'Blue carbon project restoring Indus delta'

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, speaking at COP-29 on Nature's Carbon Solution, emphasised the transformative Delta Blue Carbon (DBC) project in the Indus delta, an official handout said on Sunday.

"We have [in Sindh] a 230-kilometre coastline and its 667,000 hectares of wetland ecosystems in mitigating and adapting to climate change."

He said this while speaking at COP-29, titled "Nature's Carbon Solution: The Delta Blue Carbon Story - Tech Zero: Navigating the Digital Frontier in Coastal Climate Solutions, organised by the Sindh Forest Department, in collaboration with the DBC.

Shah noted the severe degradation of mangrove forests due to historical policy failures, deforestation, and reduced freshwater inflow. Since the 1980s, the Sindh government has been working to restore these vital ecosystems, he claimed.

The Delta Blue Carbon Project, launched in 2013 and implemented in 2015, stands as a pioneering public-private partnership between the Sindh Forest and Wildlife Department and Indus Delta Capital (IDC) Limited. This initiative has gained global acclaim for its innovative approach, earning Triple Gold Level Validation for climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and community development.

Shah praised the project for enhancing Pakistan's resilience to climate change while fostering sustainable livelihoods and improving coastal ecosystems. He called for international recognition of such initiatives and stressed the importance of transparent collaboration with project proponents to ensure the effective use of carbon credits under national commitments.

During a panel discussion, Mandy Rambharos, CEO of VERRA, commended the Delta Blue Carbon Project for its ground-breaking work in mangrove restoration and sustainable community engagement. She highlighted the role of public-private partnerships and innovative technologies in addressing climate challenges, describing the project as a global model for effective climate action.

The event also stressed the importance of incentivising local communities through initiatives like Mangrove Stewardship Agreements. These agreements aim to ensure the sustainable restoration and conservation of blue carbon habitats while directly benefiting local populations.

The Delta Blue Carbon Project has emerged as a beacon of nature-based solutions, demonstrating how digital innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful progress against climate change.

The Sindh government's leadership in climate adaptation and mitigation was lauded during group discussions, solidifying the province's role as a global leader in sustainable development.

In the end, Shah reaffirmed Sindh's commitment to securing a sustainable future for coastal ecosystems and communities. The DBC Project's success at COP-29 highlighted Pakistan's dedication to addressing climate challenges through innovative, collaborative efforts.