ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Living Indus Initiative has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by being selected as the World Restoration Flagship for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), announced this prestigious recognition in a letter addressed to Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
Outshining over 150 competing applications, the Living Indus Initiative secured support from more than 70 governments worldwide. Its focus on restoring vast areas within the Indus River basin, a critical ecosystem supporting 90% of Pakistan’s population and a significant portion of its economy, contributed to this remarkable achievement.
A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, provincial authorities, and the UN system, the Living Indus Initiative aims to enhance the environmental and health conditions of the Indus Basin. Its comprehensive approach tackles the ecological challenges posed by climate change, incorporating 25 measures that emphasize nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
Inger Andersen expressed her delight, praising the Living Indus Initiative as one of the world’s most promising, ambitious, and inspiring examples of large-scale restoration. This recognition highlights the impactful contributions of all stakeholders involved in the initiative, showcasing its significance for both people and the planet.
The World Restoration Flagships, including the Living Indus Initiative, will be officially unveiled in February 2024 during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6). The announcement will be commemorated through a global media campaign and extensive online outreach, reaching millions of people.
This acknowledgment signifies a major achievement for Pakistan, underscoring its dedication to global environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
