Baku: A $77 million initiative, “Recharge Pakistan,” aimed at addressing the escalating flood risks through ecosystem-based adaptation, was announced at the COP29 climate conference.

According to Press Information Department, Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of adapting these strategies to protect vulnerable communities and build climate resilience. The initiative, supported by the Green Climate Fund and implemented in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, aims to transform flood management approaches, enhance biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods in flood-prone regions of Pakistan.

At the event, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director-General of WWF-Pakistan, outlined the project’s objectives to restore wetlands for excess water storage, benefiting over 680,000 people directly. The initiative plans to reduce flood extent by 50,800 hectares and capture significant water resources for use during dry months. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal of WWF-International and Kristen Sarri from USAID highlighted the global significance of the project and stressed the need for local community involvement to ensure success and resilience against future climate challenges.