ISLAMABAD: Terming it a groundbreaking achievement, the Ministry of Climate Change said on Friday that Pakistan’s Living Indus initiative had been selected as the World Restoration Flagship of the United Nations (UN) Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The announcement was made by Inger Andersen, who is the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in a letter addressed to Pakistan’s minister for climate change and environmental coordination.

The Living Indus initiative stood out among more than 150 applications and garnered support from over 70 governments worldwide. The initiative’s dedication to restoring millions of hectares in the Indus River basin, a critical ecosystem supporting 90pc of Pakistan’s population and driving a significant portion of its economy, earned it this prestigious recognition.

Developed jointly by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, provincial authorities, and the UN system, the Living Indus initiative represented a collaborative effort to uplift the environmental and health conditions of the Indus Basin. The ministry said that its holistic approach addressed the ecological challenges faced by the fragile basin due to climate change, with a set of 25 measures emphasising nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.

Expressing her delight, Inger Andersen commended the Living Indus initiative for being one of the world’s most promising, ambitious, and inspiring examples of large-scale restoration. The recognition reflected the tireless efforts of everyone involved in and supportive of the initiative, highlighting its significant impact on both people and the planet, the ministry said, quoting the UNEP official.

The World Restoration Flagships, including the Living Indus initiative, would be publicly announced in February 2024, during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6). The announcement would be celebrated through a global media campaign and wide online outreach, with an anticipated reach of millions of people.

The ministry said that the recognition marked a significant milestone for Pakistan, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development on the global stage.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2023