PAKISTAN
Outcome 2 (SDG 13.1): Strengthened resilience and adaptation to climate
risks and natural disasters.
• Sector: Environment and climate change, risk reduction
Projects
| The project aimed to support environmental monitoring and natural resource management in the mountains of Pakistan, where protected areas such as the Central Karakorum National Park and the Deosai National Park are located. Project activities have contributed to improved risk assessment and prevention, addressing in particular the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and hydrogeological hazards; thanks to the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and the development of a dedicated, automatically updated web platform based on the experience of the information system Ev-K2-CNR – SHARE Geonetwork (http://geonetwork.evk2cnr.org/). Moreover, the project actively involved Pakistani universities in monitoring activities through a dedicated training and capacity-building programme in the fields of glaciological monitoring and remote sensing analysis. The aim was to equip them with the appropriate tools to ensure the pursuit of long-term research objectives beyond the project’s completion and to establish a system of scientific communication with both local and international institutions. |
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| Deliberation | N. 83, CC. 19/07/2021 |
| Zone of Intervention | Gilgit – Baltistan, regioni montane del nord Pakistan |
| Financing Channel | Multibilaterale, dono |
| Settore d’intervento | Adattamento al cambio climatico e riduzione del rischio |
| SDGs | SDG 13, Target 1 & 2 |
| Gender Marker | Not examined |
| Executing Entity | UNDP Pakistan |
| Partners | EVK2-CNR, University of Baltistan, Karakorum International University |
| Local Counterpart | Governo del Gilgit Baltistan, Dipartimento Meteorologico Pakistano. |
| Total cost | € 1.100.000,00 |
| Duration | dal 24 marzo 2022 al 30 settembre 2024 |
| General Objectives |
Contribute to a more efficient management of water resources in the mountainous regions of Pakistan: the protected areas of the National Parks of the Central Karakorum (CKNP) and the Deosai |
| Specific Objectives | Support to villages to optimize high-efficiency irrigation for value agriculture. • Building the capacity of rural communities for greater resilience. • Creation of certified nurseries and distribution of fruit plants. • Capacity building for more than 2000 stakeholders in the olive oil sector. • Strengthen the olive oil quality laboratory for product certification |
| Expected Results | 1. Maintain and improve climate-environmental monitoring networks in northern Pakistan. • Publish the complete inventory of glaciers in Pakistan. • Implement a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) using SHARE Geonetwork. • Ensure a training programme with Pakistani universities, in collaboration with Italian universities. |
| Beneficiaries | Direct: Karakorum International University and its students, University of Baltistan, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, officials from provincial ministries, Meteorological Department. Indirect: Community of Gilgit-Baltistan. |
| The project has contributed to improved knowledge of the state of biodiversity and integrated its protection into national policies. Conducted Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments (SESA) on the infrastructure impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in ecologically sensitive areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Among the main results, it has developed the Global Report on Conflicts, Migration and Nature and a study on zoonotic diseases, mapping critical habitats and implementing measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The project also strengthened environmental governance through the review of wildlife regulations and the establishment of guidelines for regulated hunting (trophy hunting). It has supported the creation of ecological corridors for biodiversity, developed community ecotourism models, and promoted capacity building initiatives for local institutions and communities, contributing to a sustainable management of natural resources. |
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| Deliberation | N. 80, CC. 06/12/2018 |
| Zone of intervention | Gilgit – Baltistan, regioni montane del nord Pakistan |
| Financing channel | Multibilateral, Grant |
| Sector of intervention | Environment, participatory development, good governance, disaster risk reduction |
| SDGs | SGD 15 Target 5 & 6
SDG 12 Target 2 |
| Gender Marker | 0 |
| Executing Entity | IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature |
| Partners | WWF-Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), Government of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Gilgit-Baltistan (EPA-GB) Gilgit-Baltistan Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Department (GBFWED) Karakoram International University |
| Local Counterpart | Government of Gilgit Baltistan. |
| Total Cost | € 1.000.000,00 |
| Duration | 26/9/2018 al 30/06/2024. |
| General Objective | Contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the prevention of environmental degradation in fragile, human-induced and wild ecosystems. |
| Specific Objectives | 1. Improve knowledge of the global state of nature and integrate biodiversity degradation and loss into mainstream political and economic decisions. • Safeguard the biodiversity and livelihoods of local communities in selected areas of northern Pakistan from the impacts of infrastructure development projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. |
| Expected Results | 1. IUCN flagship report on the state of nature in a globalised world. • Social and environmental impacts of infrastructure development comprehensively assessed, and areas identified for infrastructure development. • Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) applied to CPEC investments. • Red List assessment based on IUCN global criteria completed for northern Pakistan. • Strategic advice from high level experts for an environmentally and socially safe development of the CPEC. • Increased awareness among policy makers of the environmental impacts of CPEC initiatives. • Support to local governments and civil society organizations for the implementation of innovative pilot activities aimed at strengthening community livelihoods resilience. |
| Beneficiaries | Direct : The direct beneficiaries are the global decision-makers of sustainable development and local communities in northern Pakistan. Indirect: The project benefits those who benefit from ecosystems, which includes governments, professionals and future generations by ensuring the conservation of natural heritage. |
| The project, in continuity with the Glaciers and Students initiative, aims to increase climate adaptation and resilience of Gilgit-Baltistan in order to contribute to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive development in mountain regions. Despite the high vulnerability to climate change risks and the existing national framework of policies and strategies, there is still a need for scientific and technological support which prevents adequate management of environmental risk prevention systems, as well as the effective and evidence-based implementation of policies and strategies for sustainable management of natural resources. To address the challenges of climate change, it is essential to strengthen both institutional and community capacity to safeguard ecosystems and manage natural resources—particularly water resources, which are crucial for sustainable development. By the end of 2024, the project had completed its inception phase, during which preliminary studies, consultations with local institutions and communities, and technical planning were carried out. Glaciological and hydrological monitoring activities were initiated, along with the upgrading of scientific laboratories—including those for water quality analysis—and the development of strategies for the sustainable management of water resources, agriculture, livestock, and ecotourism in the region. |
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| Deliberation | N. 29, CC 09/04/2024 |
| Zone di intervention | Gilgit – Baltistan, regioni montane del nord Pakistan |
| Financing channel | Multibilateral, grant |
| Sector of Intervention | Adaptation to climate change and risk reduction |
| SDGs | SGD 8 Target 9
SDG 11 Target 4 SDG 13, Target 2 |
| Gender Marker | 0 |
| Executing Entity | UNDP Pakistan |
| Partners | EVK2-CNR, University of Baltistan, Karakorum International University |
| Local Counterpart(s) | Governo del Gilgit Baltistan (Department of Agriculture, Wildlife and Fisheries; Environment Protection Authority; Disaster Management Authority), Dipartimento Meteorologico Pakistano. |
| Total Cost | € 3.000.000,00 |
| Duration | 36 months: 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2027 |
| General Objective | Promote sustainable development in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan through enhanced capacity for climate change adaptation and ecosystem conservation. |
| Specific Objective | Improving management of water resources, to promote sustainable farming and livestock practices and to enhance the supply of eco-tourism offerings. |
| Expected Results | 1. Improved monitoring capacity of glaciers and water resources for civil and agri-food use. • Increased capacity for sustainable management of the agricultural and livestock supply chain. • Criteria and good practices introduced and adopted for sustainable management of the tourism supply chain. • The capacity of local authorities and communities to implement policies and practices for sustainable management of mountain ecosystems is strengthened. |
| Beneficiaries | Approximately 1400 individuals from local communities, universities and provincial authorities of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) • Officials and experts from EPA-GB, GB DMA, Agriculture, Tourism, Planning and staff of the Central Karakoram and Deosai Parks. • 500 individuals from seven local communities involved in the project. • 200 private sector representatives sensitized • Teachers and 200 students from Karakoram and Baltistan universities trained for monitoring and research. |
| The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan to climate change by promoting sustainable adaptation practices and improving risk governance. Through an integrated approach, the project aims to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) by expanding their scope with water quality monitoring tools and community resilience plans that include anticipatory action protocols to mitigate the impacts of extreme climate events. At the same time, it seeks to protect and diversify the livelihoods of communities in Sindh by offering adaptation solutions such as climate-resilient agricultural practices, crop insurance schemes, and nature-based strategies. Finally, the initiative focuses on enhancing institutional capacities at national, provincial, and local levels by providing tools to identify risk factors and improve decision-making in disaster management, thereby ensuring a more effective and timely response to climate challenges. |
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| Deliberation | N. 222, CC. 16/12/2024 |
| Zone of intervention | Sindh |
| Financing Channel | Multibilateral, grant |
| Sector of Intervention | Adaptation to climate change and risk reduction |
| SDGs | SGD 5 Target A
SDG 6 Target 3 SDG 13 Target 1 SDG 15 Target 3 |
| Gender Marker | 1 |
| Ente esecutore | Food and Agriculture Organization – FAO |
| Partners | CESVI |
| Local Counterpart | Livestock and Fisheries Department, SIDA, Sindh PDMA, Sindh Irrigation Department, Sindh Social Protection Authority (SSPA), Sindh Planning and Development Department, Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Systems (MoPASS), MoCC&EC, NDMA, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) |
| Total Cost | € 4.000.000,00 |
| Duration | 36 mesi |
| General Objective | Strengthened national capacity to manage the impact of climate change through sustainable adaptation practices and improved governance. |
| Specific Objective | The target communities in Sindh demonstrate greater resilience to climate risks and shocks through the implementation of effective adaptation strategies, improved livelihoods, and robust disaster risk reduction planning, including anticipatory actions. (AA). |
| Expected Results | 1. Improved capacity of local institutions and communities to anticipate, address and respond to the impact of climate change • Communities’ livelihoods are more resilient to climate change, with improved access to quality natural resource data • The ability of national, provincial and local institutions to identify risk factors and possible measures to respond to adverse events is strengthened for improved decision-making. |
| Beneficiaries | Direct : 25,000 households (175,000 individuals). Direct beneficiaries will be supported through training, resilience interventions, nature-based solutions and insurance models. Indirect: 1.5million beneficiaries. Indirect beneficiaries will be involved through community assessments, strengthening of systems, awareness raising and landscape interventions such as agroforestry and water management. |
| The initiative aims to improve the living conditions of rural communities through sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in mountainous areas of the countries participating in the Mountain Partnership (MP). The project adopts a strategy focused on institutional development and capacity building to introduce and implement methodologies for analysing environmental and socio-economic conditions and for developing action plans to address vulnerability in the targeted mountain areas of the involved countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, and Pakistan). In 2024, the project completed national-level vulnerability assessments in Pakistan and Montenegro, identifying pilot areas for local analysis. In Afghanistan, Albania, and Kyrgyzstan, national assessments are still ongoing. Workshops and trainings were conducted on Geographic Information System (GIS), land degradation, and socio-economic indicators. In Pakistan, the analysis of the pilot areas has begun. |
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| Delibera | N. 113, CC 18/12/2019 |
| Zone of intervention | Multi-country project: Afghanistan, Albania, Kyrgyzstan Montenegro and Pakistan |
| Financing Channel | Multibilateral, Grant |
| Sector of Intervention | Adaptation to climate change and risk reduction |
| SDGs | SGD 15 |
| Gender Marker | 1 |
| Executing Entity | Food and Agriculture Organization – FAO |
| Partners | University of Rome “La Sapienza” |
| Local Counterpart | Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Ministry of Natural Food Security and Research. |
| Total Cost | € 940.000,00 |
| Duration | 01/01/2020 a 30/06/2025 |
| General Objective | Creating a favourable environment to reduce soil degradation and improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in watersheds, pastures and marginal areas, generating inclusive employment |
| Specific Objective | The institutional and technical capacities of key environmental actors are strengthened to be applied in sustainable management of natural resources and to foster active involvement in relevant international and regional forums and networks. |
| Expected Results | Assessment of institutional and technical capacities •Institutional capacity building for the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) •Development of skills for the design and implementation of environmental strategies •Participation in international and regional forums and networks •Assessment of environmental conditions •Identification of implementation strategies •Institutional capacity building in sustainable management of soil, water (SLWM) and natural resources (NRM) •Implementation of two seminars at national level •Joint action plan and coordination platform with the Government for the Pakistani diaspora in Italy established |
| Beneficiaries | Direct : The project will directly target 25,000 households (175,000 individuals). Direct beneficiaries will be supported through training, resilience interventions, nature-based solutions and insurance models. Indirect: 1.5million beneficiaries. Indirect beneficiaries will be involved through community assessments, strengthening of systems, awareness raising and landscape interventions such as agroforestry and water management. |
| In August 2010, Pakistan experienced devastating floods that affected 78 districts and nearly 10% of the population, across an area corresponding to approximately one-third of the country. The flooding had a catastrophic impact on households: 52% suffered the complete collapse of all housing structures, and 72% were forced to leave their homes for a period exceeding one month. As a result, families had to resort to coping strategies such as borrowing money, using up savings, selling assets, and reducing food consumption. The Citizens Damage Compensation Programme (CDCP), supported by the World Bank, reached over 1 million families (7.5 million people) affected by the floods, providing them with cash transfers (amounting to USD 404 per beneficiary household) to help restart their economic and working lives and to support the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed homes. Beneficiaries were enrolled in the programme through biometric verification linked to the national Identification database, and the cash grants were disbursed via debit cards, thereby involving the banking sector. The project also provided technical assistance to local institutions to improve governance, establishing effective mechanisms for fund requests, disbursement, monitoring, and evaluation. A total of EUR 30 million was disbursed in two tranches in 2012 and 2013. Currently, an assessment of the dossier is underway with the government counterpart to explore the reallocation of unused funds amounting to EUR 27.5 million. |
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| Deliberation | N. 7 – 25/07/2011 |
| Zone of intervention | Areas affected by the flood of 2010 for a total of 78 districts on national territory pertaining to all provinces |
| Funding Channel | Soft loan |
| SDGs | SDG 2 |
| Gender Marker | 1 |
| Executing Entity | Cabinet Division, NDMA e NADRA |
| Total cost | € 57.750.000,00 |
| Duration | October 2012 – to date |
| General Objective | Improving the situation of people affected by the 2010 flood |
| Specific Objectives | Support the economic recovery of populations affected by the 2010 floods and the rehabilitation of infrastructure. |
| Expected Results | Provision of cash for housing Disbursement of cash for food |
| Beneficiaries | 1 million families affected by the 2010 f loods |
Last update: 09/06/2025, 9:11
Adaptation to climate change and risk reduction
Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, increasingly affected by extreme events such as floods and droughts. In the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, Pakistan ranks 179th out of 180 countries, confirming an alarming environmental performance. The 2022 floods contaminated soil and water resources, reducing soil fertility and threatening the food security of millions of people. Habitat loss and soil erosion have aggravated environmental degradation, affecting biodiversity. The combined impact of these extreme weather events is significant. World Bank estimates that environmental degradation and pollution will lead to a 18-20% reduction in Pakistan’s GDP by 2050.
Read more Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, increasingly affected by extreme events such as floods and droughts. In the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, Pakistan ranks 179th out of 180 countries, confirming an alarming environmental performance. The 2022 floods contaminated soil and water resources, reducing soil fertility and threatening the food security of millions of people. Habitat loss and soil erosion have aggravated environmental degradation, affecting biodiversity. The combined impact of these extreme weather events is significant. World Bank estimates that environmental degradation and pollution will lead to a 18-20% reduction in Pakistan’s GDP by 2050.