In a historic announcement at the COP28 summit in Dubai, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar introduced “Recharge Pakistan,” a seven-year, $77.8 million initiative aimed at utilizing nature to adapt to climate change.
This significant step is designed to protect Pakistan from the adverse impacts of climate change. The announcement was made at Pakistan’s pavilion during COP28, where global delegates, environmentalists, and leaders convened to address climate change challenges and seek solutions.
Recharge Pakistan has secured a total of $77.8 million in grants, with contributions from various sources: $66 million from the Global Climate Fund (GFC), $5 million from USAID, $5 million from The Coca Cola Foundation, and $1.8 million from WWF. The initiative aims to revolutionize environmental care in Pakistan by employing nature-based solutions to enhance ecosystem adaptability, particularly focusing on strengthening the Indus Basin’s health against climate change and safeguarding vulnerable communities in the region.
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Emphasizing the importance of “green infrastructure” and nature-based adaptation in the face of worsening climate incidents, Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the financial challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan. The approval of Recharge Pakistan by the Global Climate Fund signifies global acknowledgment of its significance for Pakistan’s climate resilience.
Prime Minister Kakar stressed the urgency of collective action against climate change at COP28, presenting Recharge as the first concrete step toward the “Living Indus.” The project is expected to benefit millions of citizens and serve as a model for global climate innovation.
The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan commended Recharge Pakistan as a landmark in the country’s water sector history, addressing climate change impacts through systemic ecosystem-based approaches. The Coca-Cola Foundation, as part of the funding coalition, received gratitude for its contributions to local communities impacted by climate change in Pakistan. WWF expressed its commitment to this collaborative effort, highlighting the project’s significance in restoring the Indus Basin and fortifying Pakistan’s resilience.
Recharge Pakistan is a joint effort involving Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change, the Federal Flood Commission, local communities, the Green Climate Fund, USAID, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund, aiming to safeguard ecosystems and ensure sustainable legacies for future generations.
