The Government of Pakistan and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have signed a formal cooperation agreement to implement the Sustainable Actions for Ecosystem Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER Pakistan) project.
Funded by the Adaptation Fund, the initiative aims to boost climate resilience for communities across the Indus Basin through targeted interventions in water and ecosystem management.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, and Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhary, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), during a ceremony attended by key national and regional officials.
The SAFER Pakistan project is scheduled to begin implementation in September 2025. It is designed to address the country’s growing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, heatwaves and food insecurity, particularly in the ecologically critical Indus River Basin.
Focus on Water Security and Ecosystem Restoration
The Indus Basin, which supports the livelihoods of millions and is central to Pakistan’s food and water security, is at the heart of the project. The SAFER initiative will tackle six priority areas:
- Cryosphere Risk: Establishing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards
- Springshed Management: Reviving and protecting local springs for community water access
- Groundwater & Supply: Promoting aquifer recharge and deploying solar-powered water systems
- Ecosystem Adaptation: Enhancing wetlands to manage wastewater and improve resilience
- Surface Water Conservation: Rehabilitating ponds and traditional water bodies
- Community Capacity and Scaling: Expanding local knowledge, leadership and policy mechanisms for climate adaptation
The project integrates these components to enhance both institutional and grassroots responses to climate risks through nature-based solutions and adaptive water management strategies.
Collaboration with UNICEF and UN Women
SAFER Pakistan will be jointly implemented with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UN Women Pakistan, ensuring gender-responsive and child-sensitive approaches are embedded throughout the project’s design and execution.
The project also supports Pakistan’s broader environmental goals and international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ICIMOD will continue assisting Pakistan’s preparations for COP30, including joint session hosting and strengthening the country’s negotiation capabilities.
Future Outlook
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Chaudhary acknowledged ICIMOD’s longstanding contributions. “We appreciate ICIMOD’s role in supporting regional assessments and its partnership with national governments on practical, solution-oriented initiatives to reduce climate and environmental risks.”
Dr. Gyamtsho later held a courtesy meeting with Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, where they discussed regional cooperation, climate adaptation strategies, and long-term outcomes. Minister Kharal welcomed the partnership and emphasized the importance of scaling up proven solutions. She also noted the lessons learned from past interventions must guide future resilience-building efforts.
Pakistan consistently ranks among the most climate-impacted countries on the Germanwatch Long-Term Climate Risk Index. Projects like SAFER Pakistan mark a critical step toward reducing vulnerability in high-risk regions and building lasting climate resilience through science-backed, community-centered solutions.