Charting a Resilient Future in Sindh: Prioritizing Resource Mobilization and Budget Reflection for Climate Change in Sindh context
The civil society organization of Sindh, in recognition of the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, has convened a conference to shed light on the impact of climate change in the region. The conference aimed to identify and address budgetary loopholes and prioritize resource mobilization for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This gathering of stakeholders seeks to forge a path towards a resilient future for Sindh.
Sindh, Pakistan, May 18, 2023 – Islamic Relief Pakistan and SPO (Strengthening Participatory Organization), and Sindh Climate Action Network (SCAN), have underscored the urgent need to address resource mobilization and align the Sindh budget with effective measures to combat climate change and its far-reaching consequences in the province of Sindh. These critical concerns took center stage at the recently concluded Climate Conference held at the Movenpick Hotel. The conference provided a platform for key stakeholders, policy makers, and financial experts to discuss the current state of Sindh in relation to climate change, conduct a financial analysis of departmental allocations, and outline future plans for 2022-2024.
The conference commenced with an enlightening presentation by Mr. Mustafa Baloch shedding light on the climate change situation in Sindh and its impact. He defined four zones i.e. tsunami and cyclone coastal belt, flood, drought he shared about housing schemes which damage green source which affects climate directly. He given the example of mangroves’ role in managing climate change.
Mr. Saleem Jalbani analyzed the financial allocation for climate change across crucial departments such as Agriculture, Livestock, Water, Forest, and Climate Change, and deliberated on future financial plans. He shared the allocation of forest department is 1200 million, 1.2 billion are already spent. GoS Sindh is working but there is more budget is required in scenreo of current context. He shared Sindh sustainable forest policy is also approved by Sindh cabinet.
A well-developed documentary mentioning SIDA’s contribution was also played to sensitize more to policy makers.
Javed Jabbar shared the overall aspects and good practices adapted by other countries- he emphasized the government role- he quoted the example of shiri Rehman she contributed for climate change. We need to think for more conservation to save climate aspect- we request GoS to allocate more budget around green jobs. Annual green budget should be allocated for Sindh province, he recommended to CM as Sindh may get positive results.
Diverse aspects of climate change and its budget issue were addressed through a panel discussion, featuring esteemed experts including Yasir Darya, Muhammad Ismail Kunbhar ( Professor Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam), Ameer Ali Abro, Pushpa Kumari (Vice President SCAN), Wali Muhammad (National Humanitarian Network-NHN), Sarmad Iqbal (IRC) shed light on environmental degradation and preparation, climate challenges faced by women and children, the agriculture situation in Sindh, budget utilization effects, and challenges faced by local government at the Union Council level. In panel, they discussed about the issues, challenges, opportunities and way forward in context of climate change. They recommended to consider budget for development to deal desertification and other issues during planning.
Mr. Hizbullah Mangrio, Coordinator SCAN, moderated the panel discussion, ensuring an engaging and informative session for all attendees. Following this, Provincial Programme Team Coordinator United Nations Resident’s Coordinator office in Pakistan
Mr. Imran Laghari and presented role of United Nations to Environment and climate change in Sindh. He shared basic loopholes of climate change. He discussed about industrial waste, deforestation, water quality and quantity, unavailability of wetlands, encroachment of natural water ways, agriculture and other climate change and environment related challenges. It was shared that United Nations developed the United Nations Sustainable Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Pakistan. Climate Change and Environment is one of the outcome on the framework. Under the outcome, the Living Indus Plan was developed to do the ecological restoration of river Indus in Pakistan. Plan adapted by the national Ministry of Climate Change. There is need to more focus on community and civil society engagement, funds around climate to overcome the gaps, especially in Sindh budget context.
The conference continued with in-depth presentations by Mr. Bashir Ahmed from Islamic Relief Pakistan-IRP, focusing on project climate-sensitive livelihood modeling. He addressed the responsibilities of individuals and communities in mitigating and managing climate change.
Raza Qazi, Advocacy specialist- IRP given a well-focused speech and focused on climate crisis of Pakistan. He also shared the ways and means for mitigating as per dimension.
The global challenge of climate change demands international cooperation and concerted efforts to effectively address its consequences. In this context, a pivotal session was convened to prepare a comprehensive charter of demand, guided by the conference findings. The session was facilitated by Mr. Amjad Baloch from SPO (Strengthening Participatory organization).
The conference was graced by esteemed guests, they delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of collective action and government initiatives in combating climate change.
Concluding the event, Mr. Mehboob A, Area Program Manager Islamic Relief Sindh, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change.
The Resource Mobilization & Reflection of Sindh Budget in Context of Climate Change and Its impacts Conference was a milestone event that shaped climate action strategies for Sindh. Participants and attendees gained valuable insights, fostered collaboration, and contributed to a sustainable and resilient future for the province.
