Updated National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2021

4.1. Water Resource 4 Policy Measures 5 I. Water Storage and Infrastructure 5 II. Water Conservation Strategies 5 III. Integrated Water Resource Management 5 IV. Legislative Framework 6 V. Enhancing Capacity 7 VI. Awareness Raising 7

4.2. Agriculture and Livestock 7 Policy Measures 8 I. Research 8 II. Technology 8 III. General Management 9 IV. Risk Management 9

4.3. Human Health 10 Policy Measures 10

4.4. Forestry 11 Policy Measures 12 I. Awareness Raising 12 II. Research & Education 12 III. Reforms in Governance 13 IV. Enhancing Adaptive Capacity 13 V. Forest Management 13 VI. Arresting Soil Erosion 14 VII. Reducing Forest Fires, Disease Outbreaks and Other Damage 14

4.5. Biodiversity 15 Policy Measures 16

4.6. Other Vulnerable Ecosystems 16

4.6.1. Mountain Areas 16 | Policy Measures 17

4.6.2. Rangelands and Pastures 18 | Policy Measures 18

4.6.3. Arid and Hyper-­Arid Areas 19 | Policy Measures 19

4.6.4 Coastal and Marine Ecosystems 20 | Policy Measures 21

4.6.5. Wetlands 21 | Policy Measures 22

4.7. Disaster Preparedness 23 Policy Measures 23

4.8. Socioeconomic Measures 25

4.8.1. Poverty 25 | Policy Measures 25

4.8.2. Gender 26 | Policy Measures 27 5. Climate Change Mitigation 28

5.1. Energy Generation 28 Policy Measures 29

5.2. Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation 30 Policy Measures 30

5.3. Transport 31 Policy Measures 31 I Road Transsport 31 II Aviation 32 III Railway 32 IV Inland Waterways Transport 33

5.4. Urban Planning & Waste Management 33 Policy Measures 33

5.5. Industries 34 Policy Measures 35

5.6. Agriculture and Livestock 35 Policy Measures 36

5.6. Carbon Sequestration and Forestry 36 Policy Measures 36 6. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening 38 Policy Measures 38 I Institutional Mechanism 38 II Capacity Enhancement 40 7. Awareness Raising 42 Policy Measures 42 8. International and Regional Cooperation 43 Policy Measures 43 9. Finance 45 Policy Measures 45 10. Technology Transfer 47 Policy Measures 47 11. Policy Implementation Mechanism 48 I. National Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee 48 II. Provincial Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee 48 1 | National Climate Change Policy GOAL To ensure that climate change is mainstreamed in the economically and socially vulnerable sectors of the economy and to steer Pakistan towards climate compatible development1. 1 Climate compatible development’ is development that minimizes the harm caused by climate impacts, while maximizing the human development opportunities presented by low emissions, more resilient, future. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 2 2. POLICY OBJECTIVES The main objectives of Pakistan’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) include: 1. To pursue sustained economic growth by appropriately addressing the challenges of climate change; 2. To integrate climate change policy with other inter-related national policies; 3. To focus on pro-poor gender sensitive adaptation while also promoting mitigation to the extent possible in a cost-effective manner; 4. To build climate-resilient infrastructure; 5. To track impact of climate change on water, food and energy security of the country, and to implement remedial plans to support water, energy and food policies; 6. To minimize the risks arising from the potential increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and tropical storms; 7. To develop climate-resilient agriculture and food systems for all agro-ecological zones in the country; 8. To promote country’s transition to cleaner, lower emission and less carbon intensive development; 9. To accelerate the policy coherence and integration to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the light of its Sustainable Development Report 2020 (SDR2020) and our Nationally Determined Contributions; 10. To strengthen inter-ministerial and inter- provincial decision making and coordination mechanisms on climate change; 11. To facilitate effective use of the opportunities, particularly financial, available both nationally and internationally; 12. To foster the development of appropriate economic incentives to encourage public and private sector investment in adaptation and mitigation measures; 13. To enhance the awareness, skill and institutional capacity of relevant stakeholders; 14. To promote tree plantation, conservation of natural resources, nature-based solutions and long term sustainability. 3 | National Climate Change Policy 3. PAKISTAN’S VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE THREATS The important climate change threats to Pakistan are: 1. Considerable increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, coupled with erratic monsoon rains causing frequent and intense floods and droughts; 2. Projected recession of the Hindu Kush- Karakoram-Himalayan(HKH) glaciers due to global warming and black carbon so to deposits from indigenous and trans-boundary pollution sources, threatening water inflows into the Indus River System(IRS); 3. Increased siltation of major dams caused by more frequent and intense rains in the catchment areas and subsequent floods; 4. Rising temperatures resulting in enhanced heat and water-stressed conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, leading to reduced agricultural productivity; 5. Increasing air pollution from agriculture, transport and industry resulting into smog inflicting huge loss to aviation, reduced mobility, loss of lives in accidents due to poor visibility and health hazard; 6. Further decrease in the already scanty forest cover, from too rapid change in climatic conditions to allow natural migration of adversely affected plant species and wildlife habitat; 7. Increased intrusion of saline water in the Indus delta, adversely affecting coastal agriculture, mangroves and the breeding grounds of fish; 8. Threat to coastal areas due to projected sea level rise and increased cyclonic activity due to higher sea surface temperatures; 9. Increased stress between the upper and lower riparian regions in relation to sharing of water resources; 10. Increased health risks and climate change induced migration. The above threats may lead to major survival concerns for Pakistan, particularly in relation to the country’s water security, food security and energy security. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 4 4. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION Pakistan make satiny contribution to the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (among the lowest in the world) but it is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and it has very low technical and financial capacity at the moment to adapt to its adverse impacts. While Pakistan is working on a strategy that seeks to conserve energy, improve energy efficiency and optimize fuel mix to support global efforts for reduction in GHG emissions, the more immediate and pressing task is to prepare itself for adaptation to climate change. Only by devising and implementing appropriate adaptation measures, preferably nature-based solution at national and local levels, it will be possible to ensure water, food and energy security for the country as well as to minimize the impact of natural disasters on the economy, human life, health and property. Pakistan for building resilience to climate change has begun the process of developing a National Adaptation Plan. Pakistan will be using the National Adaptation Plan process and its outcomes to enhance the adaptation elements of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a central aspect of the 2015 Paris Agreement. UN Environment Programme (UNEP) recent report assessed “Pakistan’s Inclusive Wealth”, a measure of Pakistan’s prosperity and sustainability that accounts for social, economic and environmental factors has increased at an average 2.3% annually between 1992 and 2019. Human capital and produced capital were responsible for the bulk of the increase, growing at a rate of 2.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Unfortunately, over the same period, natural capital declined annually by 0.1% on average. However, the last five years have shown evidence of an environmental turnaround, with forests, grassland, sparsely vegetated areas, and water bodies all growing since 2015. Shrub land and wetlands remained static, while crop land receded. Future progress will depend on ensuring more investment in natural capital.

4.1. Water Resources Water resources are inextricably linked with climate; this is why the projected climate change has such serious implications for Pakistan’s water resources. Fresh water resources in Pakistan are based on snow and glacier-melt and monsoon rains, both highly sensitive to climate change. The most significant recent development is the approval of a first ever National Water Policy package comprising a Policy and a Charter by Pakistan’s Council of Common Interests on 23rdApril 2018. The Water Policy outlines a framework for interventions by the federal and provincial governments to address various issues driving from the declining supply and deteriorating quality of water, threatening the prosperity and health of a rapidly growing population. The policy embraces the recommendations of the National Climate Change Policy to counter the adverse effects of climate change, in particular extreme weather events such as floods, prolonged droughts, and heat waves as well as the rising sea level inundating coastal land and aquifers. 5 | National Climate Change Policy Whereas, the country specific climate change projections strongly suggest the following future trends in Pakistan: decrease in glacier volume and snow cover leading to alterations in the seasonal flow pattern of the Indus River System (IRS); increased annual flows for a few decades followed by decline inflows in subsequent years; increase in the formation and outburst of glacial lakes; higher frequency and intensity of extreme climate events coupled with irregular monsoon rains causing frequent floods and droughts; and greater demand on water due to higher evapo-transpiration rates at elevated temperatures. These trends will have a significant impact on the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources on both annual and inter-annual basis in the country. This will further exacerbate the already difficult situation of a water-stressed country facing demand increases due to population growth and increasing economic activity. To address the impact of climate change on water resources and to enhance water security, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with relevant entities shall take the following measures: Policy Measures I. Water Storage and Infrastructure a. Assess and address the needs for additional water storage and distribution infrastructure; b. Ensure early rehabilitation, remodeling and up- gradation of the existing irrigation infrastructure in the country to make it resilient to climate change related extreme events; c. Develop multi-purpose small dams for storage off load water; d. Identify new potential dam sites to keep the option open to develop new dams, should they be needed; e. Develop necessary infrastructure to harness the potential of hill torrents; f. Enforce measures to enhance the life of existing storage facilities. II. Water Conservation Strategies a. Ensure water conservation at all levels, reduce irrigation system losses and provide incentives for adoption of more efficient irrigation techniques; b. Introduce local rain water harvesting measures. III. Integrated Water Resource Management a. Ensure that, in making water allocations (within gross national availability) to various sectors in the medium- to long- term, due consideration is given to changes in sectoral demands caused by climate change; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 6 b. Protect ground water through management and technical measures such as regulatory frameworks, water licensing, slow action dams, artificial recharge especially for threatened aquifers, and adoption of integrated water resource management concepts; c. Ensure rational ground water exploitation by avoiding excessive pumping; d. Ensure recycling of waste water through proper treatment and its reuse, for example in agriculture, artificial wetlands and ground water recharge; e. Protect and preserve water catchment areas and reservoirs against degradation, silting and irrigation system contamination; f. Encourage active participation of farmers in water management along with line departments by accelerating implementation of participatory irrigation management reforms; g. Ensure water distribution among provinces as far as possible in accordance with crop sowing timings; h. Address sea water intrusion into the Indus Deltaic Region by allocating the requisite water flow downstream of Kotri; i. Take appropriate measures to preserve the ecology of dry river reaches of the Eastern Rivers; j. Develop contingency plans for short- term measures to adapt to water shortages that could help mitigate drought; k. Explore the possibility of joint waters had management of trans- boundary catchment areas with neighboring countries; l. Safeguard Pakistan’s rights on trans- boundary water inflows according to international norms and conventions; m. Explore the possibility of entering into a water treaty with Afghanistan; n. Promote integrated water shed management including ecological conservation practices in uphill watersheds. IV Legislative Framework a. Legislate and enforce industrial and domestic was management practices to protect the environment, in particular water resources, from further degradation; b. Enact and enforce laws and regulations required for efficient water resource management and a ground water regulatory framework; c. Protect the HKH glaciers, considered the world’s water tower, by declaring them as ‘protected areas’ through agreements among countries sharing the Himalayan region. 7 | National Climate Change Policy V Enhancing Capacity a. Develop and extend water efficient technologies and techniques for sea water utilization, water recycling and avoiding wasteful use of domestic and drinking water; b. Promote and assist Balochistan farmers in improving and sustaining an age- old Sailaba farming irrigation system which offers considerable scope for improvement if constructed and managed properly; c. Ensure measurement and monitoring of irrigation water delivery at various points of the supply system for effective planning and management; d. Enhance national capacities in remote sensing and GIS techniques for monitoring temporal changes in glaciers and snow cover; e. Enhance national capacities form a king seasonal hydro- meteorological forecasts, particularly for monsoon rainfall; f. Prepare a comprehensive inventory of all water resources, including surface and ground water, in order to support an efficient water management system in the country; g. Strengthen the current hydrological network to monitor river flows and flood warning systems; h. Devise and strengthen coordination mechanisms among national and international water sector institutions; i. Tap spring water for public water supply in hilly/ mountainous areas, where applicable. VI Awareness Raising a. Promote public awareness campaigns to underscore the importance of conservation and sustainable use of water resources in partnership with all stakeholders.

4.2. Agriculture and Livestock Agriculture is central to human survival and is probably the human enterprise most vulnerable to climate change. The agriculture sector, as the single largest sector of Pakistan’s economy and is its lifeline. It accounts for 42.3% of the labor force, 18.9% of GDP and 80% of total export earnings (Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2017- 18). Pakistan has recently launched a National Food Security Policy- 2018 and one of its goals is to make agriculture more productive, profitable and climate resilient. As the agriculture in Pakistan is greatly affected by short- term climate variability and could be significantly impacted by long- term climate change. As the duration of crop growth cycles is related to temperature, an increase in temperature will speed up crop growth and shorten the time between sowing and harvesting. This shortening could have an adverse effect on productivity of crops and Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 8 fodder for livestock. The hydrological cycle is similarly likely to be influenced by global warming, necessitating the agriculture and livestock sectors, particularly in rain- fed areas, to adapt to climate change. Since the agriculture sector is heavily dependent on the water sector, a number of adaptation measures identified in Section 4.1 are equally applicable to the agriculture sector and hence will not be repeated. To enhance national food security the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with relevant entities, shall take on the following additional adaptation measures: Policy Measures I Research a. Develop appropriate digital simulation models for assessment of climate change impacts on physical, chemical, biological and financial aspects of agricultural production systems in various agro-ecological zones; b. Develop new varieties of crops which are high yielding, resistant to heat stress, drought tolerant, less vulnerable to heavy spells of rains and less prone to attack by insects and pests; c. Develop and introduce better breeds of livestock with higher milk and meat productivity and which are less prone to heat stress and more drought to learnt; d. Develop quality datasets on crop, soil and climate related parameters to identify ideal cropping patterns for each region and facilitate research work on climate change impact assessment and productivity projection studies; e. Enhance the research capacity of various relevant organizations to make reliable predictions of climatic parameters and river flows for seasonal, inter-annual and inter- decadal time frames, to assess the corresponding likely impacts on various crops and to develop appropriate adaptation measures; f. Promote targeted research on adoption of sustainable land management practices; g. Enhance the capacity of the farming community to take advantage of the scientific findings of relevant research organizations; h. Document and promote appropriate indigenous knowledge and best practices. II Technology a. Improve crop productivity per unit of land and per unit of water by increasing the efficiency of various agricultural inputs, in particular irrigation water; b. Promote energy efficient farm mechanization to increase yields and laborsaving; c. Improve farm practices by adopting modern techniques such as laser land leveling, crop diversification, proper cropping patterns and optimized planting dates; 9 | National Climate Change Policy d. Promote appropriate technologies for small- scale irrigation, water re-use (waste/ water recycling), and rain water harvesting, etc. e. Promote through financial incentives, solar water desalination for irrigation and drinking particularly in saline groundwater regions; f. Improve irrigation practices by adopting, wherever feasible, modern techniques such as the use of sprinklers and trickle irrigation; g. Develop capacity based on Remote Sensing and GIS techniques to assess temporal changes in land cover in different agro-ecological zones; h. Promote bio technology in terms of more carbon responsive crops, improved breeds and production of livestock using genetic engineering. III General Management a. Establish Climate Change Units in agriculture research organizations to devise adaptive strategies for projected impacts of climate change on agriculture; b. Promote horizontal expansion of cultivated lands through development of wastelands, and rainwater harvesting through community based approaches to development; c. Promote feed conservation techniques and fodder banks in arable areas; d. Ensure availability of quality feed and fodder to livestock to supplement their grazing on rangelands; e. Improve the nutritional quality of feed through the use of multi-nutrient blocks (MNB) prepared from urea, molasses, vitamins and minerals; f. Ensure an enabling financial environment for farmers to invest in and adopt the relevant technologies to overcome climate related stresses; g. Improve post-harvest capacity, such as storage and processing facilities and infrastructure, preferably at farm level. IV Risk Management a. Develop a proper risk management system including crop insurance to safeguard against crop failures due to extreme events (such as floods and droughts); b. Improve the extension system and enhance use of the media to allow effective and timely communication of climatic predictions and corresponding advice to farming communities; c. Encourage farmers, particularly in rain- fed areas, to avoid monoculture and, instead, plant a variety of heat and drought resistant low delta crops, so as to reduce the risk of crop failure; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 10 d. Encourage agriculture drought management practices that recognize drought as part of a highly variable climate, as opposed to treating it as a causal natural disaster; e. Establish livestock disease monitoring and surveillance systems at district level.

4.3. Human Health It is now widely recognized that the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat and cold waves, heavy or too little precipitation, strong winds and cyclones due to climate change have serious implications for human health. For example, floods and storms not only increase the risk of death and injuries; they have other health implications such as diarrheal diseases because of insufficient clean water availability for drinking, personal hygiene or for washing food. They may also cause severe psychological problems among the affected population (e.g. mental health effects such as depression have been observed in the aftermath of the disastrous 2010 floods). Similarly, incidence of many vector borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which are sensitive to temperature and rainfall, may increase with the expected changes in climate. One of the gaps in this area is inadequate national data to provide complete and reliable information on the impacts of climate change on health. In order to address the impact of climate change on human health, the Government shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Assess the health vulnerabilities of communities in areas most likely to be affected by the adverse impact of climate change, and build their capacities to reduce these vulnerabilities; b. Ensure that appropriate measures to address health related climate change issues are incorporated into national health plans; c. Inform, sensitize, educate and train health personnel and the public about climate change related health issues; d. Ensure that preventive measures and resources such as vaccines, good quality medication and clean drinking water are available to the general public easily and cost effectively particularly during climate related extreme events; e. Upgrade and extend disease outbreak monitoring and forecasting systems to counteract possible climate change health impacts and support prior planning for effective interventions; f. Improve data recording, reporting, analysis and storage of climate-sensitive diseases at all levels of service delivery. 11 | National Climate Change Policy g. Conduct assessments on the impacts of climate change on vector/waterborne and nutritional diseases; h. Prioritize climate-related risks based on the assessment and identifying technology and infrastructure options to improve resilience in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector; i. Explore public-private partnerships to resolve the issue of financial access for WASH service provision as well as quality assurance; j. Adopt water and sanitation safety plans for rural and urban areas.

4.4. Forestry Climate change is likely to have multi-faceted adverse effects on the ecosystem as a whole, particularly on the already vulnerable forestry sector in Pakistan. The diversity of landscapes and climates in Pakistan allow a wide variety of trees and plants to flourish. Some of the world’s most unique forests including Juniper, Deodar, Oak and Chilghoza forests exist in the country despite the fact that only 5.45% of the total land area is under forest. A significant portion of land area is occupied with coastal, riverine, scrub and coniferous forests. These forests provide multiple benefits in the form of regulating water flow, controlling soil erosion, major source of carbon sequestration, medicinal plants and support livelihood at local level. The forests in Pakistan suffer from a number of problems – many linked to habitat change and land degradation. Pakistan is predominantly a dry country, with about 80% of its area falling in semi- arid and arid region. The changes in water regime, due to change in weather patterns pose additional threats in the form of drought and resultant desertification. The most likely impacts of climate change will be decreased productivity, changes in species composition, reduced forest area, unfavorable conditions for biodiversity, higher flood risks etc. The rate of deforestation does not commensurate with the rehabilitation efforts. The share of public investment towards rehabilitation is disappointedly low. There percussions are in the form of low growth and decline in yield of existing forests. Deforestation in water shed areas has adversely impacted the yield and quality of water at outlets besides triggering land degradation and loss of biodiversity. In low- lying and coastal areas, deforestation amplifies floods and facilitates sea water intrusion inflicting huge economic losses. In 2017 Government of Pakistan approved its National Forest Policy (NFP) that seeks to expand, protect and promote sustainable use of national forests, protected areas, natural habitats and watersheds for restoring ecological functions, improving livelihoods and human health in line with the national priorities and international agreements. It has three pronged approach i.e. conserve existing forests, increase tree cover through community Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 12 participation, and meet international obligations related to forests. The policy has provision for implementing a national level mass afforestation programme to expand and maintain optimum forest cover and enhance role and contribution of forests in reducing carbon emissions by increasing forest carbon pools. The policy provided a legal basis for the federal government to arrange and extend support to all provinces and regions towards achieving their respective targets and meeting international obligations by improving their capacity and financial gaps for forestry sector. Considerable efforts were made over the past five years to revive forest resource in the country. Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (TBTTP) was approved by ECNEC on 29- 8-019. The first phase of the programme is being implemented throughout Pakistan with the support of all provincial governments including AJ&K and GB for a period of four years (2019-20 to 2022-23). During this first phase of the programme a total of 3.29 billion plants will be planted / regenerated. The TBTTP is extension of Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) that was implemented in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to successfully plant /regenerates one billion plants from 2015 to 2018. Both these initiatives have worldwide recognition. Adaptation in the forestry sector entails the need to restore and enhance Pakistan’s forests under sustainable forest management, with particular focus on how these are affected by climate change. This will not only benefit state forests but forest dependent communities and society as a whole. The scope of this part of the policy is to recommend adaptation measures to prepare Pakistan’s forestry sector to withstand present and possible future impacts of climate change. To minimize the risks and vulnerability of forests and biological diversity from climate change, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with relevant entities, shall take the following measures: Policy Measures I Awareness Raising a. Signify the importance of forests to mitigate extreme weather events including heat waves, floods, etc. b. Encourage multinational firms and agencies to support awareness campaigns on benefits of forest ecosystems through ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’. II Research & Education a. Encourage empirical research on adaptation of forests, biodiversity and forest management systems to climate change; b. Encourage collaboration with international scientific bodies to extend their forest related adaptation research into Pakistan; 13 | National Climate Change Policy c. Encourage research on forest pathology at provincial level to curtail insect/disease damage to forests; d. Establish a federal level Center of Excellence on forestry for international level research and higher level education. III Reforms in Governance a. Resolve Issues in the land tenure system of forest areas on a priority basis, in close consultation with local communities to stream line adaptation measures; b. Facilitate professional leadership for the sake of better management of forests; c. Develop effective mechanisms to safeguard the interests of vulnerable forest dependent communities; d. Streamline forest ownership structures in to national and local level policies. IV Enhancing Adaptive Capacity a. Ensure the availability of sufficient and properly trained forest workers with enhanced capabilities to face the challenges of climate change; b. Initiate pilot projects on adaptation efforts in the forestry sector with multilateral assistance; c. Ensure implementation of UNFCCC’s decisions on REDD+ to obtain result based payments against carbon sequestration potential of existing forest resource. V Forest Management a. Aggressively pursue afforestation and reforestation programs with plantation suited to the effects of climate change; b. Restore degraded mangrove forests in the deltaic region and prevent their further degradation by allowing minimum necessary environmental flows downstream of Kotri; c. Explore the use of new planning and decision- making support tools to deal with uncertainty and risk in long- term forest planning; d. Investigate and discover new forest management and adaptive planning options in line with the scientific research on climate change; e. Endorse area specific adaptive forest management and conservation practices with greater participation of forest dependent communities; f. Ensure documentation and utilization of indigenous knowledge while managing various types of forests in the context of climate change; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 14 g. Ensure management, protection and connection of forest fragments to increase resilience and minimize adverse impact from external pressures; h. Promote the sustainable management of forests according to national and international norms; i. Consider expanding protected areas in the country with respect to ecological parameters including conservation of wildlife and their habitats; j. Enforce laws and regulations required for addressing the illegal trade in timber/ deforestation; k. Encourage use of alternate fuels to prevent deforestation; l. Encourage sustainable use of non- timber forest produce (NTFP) including wild fauna and birds; m. Pilot Natural Capital Accounts NCA for protected ecosystems. VI Arresting Soil Erosion a. Ensure management of forest lands in accordance with water and soil management strategies; b. Carryout afforestation of barren and degraded lands as well as uphill water shed areas to control sediment and various types of soil erosion; c. Identify and declare uphill fragile watershed areas as sensitive and bring them under special silvicultural management by involving local communities to check floods and siltation of water reservoirs; d. Apply various slope stabilization and run- off reduction techniques at exposed sites in mountain forest areas such as vegetation lines, check dams and spurs. VII Reducing Forest Fires, Disease Outbreaks & other Damages a. Establish forest fire prediction and protection services in the country; b. Enhance capacity building of forest departments to combat forest fires and involve forest communities in detection and suppression of wildfires; c. Ensure biological control of forest pests by maintaining viable populations of predatory birds and insects; d. Encourage afforestation of indigenous species and only useful and tested exotic species; e. Increase the species mix to enhance the adaptive capacity of forests as part of a pest and disease management strategy; 15 | National Climate Change Policy f. Promote integrated pest management practices; g. Fabricate uneven and aged forest belts around forest parks to avoid adverse effects of possible snow and windstorms; h. Adopt area and species specific adaptive silvicultural practices to reduce environmental damage.

4.5. Biodiversity Biological diversity is a fundamental building block of the services that ecosystems deliver to human societies. Intrinsically important due to its contribution to the functioning of ecosystems, biological diversity is difficult to recover or replace once eroded. As mentioned earlier (Section 4.4), climate change is likely to have severe consequences on the entire ecological system, and biological diversity in Pakistan is no exception. Climate change is likely to impact on the phenology and species distribution along with community composition and ecosystem dynamics. A rapid increase in temperature, for instance, may exceed the ability of many species to adapt to these changes. The best answer to these challenges is the “Ecosystem- based Adaptation” (EbA), involving the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of ecosystems that can help people adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Government of Pakistan in December 2019 launched its very innovative ‘Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (ESRI) for facilitating transition towards environmentally resilient Pakistan by mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives. This initiative also established an independent, transparent and comprehensive financial mechanism in Pakistan called “Ecosystem Restoration Fund (ESRF)” to finance the projects and programmes under the initiative. This fund will facilitate Pakistan’s transition towards climate compatible development. The fund’s present initiatives include afforestation, biodiversity conservation, marine conservation, promotion of eco-tourism and electric vehicles. The Government of Pakistan launched “Protected Areas Initiative” in 2020. The main objective of the initiative is to develop 15 model protected areas across the country and expand protected areas to at least 15% of Pakistan’s area by 2023. Furthermore, conservation of biodiversity shall be increased with proper management plans, legislative interventions as well as standardized eco-infrastructure designs. To conserve, restore and protect the biological diversity of Pakistan, the Government shall take the following policy measures: Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 16 Policy Measures a. Encourage empirical research at national key research institutions on flora and fauna in the context of their responses to current and historical climatic changes; b. Set National Biodiversity Indicators and provide the requisite financial resources for implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan(BAP); c. Ensure the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity in the country to deal with climate change adaptation and mitigation challenges; d. Establish gene banks, seed banks, zoos and botanical gardens to conserve the biological diversity of valuable species; e. Integrate conservation and protection of biological diversity in to various disciplines such as forestry and marine and pastures; f. Adopt ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation ’as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change; g. Encourage involvement of local communities in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; h. Take necessary measures to establish nature reserves in areas that are rich in biodiversity to preserve their existence; i. Establish protected areas in all vulnerable ecosystems, particularly in coastal and marine areas; j. Assist genetically impoverished species or those that have important ecosystem functions by providing natural migration corridors as well as assisted migration; k. Ensure proper management and mitigation of invasive species that are expanding due to climate change effect; l. Ensure proper management through biological control of pests (locust) to prevent economic loss; m. Ensure the expansion of current protected area coverage, and make these protected areas fully functional with proper ecological management plan to ensure future ecosystem sustenance.

4.6. Other Vulnerable Eco-Systems

4.6.1. Mountain Areas The most likely climate change risks to the mountain areas of Pakistan are: Increase in frequency and intensity of precipitation, resulting in more frequent flash floods and landslides; Increase in intensity of wind storms and lightning, resulting in top soil erosion and forest fires; Increase in temperature, resulting in rapid glacier melting and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and change in cropping patterns. 17 | National Climate Change Policy The Government of Pakistan is presently undertaking a Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) risk reduction project in Northern Pakistan. It aims to empower communities to identify and manage risks associated with GLOFs and improve community’s preparedness and disaster response. To safeguard against likely climate change impacts on mountain areas and to safeguard their ecosystems and ensure the livelihoods of people living there, the Government shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Carry out detailed studies to identify the most fragile and resilient ecosystems in all ecological zones; b. Develop a program to prevent crop damage due to unexpected weather changes by introducing cold and drought resistant short duration cereal crops suited for high altitudes; c. Set pilot projects to test warmer areas ’high- yielding crop varieties in the mountain areas because the projected global warming may render these varieties suitable for some mountain areas; d. Introduce new feed stock technology for cattle and livestock suited to drier, harsher climates at high altitudes; e. Prevent accumulation of solid waste, trash and unwanted bio- mass in mountain areas; f. Ensure that slope stabilization is a mandatory part of all road construction projects to minimize landslides; g. Develop auditing systems for trekking expeditions to reduce fuel and waste generation; h. Restrict commercial activities such as illegal trade in timber and other development activities detrimental to mountain ecology with community involvement; i. Ensure involvement of local communities in conservation of mountain biodiversity; j. Ensure minimal exploitation of water shed areas declared as sensitive; k. Promote the growth of natural barriers such as shrubs on mountain slopes, to protect agricultural terraces from extreme soil erosion, wind, hail storm and snow storm related damage; l. Effect on mountain species due to climate change may be overcome by preventing human– wildlife conflicts; m. Promote the use of gravity drip irrigation and hydraulic ram pumps in the mountainous areas of Pakistan; n. Promote and encourage the use of glacier grafting techniques in high altitude areas; o. Develop and maintain a sustainable Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) community- based disaster response and risk management system; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 18 p. Undertake a comprehensive study to find and address the impact of “Black Carbon Soot” and “Atmospheric Brown Cloud” on Pakistan’s glaciers and their connection to climate change.

4.6.2. Rangelands and Pastures The National Range lands Policy provides a detailed sketch for range lands development in Pakistan. The role of range lands in environmental conservation is vital and important, and their existence and health is critical for conserving biodiversity in Pakistan. Degradation of rangelands results in gradual loss of flora and fauna. The potential effects of climate change on range lands and pastures in Pakistan are: reduced precipitation, increased heat, stronger wind, increased soil erosion and abrupt weather changes in mountain pasture areas. To ensure food security, based on livestock and pasture management, and ecosystem maintenance in the light of impending climate change impacts, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Ensure building vegetative barriers to safeguard against the erosion of pastures and rangelands’ top soil, particularly at higher altitudes; b. Control and maintain lives tock densities for optimal output; c. Ensure close coordination among forest and livestock departments for efficient management of rangelands and other resources while ensuring the rights of the indigenous people; d. Ensure the maintenance of soil and sub- soil moisture and vegetative cover to safeguard rangelands from turning into deserts; e. Improve soil quality by using native and hybrid soil nutrient fixing vegetation; f. Promote rotational livestock grazing methods in pastures and rangelands, to facilitate regeneration of grasses and other vegetation; g. Ensure use of mixed herd so flow maintenance, high production livestock for increased efficiency and low ecosystem impact; h. Designate alternative pastures and passages, in case of earlier or later than usual weather change; i. Improve the quality of rangelands by increasing native rangeland vegetation and planting adapted forest species; j. Implement appropriate range land management systems based on ecological principles; 19 | National Climate Change Policy k. Revive rangelands and create artificial wetlands wherever secondary water resources are available or rain harvesting is possible; l. Using appropriate varieties of grass, increase grass lands in saline and water logged zones to prevent their degradation; m. Designate an appropriate provincial authority to exclusively oversee and manage rangelands.

4.6.3. Arid, Hyper-Arid Areas Desert dwellings and habitats in Pakistan are highly fragile and are likely to be more vulnerable in the wake of climate change. These fragile arid and semi- arid ecosystems are in urgent need of integrated conservation approaches for adaptation to climate change. Areas with active desertification and soil degradation in Pakistan are facing severe environmental problems. There is an immediate need to design “Desertification Indicator Sets (DIS)” to harmonize an information system that may help to organize socio economic and soil information to identify climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. For ecosystem maintenance, innovative crops and livestock management in arid and hyper- arid areas in the light of impending climate change impact, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Find a technological breakthrough for irrigation systems, to raise vegetative cover in extremely difficult and harsh arid zone areas; b. Ensure building of vegetative barriers for safeguarding against sand storms near human habitats; c. Encourage development of technological innovations for improved water efficiency for crops, including artificial ground water recharge; d. Promote “low delta crops” and research on drought and pest resistant crops; e. Discourage plantation of high water demanding trees except in water logged areas; f. Undertake development of drought resistant shrubs, fodder crops and grasses for pastures and oases for livestock; g. Encourage and promote the use of local and hybrid livestock species best adapted to arid and desert ecosystems for minimal maintenance; h. Develop technologically efficient equipment and procedures for the rehabilitation of Karez irrigation systems including artificial recharge of ground water; i. Promote sand dune stabilization and soil moisture conservation techniques; j. Ensure sustainable harvesting of indigenous dry land tree species. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 20

4.6.4. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Pakistan’s coast is home to the 7th largest mangrove forest of the world in Indus delta. This mangrove coverage has increased by 300 percent over the past decade, making it the world’s only country with an expanding mangrove cover. These forests have potential to sequester carbon 3 to 5 times higher than the terrestrial forests. Being recognized forth is potential, these ecosystems are considered as a cost- effective nature- based solution to not only sequester carbon but also provide resilience to the local community living near them from climate- induced hazards and provide livelihood through sustaining marine biodiversity. Therefore, to benefit from this mitigation and adaptation potential Pakistan should protect these ecosystems from future degradation. The ‘Blue Economy’ is an emerging concept which encourages sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystem. The Blue Economy sector presents many investment opportunities in the Maritime Sector in Pakistan. In a recent study, it has been estimated that the wood and soil of mangrove forests along the world’s coastlines hold 3 billion metric tons of carbon —more than tropical forests. Pakistan is also estimating the economic value of millions of tons of carbons stored in the mangroves forest and subsequently in the country’s ocean waters. The Government of Pakistan, in December 2020, launched a “Blue Carbon Project” for making an accurate estimation of the potential carbon stock of coastal ecosystem and mangroves. Pakistan with the assistance of World Bank has undertook its first blue carbon estimation study, in which the World Bank has estimated that the country’s new plantation projects if nurtured successfully would be worth $500m by 2050. On the other hand, coastal areas in Pakistan are exposed to a number of natural hazards due to climate change. Tropical cyclones, severe storms, floods, shore line erosion and other hazards all affect our coastal areas, causing loss of life and damage to property and infrastructure. Possible impacts of projected sea level rise in Pakistan could be erosion of beaches, flooding and inundation of wetlands and lowlands, salinization of ground water and surface waters, and increased intrusion of seawater into the Indus deltaic region (IDR) as well as the increased risk of cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea. Similarly, in addition to the adverse impacts due to receipt to fun treated domestic and industrial sewage in shallow sea environment along coastal dwellings and industrial zones, the Pakistan’s marine coastal ecosystems are likely to be severely impacted by climate change: change in sea water temperature and acidification; cyclones; relocation and movement of marine fish and mammals; and heat induced drying of deltaic areas. To safeguard coastal areas and the marine ecosystem from likely climate change impacts, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures: 21 | National Climate Change Policy Policy Measures a. Ensure building of natural barriers; plantation and regeneration of mangroves, coastal palm and other trees suitable to the area to control sand and soil erosion and to minimize the disastrous impacts of cyclones and tsunamis; b. Construct barriers near low lying coastal human clusters to safeguard against rising sea level and cyclones; c. Develop salinity tolerant crop cultivars for coastal agriculture; d. Maintain optimal river water flow for continuation of sediment and nutrient transfer to the marine ecosystem and to reduce intrusion of saline seawater into coastal regions; e. Ministry of Climate Change may assist Ministry of Maritime Affairs to fully exploit the potential of ‘Blue Economy’ while preserving the health of marine ad coastal ecosystem. f. Develop Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) system for coastal and marine ecosystems to quantify benefits and improved management; g. Reduce and control solid and liquid pollution and waste disposal in bay areas; h. Assess potential climate change threats to the fishing sector and develop appropriate adaptation measures including the promotion of aqua culture; i. Maintain appropriate marine ecosystems and fish habitats for a healthy fisheries sector; j. Build capacities of local coastal communities and specifically the Fishermen Cooperative Societies to monitor and report changes in sea currents, sea temperatures, and fish stock movement to help understand impacts of the climate change; k. Identify vulnerable coastal areas that should be protected from any infrastructure construction or commercial activities and notify the level of activities allowed in these areas; l. Sustain tourism opportunities through well-designed marine management that allows for sustained ecological, economic and social benefits; m. Diversify livelihood opportunities for the local coastal communities to limit in- land migrations.

4.6.5. Wetlands Pakistan’s wetlands play an important role in maintaining and sustaining regional ecological processes that support globally important biodiversity such as bird migration routes and wintering grounds. A significant fraction of Pakistan’s wetlands-dependent biodiversity, however, is classified as endemically threatened and vulnerable. There has been a dramatic change in the ecosystem of wetlands in Pakistan in the last ten years, affecting their ability Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 22 to function as a habitat for water fowl, shore birds, and migratory birds. Pakistan is presently working on an initiative “Recharge Pakistan”. This initiative will build Pakistan’s resilience to climate change, water security and integrated flood management through cost- effective ecosystem-based adaptation. This will also increase ground water recharge through wetlands, promote climate-adapted community based natural resources management and livelihoods. To protect, sustain and enhance the wetlands in Pakistan, the Government, in collaboration with the relevant entities, shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Ensure conservation and management of high altitude wetlands; b. Explore possibilities for designing and creating artificial wetlands at appropriate spots of ecological concern; c. Promote identification of the risks and impact of climate change on Pakistan’s wetlands; d. Recognize and enhance the role played by wetlands in natural disaster protection and climate change mitigation; e. Ensure the implementations of Ramsar Advisory Missions to Pakistan’s recommendations; f. Ensure control of and slow down the conversion of wetlands and their immediate surroundings for agriculture and grazing purposes; g. Ensure adequate water supply allowing ecologically necessary water flows to estuaries, peat lands, rivers, streams and lake marshes, mud flats and inter- tidal areas; h. Develop adaptation mechanisms for wetlands and communities dependent on wet lands that are threatened by climate change; i. Ensure balanced harvesting of wetlands resources and grazing in these areas; j. Ensure control of siltation of wetlands by reducing deforestation and felling of timber in catchment areas; k. Ensure setting up of scientific analysis systems to check water quality of the wetlands; l. Design adequate procedures to control organic and inorganic pollution of wetlands, including flow of agricultural chemicals and pesticides into wetlands; m. Ensure the design and implementation of sustainable, participatory management plans for independent demonstration sites, each chosen to be representative of abroad eco- region in Pakistan; n. Devise strategies to involve local communities residing across specific wetland zones to participate in matters and measures/procedures to maintain and uplift the esthetics of the wetlands. 23 | National Climate Change Policy

4.7. Disaster Preparedness Climate change is likely to increase climate-related natural disasters with the projected increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides triggered by heavy rains and urban flooding due to congestion of storm drainage. Climate change projections are scenario based, and hence have some degree of uncertainty. Nonetheless, there are strong indications that in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, climate change is intensifying the above-mentioned hazards. Pakistan is already experiencing climate change impacts which are too visible to ignore. Most disasters or hazards that lead to destruction cannot be prevented; their impact however, can be minimized by adaptation and preparedness measures. To address disaster management in the context of climate change in a holistic manner, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with other relevant entities, shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Allocate adequate financial and other resources to implement “National Disaster Risk Management Framework ”formulated by NDMA; b. Ensure the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’s following priorities actions to prevent new and reduce Existing disaster risks: (i) Understanding disaster risk; (ii) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; (iii) Investing in disaster reduction for resilience and; (iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction; c. Develop disaster management institutions, mechanisms and capacities that are capable of addressing multiple hazards and raises the resilience, efficiency and effectiveness of the whole system as outlined in National DRR Policy-2013; d. Clearly define coordination mechanisms outlining the roles and responsibilities of each concerned department during natural disasters; e. Prefer and invest in cost-effective and no-regret ‘nature-based solutions’ (NBS) to disaster risk reduction in order to minimize our vulnerability to future events; f. Redesign and upgrade storm drainage capacity of major cities, especially Karachi and Lahore, keeping in view the likely climate change related increase in short duration intense rainfall events; g. Strengthen early warning systems and develop communities’ evacuation plans for vulnerable coastal and other areas against cyclones and sea storms; h. Construct cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal areas; i. Redesign and construct disaster resilient hospitals, dispensaries as well as multi- Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 24 purpose school buildings to be used as safe shelters during natural calamities; j. Ensure community participation in early warning dissemination and disaster risk reduction activities, particularly in developing evacuation plans; k. Ensure that the elderly, children, disabled and women get particular priority in evacuation strategies; l. Set up appropriate mechanisms to monitor the development of glacial lakes and develop evacuation strategies in case of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) for vulnerable areas; m. Undertake risk mapping for possible avalanches and landslides in vulnerable mountain areas and take precautionary measures accordingly; n. Undertake GIS mapping of all existing irrigation infrastructure especially flood embankments for efficient monitoring and flood management; o. Establish local flash flood forecasting and warning systems in vulnerable mountainous areas; p. Strengthen flood forecasting, drought monitoring and early warning systems in the country; q. Enhance capacities to address the impact of floods, flash floods, droughts and so on by strengthening the relevant agencies; r. Develop an ‘assessment and compensation mechanism’ including insurance for loss and damage in the aftermath of disasters, and measures for infrastructure and soil rehabilitation; s. Develop a mix of strategies for flood management which may include use of dams for managing flood peaks, retarding basins and providing escape channels; t. Undertake formulation and enforcement of “River Flood Plain” regulations and laws; u. Undertake dam break studies to analyze issues such as flood routing; v. Ensure the required strengthening and enhancement of barrage capacity; w. Undertake hydrological modeling and flood plain mapping/zoning of the Indus River system against climate change scenarios to estimate various projected flood levels; x. Plan, design, construct and strengthen appropriate flood embankments, dyke sand protective bunds to protect flood plains in the light of likely flood levels; y. Ensure that infrastructure, including telecommunication, power, utilities and transport are resilient to the impact of climate change, particularly to extreme weather events. 25 | National Climate Change Policy

4.8. Socio-Economic Measures

4.8.1. Poverty Climate change poses a serious risk to poverty reduction efforts and threatens to undo decades of development efforts. While climate change is a global phenomenon, its negative impact is more severely felt by poor people and underdeveloped countries. They are more vulnerable because of their high dependence on natural resources, their limited technical capacity and insufficient financial resources to cope with climatic extremes. One of the objectives and goals of economic development planning in Pakistan is poverty alleviation. With the onset of climate change the plight of the poor is becoming even more miserable. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate the possible impact of climate change on communities living in deprivation and poverty, in to future developmental plans for Pakistan. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which replaced Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The 17 SDGs, which include SDG- 13 relating to climate change, all are closely related and action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and as such, the development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability. SDG- 13 is a dedicated goal towards combating climate change- Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It includes several targets that aim to minimize the climate change risks. Building resilience and adaptive capacity to climate related disasters, improve education, awareness and institutional capacity on Climate Change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning are its components. Whereas the ‘Goals’ of eradicating poverty, improving food security, health and education are the key aspects of human development. During the current situation of pandemic COVID- 19, the Ministry of Climate Change launched Green Economic Stimulus which aims at promoting environmental activities which can also have economic impacts. The Stimulus would focus on creating livelihood opportunities for daily wagers in the forestry and waste management sectors. In Pakistan, with its rapidly increasing population, particularly among those below the poverty line, renewed effort is needed to involve local communities in population control programs and in managing natural resources as a part of training and education towards economic well- being. To address the problems of poor communities living in Pakistan’s urban areas and those living in the rural areas practicing agriculture, in the context of climate change, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Integrate the poverty- climate change nexus in to economic policies and plans; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 26 b. Ensure the implementation and expansion of national population planning strategies and programs, as the population explosion is likely to significantly exacerbate the impact of climate change; c. Enhance general awareness of the problems of unchecked population growth and the demands it places on natural resources; d. Enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate-related risks; e. Strengthen community level climate change adaptation measures to prepare communities for enhanced and efficient natural resources management; f. Improve access of poor communities to appropriate technologies for crop production, integrated pest management and credit facilities for agricultural development; g. Ensure that the development process is sustainable and caters to the needs of the poor; h. Strengthen the capacity of government in situations to implement coherent and mutually supportive policies and action plans to achieve the SDGs implementation in time and in ways that balance economic, social and environmental goals; i. Diversify livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities to advance socio-economic stability and cater for climate-induced migrations.

4.8.2. Gender Climate change has differentiated drivers and impacts and is overall most likely to affect poor and underprivileged regions, communities and people disproportionately as they are marginalized, weak and more vulnerable and have the least resources to adapt. In Pakistan, women are likely to be strongly affected by climate change as the majority of rural women are engaged in the agriculture and forest sector, which is highly climate sensitive. Climate change is expected to increase the work of agriculture production and other subsistence activities such as collecting fuel wood and water, putting extra pressure on women. Further, women are found to be more vulnerable during extreme climate events and disaster; this is in part due to gendered roles and division of labor, which often put women at risk and exacerbates work burden in times of crisis, but also because women tend to have far fewer assets and resources to cope and recover from climatic and disaster events. Pakistan fully recognizes that advancing gender equality is an important part of a sustainable and resilient path for the whole population and that women are powerful agents of change. It is therefore vital to ensure participation of women and female gender experts in all policies, initiatives and decisions relating to climate change. The Government of Pakistan is developing a national Climate Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP) as a tool to enhance knowledge and capacities, identify gaps and enabling conditions, and build coordination and actions to strengthen gender- responsive strategies and results to meet the country’s climate change objectives. Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) revisions 27 | National Climate Change Policy also include a targeted plan and strategy for incorporation of youth and women in greater climate action. To address the gender aspects of vulnerability from climate change, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with other relevant entities, shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Mainstream gender perspectives into climate change efforts at national and regional levels; b. Take steps to reduce the vulnerability of women from climate change impacts, particularly in relation to their critical roles in rural areas in providing water, food, energy and in livestock management; c. Recognize and value women’s contribution in the usage and management of natural resources and other activities impacted by climate change; d. Undertake a comprehensive study of the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change with particular focus on gender difference in capabilities to cope with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in Pakistan; e. Develop gender-sensitive criteria and indicators related to adaptation and vulnerability, as gender differences in this area are most crucial and most visible; f. Develop and implement climate change vulnerability-reduction measures that focus particularly on women’s needs and empower women’s groups and networks; g. Incorporate an appropriate role for women in to the decision-making process on climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives; h. Develop climate change adaptation measures on local and indigenous knowledge particularly held by women; i. Adopt rules under which it is mandatory for all Ministry of Climate Change(MoCC) projects to take gender considerations into account; j. Increase the understanding of gender roles and responsibilities through applying a gender analysis to the project and programme planning cycle; k. Include gender responsive budgets and resource allocation in all projects and programmes; l. Review and adjust relevant National Policies to make them gender sensitive; m. Include gender and climate change in to the school curriculum and in livestock management; n. Provide enabling opportunities for youth to play a role in climate action. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 28 5. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION Pakistan’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per- capita are low compared to international standards. In 2017- 18 Pakistan’s total GHG emissions were 490 million tons of CO2 equivalents. The Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Pakistan; it accounts for nearly 46% of these emissions and is followed by the energy sector (45%), industrial processes (5%), emissions and waste (4%) (Source: National GHG Inventory 2017- 18). As such, the most important targets for mitigation efforts focused on reduction of GHG emissions are the energy and agriculture sectors. In the energy sector, integration of climate change and energy policy objectives is particularly important as today’s investment will “lock in” the infrastructure, fuel and technologies to be used for decades to come. Similarly, the building and transport infrastructure put in place today should meet the design needs of the future. Therefore, greater attention must be paid to energy efficiency requirements in building codes and long- term transport planning. At a time when future emissions are set to grow rapidly, the country also offers a huge potential for mitigation in almost all sectors of the economy. Based on economic analysis, a reduction of up to 20% in the projected emission figures for 2030 would require an investment of approximately USD 40 billion, calculated at current prices. Similarly, a reduction of 15 % in GHG emissions amounts to USD 15.6billion, whereas a 10 % reduction is calculated as USD 5.5 billion. Pakistan has clearly indicated in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that the indicated mitigation potential can be realized through international support in the form of financial grants, technical assistance, technology transfer and capacity building under the ‘Common But Differentiated Responsibilities’ (CBDR) principle of the Paris Climate Agreement. Most recently the Prime Minister in his speech at the ‘UN Climate Ambition Summit’ in December 2020 has set the direction of Pakistan’s pathway to decarbonizing the country’s economy. He declared that 60 percent of all energy produced in the country by 2030 will be ‘clean and through renewable resources, thirty percent of all the country’s passenger and heavy- duty vehicles will be electric vehicles and that Pakistan will no longer pursue imported coal power plants. These broad pronouncements in addition to a “Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Initiative” can provide the country’s roadmap for decarburization and achievement of NDCs goals.

5.1. Energy Generation Pakistan’s energy sector has, besides furnace oil, high reliance on natural gas (the fossil fuel with the lowest carbon intensity), and low reliance on coal (fossil fuel with the highest carbon intensity) in utter contrast to the patterns of primary energy consumption and electricity 29 | National Climate Change Policy generation worldwide. It is largely for this reason that the CO2 emissions per unit of energy consumption in Pakistan are generally low. To find solutions to meet current and future energy needs, a creative and sustainable energy policy framework is necessary that may help in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The recently launched Alternate & Renewable Energy (ARE) Policy 2019 has a vision of the development of an efficient, sustainable, secure, affordable, competitive and environment friendly power system in the country. The Prime Minister on 3rd June 2021 launched the country’s first-ever “Green Eurobond” by WAPDA for financing environmentally friendly energy projects to enhance the clean energy share in the country’s power generation mix, which heavily relies on fossil fuels. The change in energy mix, development of renewable energy resources and an increased share of nuclear and hydroelectric power provide an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions in Pakistan’s energy sector. The Government of Pakistan shall take the following policy measures for mitigating its GHG emissions: Policy Measures a. Give preferential status to the development and promotion of hydro power generation as well as Alternate and Renewable Energy resources; b. Ensure that the negative impact of hydro power projects on the environment as well as local communities are properly assessed and addressed; c. Ensure to create a conducive environment for the sustainable growth of the Alternate and Renewable Energy (ARE) Sector in Pakistan as envisioned and laid down in Alternate & Renewable Energy Policy-2019; d. Promote the development of renewable energy resources and technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, off-shore renewables and bio- energy; e. Promote futuristic building designs with solar panels for energy self-sufficiency, especially in public sector buildings; f. Plan the necessary expansion of nuclear power for Pakistan’s energy security while ensuring the highest safety standards; g. Explore the possibility of obtaining technological know-how and its transfer for installation of clean coal technologies such as Pressurized- Fluidized-Bed-Combustion (PFBC) and Near- Zero Emission Technology (NZET); h. Ensure that coal-fired power stations per format high-efficiency level and are designed in such a way that they can be easily retro-fitted for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS); Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 30 i. Consider introducing carbon tax on the use of environmentally detrimental energy generation from fossil fuels; j. Promote and provide incentives for activities required for increasing the energy- mix and switching to low- carbon fossil fuels, and develop indigenous technology for CO2 Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS),Waste Heat Recovery, Co- generation; Coal Bed Methane Capture; and Combined Cycle Power Generation; k. Give priority to the import of natural gas, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) over import of oil and coal, except for meeting specific fuel requirements, e.g. liquid fuel for transportation, cooking coal for the steel industry; l. Improve technical capacities and institutional arrangements of existing GHG emissions data collection, data sharing and archiving system in the country; m. Promote energy innovations including net metering, home solar installations, smart grids etc. to promote Renewable energy adoption and development; n. Promote and mobilize local and foreign investments in Renewable energy markets by providing incentives and support mechanisms; o. Promote off- grid renewable energy development in rural and remote areas by providing regulatory frameworks.

5.2. Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Energy efficiency improvement, energy conservation and demand reduction provide excellent and cost effective ways to ensure sufficient energy supply to achieve economic development goals, reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate change mitigation goals. The Government of Pakistan shall, therefore, take up the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Strive to conserve energy and improve energy efficiency in all energy using devices and processes; b. Examine the gradual introduction of “Green Fiscal Reforms” in different sectors of the economy, including energy, water and waste/ sewage, to achieve the objectives of carbon emission reductions; c. Promote energy efficiency and management activities that include new and innovative energy efficiency methodologies and techniques in various sectors, especially power generation, transport, industry, biomass, and waste; 31 | National Climate Change Policy d. Conduct, support and incentivize energy audits for industry and businesses; e. Introduce measures to promote sustainable energy consumption and production f. Incentivize projects in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation; g. Enact and enforce energy conservation legislation and audit standards; h. Ensure high quality management of energy production and supply, including reduction in transmission and distribution losses; i. Improve energy efficiency in building by standardizing building and construction codes and legislating/creating incentives for retro fitting, maximum use of natural light, better insulation and use of energy efficient lights, boilers, appliances and ground water pumping units; j. Promote and gradually make it mandatory to specify the energy efficiency/fuel consumption rates of energy using equipment and devices of common use.

5.3. Transport The transport sector has shown the highest emission growth rate of all sectors and accounts for about a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions in Pakistan (source: National GHG Inventory, 2017- 18).Managing emissions in the transport sector is therefore crucial for tackling climate change. What makes this task difficult is the fact that the scope for technical improvement is limited, at least, in the short run and that transport volumes are closely linked to economic growth. To meet this carbon emission reduction challenge Pakistan has recently approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP)- 2020, with targets and incentives aimed at seeing electric vehicles capture 30% of all the passenger vehicle and heavy- duty truck sales by 2030, and 90% by 2040. Similarly, emissions from the aviation sector are also a matter of concern. Indeed, aircraft emissions which are injected directly into the upper atmosphere are much more harmful than similar emissions at the surface because of their longer residence time in the upper troposphere. However, despite difficulties, some policy instruments are available to reduce emissions in road and air transport. Hence, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures Road Transport a. Sensitize the public to the importance of proper vehicle maintenance for fuel efficiency enhancement and reduction of emissions; b. Ensure the provision of a fuel efficient public transport system in the country; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 32 c. Setup and strictly enforce vehicle emission standards; d. Promote the development and adaptation of electric vehicles envisioned in Electric Vehicle Policy- 2020 by providing incentives and by developing necessary infrastructure; e. Examine and implement actions required for the use of bio- fuel for local transport; f. Plan and develop mass transit systems in metropolitan cities; g. Support the private transport sector by providing incentives for reducing emissions and environmentally friendly transport services; h. Promote the development and adoption of environmentally friendly transport technologies and efficient management techniques; i. Promote greater use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the transport sector to the extent consistent with the availability of CNG in the market; j. Secure financing for technology innovations for urban planning and the transport sector, specifically to address mitigation issues; k. Promote the development and installation of new pipelines for efficient transport of oil in the country; l. Improve walking pathways for pedestrians alongside roads with proper traffic sign boards to encourage non- motorized modes of travel; m. Encourage non- motorized modes of travel, such as bicycle and walking for shorter distances. Aviation a. Encourage the national airline to give due consideration to new fuel efficient aircrafts, causing minimum carbon emissions, while planning fleet up- gradation; b. Support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) initiative for carbon emission reduction through improved air traffic management, which includes improved weather services and free flight air routes, instead of defined routes, that hold the potential for reduced flight time and thus fuel consumption; c. Participate actively in ICAO’s activities and initiatives and ensure that the new strategies and policies of ICAO do not hurt the economic interests of developing countries’ aviation industries. Railway a. Ensure the provision of an efficient railway system in the country; b. Upgrade and expand the railway network in the country, as the advantages of railway over road travel in terms of carbon emissions are well recognized. 33 | National Climate Change Policy Inland Waterways Transport a. Develop and promote inland waterways transportation.

5.4. Urban Planning & Waste Management Climate change presents a range of socioeconomic implications for urban planning on two counts. One, urban planning is a process by which adaptation to climate change impacts is possible in urban areas. Two, urban planning influences the level of emissions produced by human settlements by changing fuel and energy consumption patterns. To adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is a need to introduce changes in urban planning and building systems. In February 2021 the Prime Minister launched an ‘urban forestation drive’, on the lines of Miyawaki technique developed in Japan, where the trees grow 10 times faster and 30 times denser. In Islamabad CDA has selected 21 sites and in Lahore PHA has selected 51 sites to grow urban forests on the lines of Miyawaki technique. Further, increasing populations and urbanization, are making a major challenge for municipalities to collect, recycle, treat and dispose of increasing quantities of solid waste and wastewater. However, for sustainable development, establishment of affordable, effective and truly sustainable waste management practices are a major challenge. The Government of Pakistan launched Clean Green Pakistan Movement (CGPM) in November 2019 and the Clean Green Pakistan Index (CGPI) is its core pillar. This is a city / tehsil and neighborhood- level index which aims to rank them according to their cleanliness and greenery. The CGPI performance indicators include safe drinking water, solid waste management, liquid waste management/hygiene, plantation, and total sanitation. The Government of Pakistan, in this regard, shall assist provincial governments to take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Promote the use of digitalization as a tool for climate change adaptation and sustainable development in urban centers; b. Mainstream Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan (SCP- NAP) implementation at provincial level for achieving sustainable city goals; c. Make installation of wastewater treatment plants as an integral part of all urban sewerage schemes; d. Adopt integrated waste management, treatment, and disposal systems for all types of waste, while assigning priority to solid waste management; e. Adopt separate collection, disposal and re- use of recyclable, composite and bio degradable waste, preferably at source; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 34 f. Develop and implement plastic waste management tools such as reduce, reuse, recycle, and encourage eco- packing and substitutes for plastic; g. Update town planning design principles for lower carbon footprints; h. Encourage and incentivize private sector for designing zero emission buildings through renewable energy technology; i. Curb rural-to-urban migration, develop infrastructure and support facilities in smaller agro-based towns and periphery urban areas; j. Ensure proper “Land Use Planning” and encourage vertical instead of horizontal expansion of urban housing projects; k. Conduct comprehensive climate risk & vulnerability assessment at district level; l. Undertake hazard mapping and zoning of areas before construction; m. Ensure that rural housing, particularly reconstruction following flood damages is climate resilient; n. Ensure that the industries in large urban areas are located in the designated areas; o. Make installation of solar water heaters mandatory in commercial and public buildings where water heating is necessary; p. Encourage and support communities participation in recently launched urban forestation drive to ensure its success; q. Raise awareness of public on hazards of single- use plastic to instigate behavior change; r. Ensure that the urban forestation drive, on the lines of Miyawaki technique, is continued to be implemented in all urban areas of the country; s. Development and adoption of “Green Building Code” may be expedited to help reduce negative impacts of climate and natural environment.

5.5. Industries The major industries in Pakistan include textiles, fertilizer, sugar factories, cement, steel and large petro-chemical plants. These industries, among others, contribute more than 5% to the total GHG emissions of the country due to the industrial processes in use, in addition to being responsible for more than a quarter of the emissions attributed to the energy sector. The Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures to play its role in reducing these emissions in the long- term: 35 | National Climate Change Policy Policy Measures a. Incorporate economic incentives to promote emission- reduction by upgrading industrial processes and technologies; b. Prepare voluntary “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) guidelines and encourage the corporate sector to create a CSR fund to cover carbon emission reduction efforts in industrial sector; c. Detailed aerosol emission impact assessment studies must be made a requirement prior to the installation of any new small and large industry that may be considered a potential source of pollution; d. Promote integration of the “Cleaner Production” strategy in the Industrial sector by making more efficient use of inputs such as energy, water and raw materials; e. Promote the use of energy efficient motors in the industrial sector; f. Encourage the industrial sector to have periodic “Energy Efficiency Audits”; g. Develop capacity to monitor and estimate emissions locally for each industry; h. Ensure that technology transfer is accelerated for industries like cement manufacturing, to control emissions without hampering the production process; i. Explore and introduce incentives for industries to adopt low- emission technologies e.g. dual- functional materials for Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); j. Legislate opportunities for industry to facilitate transition to circular economy model and boost the market demand for recycled products.

5.6. Agriculture and Livestock The agriculture and livestock sectors accounted for about 40% of Pakistan’s total GHG emissions in 2017- 18. These emissions were largely methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and originated mainly from four sub- sectors:1) enteric fermentation in cattle (all in the form of methane); 2) rice cultivation; 3) Release of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils/ nitrous fertilizer; and 4) manure management. During 1994- 2015 GHG emissions from agriculture and livestock in Pakistan grew at the rate of about 4% per annum (Source: National GHG inventory 2017- 18). There is a pressing need to find ways to contain these emissions or at least slow down their growth rate. This will require technological innovations and financial resources, for which Pakistan will need the support of the International community. To mitigate and minimize GHG emissions from the agriculture and livestock sectors, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following policy measures: Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 36 Policy Measures a. Promote integration of indigenous knowledge and the latest technology with scientific research to spearhead efforts towards an ecologically sustainable green revolution; b. Promote wide- scale adaptation of better management practices for agriculture and livestock with a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizer, water and pesticides; c. Explore methods to reduce nitrous oxide release from agricultural soils, E.g. by changing the mix of chemical fertilizers commonly used; d. Promote use of green manure, better manure storage and management; e. Promote development of bio gas and manure digester for methane reduction and energy production through GCF support; f. Develop and adopt new breeds of cattle which are more productive in terms of milk and meat, and have lower methane production from enteric fermentation; g. Encourage farmers to use appropriate feed mixes and additives to reduce methane production from enteric fermentation/digestion in cattle; h. Manage water in rice paddies to control releases of methane from agricultural soils and introduce low water dependent rice varieties; k. Promote not ill farming for methane abatement; l. Promote cultivation of crops used for bio- fuel production, to the extent feasible without threatening the country’s food security; m. Develop capacities of the relevant institutions to undertake appropriate mitigation actions to reduce GHG emissions from the agriculture and livestock sectors.

5.7. Carbon Sequestration and Forestry Mitigation of climate change is a global responsibility. As outlined in the Task Force Climate Change Report, Pakistan’s Forestry and Other Land Uses sector contributes about 5% to the total GHG emissions of the country, considerable mitigation potential exists in the sector through carbon sequestration via afforestation and reforestation measures as well as preventing deforestation in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with national entities and support from multilateral agencies, shall take the following measures in the forestry sector to sequester atmospheric carbon, thereby mitigating climate change. Policy Measures a. Enhance natural carbon sinks by afforestation, reforestation and protecting natural systems, including rehabilitation of degraded areas that contribute to carbon sequestration; 37 | National Climate Change Policy b. Devise a strategy to avoid carbon dioxide emission from planned mangrove plantation drives under ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’ (TBTT) and Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+); c. Quantify carbon stocks in existing forests with specific focus on recovered and protected forests to identify the monetary values of these ecosystems; d. Strictly prohibit illegal forest cutting and conversion of forest land to non- forest uses; e. Enact and enforce laws and regulations required for addressing illegal trade in timber and deforestation. f. Use the vast mass of cultivable wasteland as a carbon sink and to build up organic soil matter; g. Provide incentives and alternative fuel and livelihood options to forest dependent communities to prevent deforestation; h. Promote farm forestry practices by planting multipurpose fast- growing species to meet the needs for timber, fuel wood and fodder for livestock; i. Encourage and support forestry personnel in carbon forestry project development; j. Establish linkages with regulated and voluntary carbon markets to promote and encourage forestry mitigation projects in Pakistan; k. Secure financial assistance from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and UN- REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program as well as from other international sources to formulate a national program for avoiding deforestation and promoting forest restoration; l. Prepare the framework for a national REDD strategy on priority basis and ensure its implementation in accordance with international conventions/processes; m. Develop the legal and institutional frame work for improved forest management, investment clearly specifying rights to REDD + credits; n. Restore and establish the blue carbon sequestration capacity of mangroves, and tidal marshes. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 38 6. CAPACITY BUILDING & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING Expertise to address climate change is meager in the country. Pakistan is hardly prepared to meet the 21st century’s biggest challenge of climate change as far as human resources and institutional capacities are concerned. Insufficient trained human resource is a big constraint, in part, due to a brain drain, limited investment in climate change education, and lack of demand and opportunity for skilled individuals in Pakistan. The country does not have enough climate change scientists, modelers, technologists and experts who can handle international negotiations, which are critical for every country. Similarly, there is lack of credible institutions in Pakistan to deal with comprehensive climate change science, modeling, management, adaptation, mitigation, and policy issues. Since capacity building and institutional strengthening is a priority area for the government, as such one of the recent key developments is the passage of Pakistan Climate Change Act- 2017, which envisages establishment of a high- powered Pakistan Climate Change Authority and Pakistan Climate Change Fund. The Fund will mobilize resources from both domestic and international sources for providing finances to support mitigation and adaptation initiatives in the country. Recently the Government of Pakistan has constituted a Prime Minister’s Committee on Climate Change1. The specific role of this inter- ministerial committee is to oversee the status of implementation of the National Climate Change Policy across the federating units, and to ensure the creation of an enabling environment for integrated climate compatible development. The committee would also provide the highest level of strategic guidance and a platform to coordinate efforts across the country. Further, a number of area specific policy measures are mentioned in relevant sections and will generally not be repeated here. However to address the deficiencies in climate change related requirements, human resources and institutions, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures: Policy Measures Institutional Mechanisms a. Establish Climate Change Cells in sectoral federal and provincial ministries; b. Ensure that actions envisaged in CC Act- 2017 regarding the establishment of Climate Change Fund and CC Authority are functional at the earliest; 1. Composition of Committee: The committee headed by the prime minister includes federal ministers of planning& development, finance, power, food security, water resources, climate change and provincial chief ministers. 39 | National Climate Change Policy c. Create an enabling environment for private sector engagement in CC adaptation and mitigation activities that will catalyze greater and more frequent investments at a lower cost and will also accelerate the replication of climate- resilient technologies and approaches in core development sectors; d. Develop and enforce rules under which climate change assessment is mandatory for all development project’ s approval, where federal funding is involved; e. Develop and strengthen a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for evaluation of emission reductions and change in land systems, in order to make full use of the UNFCCCREDD + facility; f. Improve inter-ministerialandinter-departmental decision-making and coordination mechanisms on climate change issues both at provincial and federal levels to develop Pakistan’s stand on various international policy issues relating to climate change; g. Strengthen the national institutional framework for undertaking tasks related to the implementation of UNFCCC programmes; h. Ensure the integration of climate change and overall developmental imperatives, and that climate change and socioeconomic development are pursued as inseparable objectives; i. Ensure that agriculture, water, forest, energy, health, biodiversity, and DRR related vulnerabilities induced by climate change get duly integrated and addressed in the relevant national policy documents; j. Take necessary measures to redesign administrative structures and procedures of Federal and Provincial EPAs and Planning and Development Division to integrate climate change concerns into Initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes; k. Help establish institutional linkages among national institutions in the South Asian region to facilitate sharing of knowledge, information and capacity building programs in climate change related areas and jointly tackling the trans boundary water, air quality and pandemic concerns (locust, Covid etc.); l. Strengthen the carbon market initiative through National Committee on Establishment of Carbon Markets and interim secretariat housed in MoCC for Indigenous design of the carbon market in Pakistan; m. Ensure that IEE/EIA and other mechanisms are strictly observed in all development projects, particularly infrastructure projects, by the concerned agencies; n. Identify national institutional needs to develop the capacity for carbon trading; o. Create National and Provincial Implementing Entities (NIE & PIE) to deal with adaptation and mitigation projects at federal and provincial levels respectively; Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 40 Capacity Enhancement a. Develop climate change professionals by sending young scientists and students to reputable institutions abroad for higher studies; b. Strengthen national climate change science related institutions, in particular the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) and universities, in terms of necessary financial and technical support; c. Develop/introduce curriculum on climate change and environmental planning with particular emphasis on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)and introduce it into the formal education system at all levels, particularly in to the higher education system; d. Ensure institutional strengthening of the existing Climate Change Section, Climate Finance Unit, CC Reporting Unit, Climate Resilient Urban Settlement Unit, Environmental Health Unit and other relevant institutions dealing with Climate Change and REDD+ matters; e. Develop knowledge based management (KBM) and networking with strategic climate change research establishments to ensure benefits from international scientific advancements; f. Provide training and support, at national and international levels, to the concerned officials and experts of line ministries and departments to further enhance their knowledge and capacities on climate change issues; g. Explore and provide training opportunities to enhance capacity for preparing projects and programs in the climate change area; h. Develop national capacity to gauge the quantum and nature of climate change in Pakistan for reliable climate change vulnerability assessments in various sectors, particularly water and agriculture; i. Enhance disaster mitigation and preparedness capacities at federal, provincial and district levels; j. Enhance capacity to undertake comprehensive assessments of the economic implications of climate change impacts on various sectors with and without using different adaptation measures; k. Strengthen institutional capacities to ensure regular updates of GHG inventories; l. Develop an institutionalized system to measure and monitor GHG emissions from various sectors including trans- boundary pollution and maintain a database on this; m. Expand and upgrade meteorological services and monitoring stations in various parts of the country, particularly in the northern mountainous areas, glacial regions feeding IRS and over the Arabian Sea ad joining Pakistan’s coastline, to the level 41 | National Climate Change Policy recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO); n. Actively participate in new international initiatives to create a Global Frame work for Climate Services (GFCS); o. Ensure capacity development for making reliable projections of climate changes scenarios, seasonal forecasts and inter- annual forecasts for different parts of Pakistan; p. Promote the use of GIS/ RS based studies to assess and quantify past temporal trends and monitor future changes in snow cover, glacial volume, glacial lake formation and burst, deforestation, land degradation (salinity, water logging), soil erosion, inundation of Indus deltaic region and other coastal areas; q. Undertake scientific studies to preserve glaciers and explore grafting techniques; r. Strengthen the country’s tropical cyclone monitoring and prediction system; s. Establish a national clearing- house for regularly updated climate change related data sharing and networking; t. Build domestic response capacity in order to use current and future funds effectively. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 42 7. AWARENESS RAISING Public education and outreach are vitally important to create broad awareness of climate change issues and its impact. As such the importance of communicating with the general public and engaging stake holders in climate change related issues is fully recognized by Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is putting up a lot of emphasis on reducing the depletion of country’s “natural capital” - the services that nature provides, including fresh water, forests and bio diversity etc. as these assets are significantly important for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. The Government, both in collaboration with the private sector and independently, is already working actively to raise awareness about the issue. The scale of the change required, however, and the vast number of people and interests that must be influenced, calls for outreach activities of a much greater magnitude. Therefore, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the relevant entities, shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Conduct nationwide surveys to gauge the opinions and capabilities of key stakeholders and other potential partners; b. Develop a national climate change awareness program involving communities, as well as climate change relevant ministries and departments; c. Ensure advocacy and mass awareness regarding the importance of water and energy conservation, the impact of climate change on various sectors including forest ecosystems, biodiversity and soon, using mass media, public- private partnerships, students and community mobilization; and incorporate these issues in to the formal education systems at all levels; d. Public awareness regarding aerosol pollution must be carried out as part of environmental education program in Pakistan; e. Arrange climate change sensitization workshops for policymaker sat national and provincial levels; f. Ensure that all understand the value of country’s “natural capital” and try to reduce their depletion; g. Raise awareness of local communities on protecting the forests and sustainable management; h. Create awareness of the corporate sector on sustainable development and carbon markets. 43 | National Climate Change Policy 8. INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL COOPERATION Climate change is a global concern and its adverse impacts are affecting most developing countries. The Paris Climate Agreement- 2015 is globally seen as a landmark development, whose central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by limiting the global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius by reducing GHG emissions. After the Agreement, all the countries have submitted their plans to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to cut GHG emissions. Developing countries face the dual challenge of addressing the negative impacts of climate change and pursuing socioeconomic development. Hence, it is essential that they work together to face these challenges. Pakistan is committed to engaging vigorously with the international community to find solutions and help the world towards a new era of global cooperation on climate change. South Asia is particularly prone to climate change and related disasters making the need for a regional response to meet the challenge of climate change more urgent and compelling. In order to achieve this international and regional cooperation, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures: Policy Measures a. Undertake appropriate consultations to develop Pakistan’s stand on climate change related international policy issues; b. Ensure continued attendance and presentation of Pakistan’s stand at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties and other related meetings; c. Promote mechanisms for strengthening and raising the institutional, systemic and individual capacity- building to implement CC adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, and development actions to achieve SDG- 13 Climate Action and related SDGs; d. Support exchange of meteorological data, including that obtained from high altitude monitoring stations; e. Develop strong institutional linkages with UNFCCC, UNEP, IPCC, WMO, UNESCO and others; f. Pakistan should whole heartedly support the international efforts agreed in the Paris Climate Agreement; g. Facilitate exchange of real time hydrological data in the region for improved flood forecasting and warning services; h. Work with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan and other mountainous countries to take initiatives on mountain ecosystems, particularly glaciers and their contribution Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 44 to sustainable development and livelihoods, and to high light the region’s vulnerability to climate change; i. Encourage exchange of results from simulation modeling experiments for inter- annual and decadal climatic projections, seasonal forecasts, and predictions of climate extremes in the region; j. Provide support to strengthen the WMO- UNESCAP sponsored Inter governmental Panel on Tropical Cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal for improved monitoring of and forecasting tropical cyclones; k. Help establish institutional linkages among national institutions in the South Asian region to facilitate sharing of knowledge, information and capacity building programs in climate change related areas and jointly tackling the trans boundary water, air quality and pandemic concerns (locust, Covid etc.); l. Support the establishment of a SAARC Climate Change Research Centre, preferably in Pakistan in close proximity to the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC); m. Seek establishment of a regional Inter governmental Expert Group on Climate Change to develop clear policy direction and guidance for regional cooperation as envisaged in the SAARC Plan of Action on Climate Change n. Encourage relevant SAARC centers to undertake studies on the evolving pattern of monsoons to assess vulnerability due to climate change and integrate Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR); o. Undertake, together with other South Asian countries, advocacy and awareness programs on climate change, among others, to promote the use of green technology and best practices for transition to low- carbon sustainable and inclusive development in the region; p. Explore international and regional linkages for resource mobilization to help build gender- sensitive responses; q. Promote student exchange programs among SAARC universities, particularly in the climate change discipline. 45 | National Climate Change Policy 9. FINANCE Pakistan is signatory to major environmental conventions and protocols. As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and a member state of the World Bank, Pakistan qualifies for financial and technological assistance. In the UNFCCC Cancun conference, developed countries committed to creating a sizeable “Green Climate Fund” with fast start finance. To secure an appropriate share from this initiative, expected to be available in the near future, a country needs to create an enabling environment that can facilitate and attract this funding. After mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives covering afforestation, biodiversity conservation, Pakistan will position itself firmly on an environmentally resilient pathway to sustainable growth and prosperity. As part of its climate- resilient growth initiatives, Pakistan is presently working on an innovative debt- for- nature swap agreement with international creditors, and has launched an initiative to establish a Nature Performance Bond with a defined set of ambitious ecosystem restoration targets to provide Pakistan with accelerated access to finance for development. While the transition to a low carbon economy, whilst sustaining the development of the economy, requires a cost- effective policy solution and carbon pricing was identified as a base for carbon markets, so that countries can smoothly take up transition to a low carbon economy cost- effectively. In recognition of global adoption of Carbon Pricing Instruments (CPIs) to curb GHG emissions, Pakistan initiated a study on the “Introduction of (CPI) in Pakistan” in 2019 with an aim to assess and recommend a set of options for the introduction of carbon pricing instruments in Pakistan. In order to benefit from future international financial mechanisms and to help Pakistan adopt CPI to meet the mitigation targets, the Government of Pakistan shall take the following measures related to options for a future international financing mechanism: Policy Measures a. Ensure that the sufficient funds are always available in recently established National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) to caters emergencies caused by natural disasters and for implementing the programmes and projects to reduce the risks from natural disasters; b. Continue to assess how best to position Pakistan vis- a- vis other groups of developing countries in order to secure adaptation funding; c. Ensure the access and effective use of opportunities available internationally for adaptation and mitigation efforts, e.g. through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Clean Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 46 Development Mechanism (CDM), Adaptation Fund (AF), Global Environmental Facility (GEF), World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and Carbon credit trading ; d. Establish a “Pakistan Climate Change Fund” for financing climate change related projects; e. Continue to push for transparent delivery of new and additional fast start funding by developed countries; f. Develop public- corporate- civil society partnerships for financing and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation projects; g. Create domestic carbon market opportunities by introducing an appropriate investment framework linked with regional banking institutions; h. Explore the innovative private finance schemes, such as green bonds, blue bonds, nature bonds etc.; i. Engage provinces to set- up the carbon pricing architecture; j. Set- up the legal and regulatory instruments to operationalize the Emission Trading System (ETS). 47 | National Climate Change Policy 10. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER Climate change, being one of the most difficult and complex threats the world faces, needs innovative technological solutions to solve the climate change challenges of both mitigation and adaptation. The UNFCCC Cancun conference agreed to set up a special “Technology Mechanism” for the development and transfer of new technologies from developed to developing countries. This mechanism named,Climate Technology Centre and Network’ (CTCN) is a body mandated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assist developing countries in spreading environmentally sound technologies to address climate change challenges. As such to find the technological solutions to the climate change challenges in Pakistan, the Government shall take the following policy measures: Policy Measures a. Ensure that the technology needs to support actions on mitigation and adaptation are nationally determined and are based on national priorities; b. Promote the development and use of local technologies, based on innovation and technological advancement in the field of climate change, as an effective way to implement adaptation and mitigation measures; c. Prepare detailed area analysis for possible wind and solar energy sites in Pakistan, and establish regional partnerships for technology transfer and development; d. Seek technological breakthroughs to harness the potential of geothermal energy in the northern mountain areas off-shore renewable energy at coastal areas of Pakistan; e. Explore new technological breakthroughs in the field of bio-fuels; f. Obtain and introduce clean coal technologies; g. Ensure technology transfer for the design and manufacture of emission monitoring equipment, to be installed near urban and industrial areas in Pakistan; h. Establish a base for technology transfer and absorption at technical institutes, engineering colleges and universities; i. Ensure transfer of technology for designing electric/hybrid vehicles in Pakistan; j. Develop new breeds of crops and livestock, which are less vulnerable to climate change impacts; k. Promote public private partnerships for technological innovations and technology up scaling. Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 48 11. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM Following the adoption of updated National Climate Change Policy, the Federal Government shall assist the provinces to develop their “Action Plans”. All relevant ministries, departments and agencies shall also devise plans and programs to implement the policy provisions relating to their respective sectors/ sub- sectors. Similarly, the provincial governments, AJK, Gilgit- Baltistan and local governments shall also devise their own strategies, plans and programs for implementation of the Policy. To ensure effective Policy implementation and to oversee progress in this regard, “Climate Change Policy Implementation Committees” shall be established at the federal and provincial levels. One of the tasks of these committees shall be regular monitoring and updating of the National Climate Change Policy at appropriate intervals. The composition of the committee is as under: I. National Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee: 1. Minister of Climate Change at the Federal Level (Chair); 2. Secretaries of Ministries responsible for Climate Change/Planning and Development/ Foreign Affairs/Science and Technology/Industries and Production/Finance/Water Resources, Energy, Food Security and Research/ Health Services / Defense; 3. Member Infrastructure PC/Additional Chief Secretaries Provincial Planning and Development Departments; 4. Chairman NDMA/Federal Flood Commission; 5. Secretaries of Provincial/AJK/GB Environment Departments; 6. Heads of PMD/GCISC/Pak EPA/ENERCON; 7. Chief Environment, Planning and Development Division; 8. Three representatives from the corporate sector/Chambers of Commerce and Industries; 9. Three eminent experts from the field; 10. Three representatives from civil society organizations; 11. Director General (Climate Change/Environment) Member/Secretary. II. Provincial Climate Change Policy Implementation Committees: 1. Provincial Minister for Environment (Chairperson); 2. Chairman/Additional Chief Secretaries Planning and Development Department; 3. Secretaries Environment/Agriculture/Forest/ Irrigation/Health/Energy/Local Government/ Public Health Departments; 49 | National Climate Change Policy 4. DGs PDMAs; 5. Three representatives from corporate sector/ Chambers of Commerce and industries; 6. Three representatives from Civil Society Organizations; 7. Three eminent experts from the field; 8. Director General Environmental Protection Agency, member/Secretary. The “National and Provincial Climate Change Policy Implementation Committees” shall meet biannually. The Provincial Committees, which will be the key actors in implementation of the proposed climate change agenda, shall report the status of implementation of the Policy to the National Committee. The National Committee shall report to the “Prime Minister’s Committee on Climate Change” on regular basis.