Karachi Web Desk: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has revealed that his government has successfully restored approximately 160,000 hectares of mangrove forests in the Indus Delta. This initiative, recognized as one of the largest mangrove restoration projects in the world, has generated significant environmental and economic benefits.
Through the sale of 2.88 megatons of carbon credits, the Sindh government has earned $14.75 million. These funds are being reinvested into conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of nearly 100,000 hectares of mangroves. The initiative also includes financial incentives for local communities, encouraging sustainable conservation efforts.
Speaking at the Third Pakistan Climate Conference hosted by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI), Murad Ali Shah highlighted Sindh’s commitment to combating climate change. He proudly recalled that between 2008 and 2024, Pakistan set three Guinness World Records for tree planting. In 2009, Sindh’s government broke India’s record by planting 541,176 saplings in Keti Bandar in a single day.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Delta Blue Carbon-1 and Delta Blue Carbon-2 projects, launched in 2015 and 2020 under a public-private partnership model, have the potential to generate around 200 megatons of carbon credits over 30 years. The first tranche of carbon credits was successfully sold in December 2022, and the next sale is scheduled for March 2025.
In a groundbreaking move, Sindh is now extending this public-private partnership model to its riverine forests, aiming to enhance carbon sequestration, generate additional revenue through carbon credits, and improve the local ecosystem.
Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability & Sindh’s Response
Murad Ali Shah warned that Pakistan is the fifth most climate-vulnerable country, facing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the threat of rising sea levels. The devastating 2022 floods, which damaged 2.2 million acres of agricultural land, underscored the urgent need for climate resilience.
To tackle these challenges, Sindh has launched multiple initiatives, including:
- Climate-smart agriculture to ensure sustainable food production.
- Drought-resistant crops to adapt to changing weather patterns.
- Water conservation techniques to optimize irrigation.
- Corporate partnerships with companies like Nestlé Pakistan to enhance agricultural productivity.
Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Calling for global cooperation, Murad Ali Shah stressed the importance of investing in climate awareness and empowering youth with green innovations. He highlighted ongoing partnerships with international organizations and corporate sectors to secure expertise, funding, and resources for climate adaptation projects.
The Chief Minister urged stakeholders to join forces in afforestation and coastal protection, emphasizing that addressing climate change presents an opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient Sindh. “We need strong policies, empowered communities, and innovative private-sector solutions to turn this vision into reality,” he concluded.
He also praised OICCI and corporate leaders for their continued support in climate action and sustainability efforts, reaffirming Sindh’s commitment to a greener future.
