The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of China have officially launched the ‘Tailored Intelligence for Actionable Early Warning Systems’ (TIAEWS) project in Pakistan.
This important initiative, supported by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) through its Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF), is designed to enhance Pakistan’s capacity to anticipate and respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, faces increasing threats from extreme weather events, particularly glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The rapid melting of glaciers in the northern regions has led to the formation of over 3,000 lakes, 33 of which are at high risk of sudden flooding. More than 7 million people in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain at risk. This makes it imperative to establish robust early warning systems (EWS) to safeguard communities, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
Key features of Actionable Early Warning Systems Project
- Automatic Weather Stations: 70 new stations will be set up to gather real-time weather data.
- Hydrometric Stations: 70 stations will monitor water levels and flood risks.
- Warning Posts: 70 posts will be installed to ensure timely dissemination of critical alerts.
These initiatives are designed to create an integrated and responsive early warning infrastructure across the most vulnerable regions of Pakistan.
Strengthening Partnerships for Climate Action
At the launch event, Yang Guangyuan, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. He emphasized, “China recognizes its historical responsibility in addressing the climate change crisis and has consistently taken the lead in supporting our partners. Today marks another example of China’s ongoing commitment over the years. While it’s a small step, it strengthens our efforts to fight climate change, and after today, we are more confident about our future.”
In a virtual address, Li Ming, Director General of CIDCA, stressed the project’s significance within the framework of South-South cooperation, stating: “The Chinese government is working with UNDP to implement early warning projects in six development countries under GDF, with Pakistan being the first to launch this initiative. This project embodies the spirit of South-South cooperation where developing countries work together to share experiences and develop solutions that meet their own needs.”
Advancing Climate Adaptation in Pakistan
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative, described the project as a significant milestone in the trilateral partnership between Pakistan, China, and UNDP.
He noted, “Building on UNDP Pakistan’s previous efforts through the GLOF-II and Glaciers and Students projects – that focused on early warning systems, glacier protection, and community resilience – TIAEWS presents a significant step forward in scaling up these initiatives to build a more climate-resilient Pakistan. By aligning with Pakistan’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this project will ensure that vulnerable communities not only receive life-saving alerts but also understand and act upon them.”
The TIAEWS project aims to bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan by improving their ability to anticipate and respond to natural hazards. This will be achieved by developing an integrated data management system for early warnings, strengthening community awareness, disaster preparedness, and improving governance and coordination for effective dissemination of critical warnings.
Demonstration of Advanced Disaster Response Technology
During the launch ceremony, a demonstration of early warning system equipment was held, showcasing the advanced technology that will be deployed to enhance disaster response capabilities in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region particularly susceptible to climate-related hazards.
Raja Nasir Khan, Minister of the Planning and Development Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, underscored the urgency of protecting glaciers and the communities that depend on them. He emphasized the importance of long-term planning for climate resilience.
Muhammad Zubair, Deputy Secretary (UN Coordination) at the Economic Affairs Division of Pakistan’s Government, reiterated the project’s alignment with Pakistan’s climate resilience strategy. Sahibzad Khan, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, also highlighted the critical role of advanced meteorological technologies in improving disaster preparedness and response.
The TIAEWS project is a crucial step toward improving Pakistan’s climate resilience, particularly in the face of rapidly changing weather patterns and natural disasters. By leveraging international partnerships and cutting-edge technology, the project aims to provide timely and actionable early warnings to the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan, ultimately saving lives and protecting critical infrastructure.