Islamabad: The Adaptation Fund Board has sanctioned a USD 10 million initiative for the Indus River Basin to bolster water resource management and address climate-related challenges. The project aims to enhance ecological health and economic stability across the region.

According to Zameen.Com, the project, named Indus-Sustainable Actions for Ecosystems Restoration (SAFER), is spearheaded by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. SAFER will employ nature-based solutions to increase the participation of women, youth, and children in building climate resilience.

This initiative is critical as 90% of Pakistan’s population and over three-quarters of its economy depend on the Indus Basin, which faces significant risks from changes in river flow due to climate change. SAFER plans to introduce key interventions in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors, specifically targeting vulnerable communities.

Set to be implemented over three-and-a-half years across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, the project will establish community-based early warning systems, water recharge facilities, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Additionally, it includes capacity-building programs to ensure active involvement of women and youth in disaster management and policy formulation.

Aligned with Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan and the Living Indus Initiative, SAFER is designed to protect and restore natural ecosystems for long-term sustainability. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized, “This project aligns perfectly with the government’s priority to tackle climate challenges and build resilience.”