Islamabad, In a significant global environmental achievement, Pakistan’s Living Indus Initiative has been recognized as the World Restoration Flagship of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This landmark recognition was announced by Ms. Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in a letter to Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
According to Press Information Department, the Living Indus Initiative, selected from over 150 applications, received support from more than 70 governments worldwide. It is dedicated to restoring millions of hectares in the Indus River basin, a vital ecosystem that supports 90% of Pakistan’s population and is a significant contributor to its economy.
Developed jointly by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, provincial authorities, and the UN system, the Living Indus Initiative aims to improve the environmental and health conditions of the Indus Basin. The initiative focuses on addressing ecological challenges exacerbated by climate change through a holistic approach that includes 25 measures emphasizing nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
Ms. Inger Andersen praised the Living Indus Initiative as one of the world’s most promising, ambitious, and inspiring examples of large-scale restoration. This recognition not only highlights the initiative’s significant impact on both people and the planet but also reflects the concerted efforts of all parties involved in the project.
The World Restoration Flagships, including the Living Indus Initiative, will be publicly announced in February 2024 during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6). This announcement will be part of a global media campaign and extensive online outreach, potentially reaching millions of people worldwide.
This prestigious recognition marks a milestone for Pakistan, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development on the international stage.