CPEC Initiates a Landmark Agreement to Safeguard the Environment

The essence of this collaboration lies in fortifying research, technical expertise, and advocacy, with a strong focus on embedding ecological preservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental considerations into the fabric of CPEC development endeavors.

SDPI and WWF-Pakistan are poised to address the prevailing policy gaps in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and ecological sustainability during the inception and execution phases of infrastructure initiatives. Their collective mission is to catalyze a paradigm shift towards green-centric infrastructure development within the CPEC framework.

Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI, underscored that the roots of this partnership run deep, driven by a shared passion for environmental stewardship and conservation strategies. He emphasized that this formalized cooperation opens up new avenues for joint research ventures and offers technical support to public institutions.

Furthermore, Dr. Munir highlighted the pivotal role that both organizations can play in advocating for climate finance, particularly in sectors such as energy, transportation, and agriculture, which significantly contribute to carbon emissions. Their advocacy efforts are set to resonate not only at COP28 but also beyond, championing the cause of a green transition.

Rab Nawaz, Senior Director of Conservation and Biodiversity at WWF-Pakistan, articulated the critical juncture at which Pakistan finds itself in relation to climate change. He emphasized that the actions taken today will determine whether Pakistan emerges as a Climate Champion or falls victim to climate change, underscoring the urgency and significance of this partnership.