The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has announced $66 million in funding to support ‘Recharge Pakistan,’ a project to enhance Pakistan’s resilience to climate change by improving water systems and investing in green infrastructure. Overall, this $77.8 million partnership is the largest-ever investment in an ecosystem-based approach to build Pakistan’s climate resilience.
In addition to the GCF funding, the project is supported through a collective $12 million investment and technical support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and WWF-Pakistan. They all come together to prioritize climate change efforts by expanding large-scale green infrastructure, wetlands development, flood-plains management, and local businesses in agriculture and forestry.
The 7-year project is designed to serve communities along the Indus Basin and is unique in its use of nature-based solutions for preparedness against high-risk climate disasters that Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to.
Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, stating, “As we strive to address the far-reaching impacts of climate change in a populous nation like Pakistan, we must rely on collective creativity and a steadfast commitment. Recognizing that this is an inter-generational challenge, it is our duty to collaborate, invest our resources, and work tirelessly to create enduring solutions.”
She added, “With our funding for Recharge Pakistan, we aim to make a positive difference in the lives of over 7 million people and extend support to communities most susceptible to the threat of floods.”
Recharge Pakistan is also among the largest grant contributions that The Coca-Cola Foundation has made to date in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
As an integrated program with several ministries have championed and co-designed Recharge Pakistan under Pakistan’s existing EBA priorities. Pakistan’s Minister of Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, in a supporting public statement, said, Recharge is a product of “rigorous design implementation after months of consultation with all the provinces.”
This announcement demonstrates successful efforts towards coalition-building. U.S Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome said, “The U.S. government considers the Recharge Pakistan Project a game changer for flood mitigation and the creation of economic opportunities in areas faced with recurring water insecurity.
Partnering with GCF, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and World Wildlife Fund will help Pakistan tackle the negative impacts of climate change and align seamlessly with the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework”.
The implementing partner WWF-Pakistan’s Director General, Hammad Naqi Khan, added, “A focus on green infrastructure and ecosystem-based adaptation is crucial, especially for a country like Pakistan, where the impacts of climate change are manifesting with increasing frequency and severity and deepening the economic crisis.”
