As part of the celebration of 2009, the National Year of Environment, Global Environment Facility (GEF) is being organised by Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan from 27-28th January, with the objective to provide an opportunity for consultations on global environmental management and national development issues.
The Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi will inaugurate the national dialogue, participated by government agencies, international organisations, academics, non-governmental organisations and research institutions, having a vast expertise in relation to environment.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a global partnership among 178 countries. GEF works with international institutions, government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues, while supporting national sustainable development initiatives.
The guiding conventions for GEF are: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Since 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $8.26 billion in grants and leveraging $33.7 billion in co-financing for over 2,200 projects in over 165 countries. GEF functions through various implementing agencies, which include UNDP, World Bank, UNEP and UNIDO.
The GEF is currently funding 7 different projects in Pakistan under the focal areas of biodiversity, climate change and land degradation. The GEF Technical Review Committee of Pakistan has also approved 11 new projects for GEF funding, and these have also been endorsed by the GEF Focal Point, Ministry of Environment. GEF Small Grants Program was launched in Pakistan in August 1993 and is being implemented by UNDP.
Pakistan ranks 12th on the list of countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to a recently published index. One and a half billion people and large-scale vegetation in south Asian region face major threat of climate change and global warming. Scientists have warned that 80 per cent of bio-diversity will be at an increased risk. The average temperature is likely to increase by 1.5 - 2.0 degree Celsius in next 50 years and the region might face more frequent droughts and floods, desertification, and reduction in the size of major glaciers.
If earth's temperature further rises by 2 to 6 degree Celsius, in the next 100 years, Sea level would increase by 4 to 6 centimeters. There is also threat of losing some precious vegetation and it might become endangered in years to come. It is for sure that food-grain production will sharply decline and signs of this effect are already visible.
Pakistan is likely to suffer disproportionately from climate change and other global environmental problems. The implications of the greenhouse effects for Pakistan are difficult to predict, but could potentially be large, affecting patterns of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Wet areas could become drier, the receding of mountain glaciers may reduce inflows for irrigation agriculture and low-lying areas may become affected by saltwater owing to sea level rise.
Pakistan is facing a number of environmental challenges due to accelerated economic and demographic changes. Unsustainable rate of population growth, dependency on natural resources and lake of awareness is gradually leading to over-exploitation and ultimately environmental degradation. Pakistan is also facing negative consequences of climate change such as glacial retreat, glacial lake outburst, droughts, flash floods and other associated natural hazards.
With a commitment to cope with the global challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, 2009 is being celebrated as "The National Year of Environment". Keeping in view the urgency for arresting environmental degradation, the Ministry of Environment has developed a comprehensive plan of activities for engaging all stakeholders including government and non-government institutions, civil society organisations, conservation professionals, academia, local communities and electronic /print media for a proactive role in the environment conservation and achieving sustainable development.