Pakistan's 'Living Indus Initiative' selected as World Restoration Flagship by UN

In a groundbreaking achievement, Pakistan's "Living Indus Initiative" has been selected as the World Restoration Flagship of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

According to the Pakistan Press International, the announcement was made by Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in a letter addressed to Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

The initiative's dedication to restoring millions of hectares in the Indus River basin, a critical ecosystem supporting 90 percent of Pakistan's population and driving a significant portion of its economy, earned it this prestigious recognition.

Developed jointly by the Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, provincial authorities, and the UN system, the initiative represents a collaborative effort to uplift the environmental and health conditions of the Indus Basin.

Its holistic approach addresses the ecological challenges faced by the fragile basin due to climate change, with a set of 25 measures emphasising nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.

The World Restoration Flagships, including the Living Indus Initiative, will be publicly announced in February 2024 during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6).

The announcement will be celebrated through a global media campaign and wide online outreach, with an anticipated reach of millions.

WAM