Natural disasters have engulfed most vulnerable communities around the world and facing worst of these natural disasters are coastal communities who are at risk at all times with increase in the effects of climate change. Situation in Pakistan is even worse, especially for the coastal communities of Sindh. It is extremely important to act quickly and tackle the impacts of climate change for these communities.
Islamic Relief has been an active responder to the needs of people facing the results of climate change especially coastal communities in Sindh by partnering up with government and international institutions. An event ‘Coastal Resilience: A Case for Climate Financing’, was held here on Wednesday to initiate a dialogue on importance of climate financing for the vulnerable coastal communities and how stakeholders can advocate for global support. Country Director Islamic Relief Pakistan, Asif Sherazi,CEO National Disaster and Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), James Robert Head of Food and Agriculture Organization in Sindh, PDMA, SEPA, and Forestry along with other notables attended the event.
Chairman Board of Directors Islamic Relief Pakistan Mr. Nasir Awanwas the guest of honor while Mr. KaboolMuhammad Khatian, Chairman – Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority graced the event as the Chief Guest. In addition to that, representatives of national and international organizations, media, academia, think tanks and development practitioners in a large number were present.Country Director Islamic Relief, Asif Sherazi in his opening remarks welcomed the guests and shed light on the immediate need for climate financing in Pakistan. He said that”it would take half a century for Pakistan to tackle the impacts of climate if not acted upon soon, climate financing should become a priority, and this is a defining moment for us to come together and tackle these challenges”.
Associate Prof. Mr. Ameer Abro while presenting his research study on Coastal Communities: An Evidence for Climate Action shared the results stating that, “Coastal communities and fishermen are directly impacted by climate change, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, increased sea levels, and extreme events like cyclones. These changes can result in the loss of fishing equipment, damage to boats, and disruptions in the availability and migration patterns of fish, affecting the income of fishermen”.The event included an articulate panel discussion about climate challenges and unfolding poly crisis.
The panel comprised of seasoned and diverse representatives from international humanitarian organizations, civil society, thought leadersand experts on climate change.Moderated by Ms. Sidra Iqbal, the panelists engaged in an in-depth discussion on challenges and sustainable solutions. Director Operations PDMA Sindh, Mr. Imdad Hussain during the panel discussion shared his thoughts on how we can use new methods to tackle disasters and said: “the discussion we need is to work on DRR initiatives and by working together on early warning systems we can tackle disasters like floods and other climate issues in time”. Stressing upon the need to coordinate and cooperate, Chairperson, Hisaar Foundation, Dr. Seemi Kamal said,“We have to change the narrative to get the desired results.
The damage is already done and this century is about putting efforts into reducing the effects of these damages by working together. Member (Development) Planning & Development Board, Government of SindhMr. SaleemJalbani appreciated the efforts of Islamic Relief done for the coastal communities and said that: “Initiating programs for coastal resilience will definitely help us tackle the challenges that we face due to climate change and support the communities suffering from these issues”.
