‘Pakistan among 10 most environmentally vulnerable countries’

Green Sindh project to focus on tree plantation and protecting fauna

A boy looks for recyclable items in the polluted waters of Karachi harbour, Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS

KARACHI:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that Pakistan is among the top 10 most environmentally vulnerable countries of the world and requires special initiatives and plans to combat climate change.

"Sindh is facing serious environmental issues which I am keen to address," he remarked while presiding over a meeting on 'Green Sindh Project' for which the provincial government has allocated Rs30 million.

‘Need to accelerate efforts to address climate change challenges’

Apart from the project, the federal government is also going to launch 'Green Pakistan Project' which will be completed at a cost of Rs800 million and Sindh is a 50% partner of the expenditure. Additional chief secretary (development) Muhammad Waseem told the CM that his government has already allocated Rs200 million for the project in the current budget.

Forest secretary Rizwan Memon, who is also member of the Board of Revenue, said that more mangroves will be planted to encourage habitation of marine fauna and provide protection from cyclones.


Talking about the wildlife, he said that the project will make special arrangements to improve habitation of wildlife, development of green belts in different cities and planting more trees.

Green project: 'Park extension to be completed within year'

The CM said that youth of the province will also be involved in tree plantation and making Sindh greener. "I am sure the civil society will help us if a serious initiative is taken by the government," he added.

During the meeting, it was mentioned that $1 billion fund is needed to fight climate change.

CM directed Waseem to take necessary measures and coordinate with international agencies and seek funds for the Green Sindh Project.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2016.

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