of Balochistan in formulating its Climate Change Policy, Action Plan, and Financing Strategy. It is also helping the Government of Sindh develop the Karachi Climate Action Plan to meet the targets set in the NDCs.
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