ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday unveiled the Challenge Fund for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, an initiative aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s capacity to adapt to the increasing threats posed by climate change.

The announcement was made by Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination during the launch, signaling a significant step forward in the country’s climate adaptation efforts.

A statement issued by the ministry said the Challenge Fund was financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and would be jointly implemented by GIZ Pakistan and Adam Smith International (ASI). This initiative formed a key component of the Pak-German Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP), a collaboration under the umbrella of German development cooperation’s bilateral projects in Pakistan.

The fund would operate within GIZ’s Energy, Climate Change and Just Transition Cluster, in partnership with Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

The Challenge Fund is aligned with Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a comprehensive framework designed to address vulnerabilities arising from climate change. The NAP focuses on reducing risks associated with extreme weather events, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development in critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, urban planning and infrastructure. It also adheres to global adaptation goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The initiative targeted vulnerable areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), regions experiencing heightened risks such as flooding, water scarcity, and agricultural challenges. By prioritising high-impact, gender-responsive and scalable infrastructure projects, the fund aims to build resilience at both local and national levels.

The Challenge Fund would support up to five demonstration projects, each designed to be implemented within a year. These projects were expected to showcase practical and sustainable approaches to climate resilience. Applicants were encouraged to propose innovative solutions tailored to rural, peri-urban, or urban settings. Priority would be given to projects that were technically feasible, sustainable, and capable of driving long-term resilience for local economies and communities.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “the launch of the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Challenge Fund marks a milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s adaptive capacity. ”

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2025

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