Islamabad faces a significant environmental challenge: daily, the city generates approximately 1,575 tons of municipal waste, but only 650–700 tons reach the designated dumping site. The rest is either illegally dumped, recycled informally, or, alarmingly, openly burned. Despite legal prohibitions, open waste burning (OWB) continues, largely due to insufficient enforcement and a lack of public awareness of its dangers.
To address this pressing issue, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and in collaboration with the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT), recently concluded a transformative five-day boot camp titled “Social Impact for Sustainable Alternatives to Open Waste Burning in Islamabad.”
The event aimed to engage young minds in advocating for and implementing sustainable waste management solutions in their communities.
Understanding the Dangers of Open Waste Burning
The boot camp brought together students from universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, focusing on the environmental and health hazards posed by open waste burning. Through a combination of expert-led discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative exercises, the participants explored innovative waste management practices and the role of entrepreneurship in driving scalable solutions.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at IoU, emphasized the urgency of tackling this issue. “The toxic emissions from open waste burning not only pollute the air but also endanger public health, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities. Immediate, collective action is essential to safeguard both people and the planet.”
Transforming Waste Into Economic Opportunities
A key component of the boot camp was introducing young eco-entrepreneurs who showcased how waste could be turned into valuable resources. Participants like Aqsa Arshad, Noor ul Saba, and Afsheen Tajumal demonstrated sustainable methods to recycle waste and transform it into economic opportunities.
Dr. Sofia Khalid, Chairperson of Environmental Sciences at AIOU, encouraged the youth to rethink waste. “Waste should not be seen as a burden but as a resource. By embracing recycling and reuse, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint.”
Driving Change through Behavioral and Digital Advocacy
The event also focused on how behavioral change and digital advocacy could play a vital role in eliminating OWB. Habib Malik, an Expert in Behavior Change and Communication, stressed the importance of sustained efforts to shift public behavior. “Sustained behavioral change is key to eliminating OWB. Engaging communities through relatable and accessible communication can lead to long-term environmental stewardship.”
Abid Gul, Program Manager at NICAT, highlighted the importance of social media in advancing the cause. “A well-drafted social media strategy can transform narratives and inspire collective action. Youth-led digital advocacy has the power to shift mindsets and mobilize communities toward sustainable solutions.”
Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Sustainable Solutions
Shayan Yar, Project Director at NICAT, underscored the role of entrepreneurship in solving waste management issues. “Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for environmental change. By fostering sustainable enterprises, we can create innovative, low-cost, and scalable solutions to waste management,” he stated.
The boot camp left a lasting impression on the participants. Haider Jalal, one of the attendees, reflected, “This boot camp has been transformative. I now understand the devastating impact of open waste burning and the potential of digital advocacy in driving awareness and action.”
This initiative successfully highlighted the importance of youth involvement in addressing one of Islamabad’s most pressing environmental challenges. By providing young people with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to lead the charge against open waste burning, the boot camp paved the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Pakistan.