Pakistan 

Precipitatio

(mm/Decad

n 

e) 

Temperature 

(°C / Decade) 

A2 

A1B 

B1 

A2 

A1B 

B1 

+1.73 

+1.26 

-0.89 

+0.51 

+0.41 

+0.24 

Region 

Precipitatio

(mm/Decad

n 

e) 

Temperature 

(°C / Decade) 

A2 

A1B 

B1 

A2 

A1B 

B1 

Northern Areas 

+4.6 

+2.9 

-1.3 

+0.76 

+0.63 

+0.39 

Potohar & Upper KPK 

+6.1 

+3.8 

-0.5 

+0.01 

-0.34 

-0.01 

Central / Southern Punjab & Lower KPK 

-2.98 

-1.78 

-3.5 

+0.63 

+0.71 

+0.05 

High Balochistan 

+1.48 

+0.92 

-0.57 

+0.15 

+0.26 

+0.03 

South-Eastern Sindh 

+5.1 

+3.0 

-0.1 

0.00 

-0.1 

+0.01 

Sindh & Lower Balochistan 

-1.8 

-0.98 

-0.05 

+0.5 

+0.27 

+0.01 

Impacts (IPCC Group II Summary for Policy Makers) 

Likelihood 

(based on SRES) 

Scenarios 

Project Sectoral Vulnerabilities to Climate Change in Pakistan 

Over most land areas, fewer cold days / nights, warmer and more frequent hot days / nights. 

Virtually Certain 

Water: Increased water demand due to frequent heat waves; widespread stress on water availability during drought; higher temperature may adversely affect HKH glaciers reserves, which are the main source of water supply in Indus river system (IRS); increased salt water intrusion in Indus delta. 

Agriculture: Warmer temperatures in some areas may result in higher yields, but higher evapotranspiration and water deficit may affect crop yield in other areas. Warmer environment would increase the incidence of pest and disease. Increased extreme weather events would cause crop losses and land erosion in floods and reduced crop yields in droughts. 

Energy: Increased energy demand because of higher temperatures. Decreased hydropower potential due to reduced water availability in long term. 

Human Health: Increased risk of vector-borne disease (e.g. malaria, dengue) and heat related mortality due to warmer temperatures. Increased risk of deaths and injuries from extreme weather events and diarrheal out break due to reduced access to clean drinking water. 

Ecosystem: Increased risk of extinction of many species due to the synergistic effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation: Increased threat to the stability of wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs. 

Warm spells/ heat waves, frequency increase over most areas. 

Very likely 

Heavy precipitation events, frequency increased over most areas. 

Very likely 

Areas affected by drought increase. 

Likely 

Increased incidence of extreme high sea level. 

Likely 

Strategy  

1.1 

Providing incentives for adoption of more efficient irrigation techniques. 

Actions 

1.1,1 

1.1.2 

Promote the preparation of provincial water conservation strategies. 

Improving water conservation through reduction in irrigation system losses and Update and rationalize country’s gross water availability estimates.

Priority  

Short Term 

1.1.3 

Identify and implement most efficient irrigation techniques such as sprinklers and trickle irrigation etc.

Short Term 

1.1.4 

Enhance capacity of line departments and private sector to develop indigenously low cost energy and water efficient devices such as trickle and sprinkle irrigation system.

Short Term 

1.1.5 

Ongoing canal lining be completed on priority to reduce irrigation losses.  

Short Term 

1.1.6 

Revisit the existing cropping pattern to conserve maximum water. 

Short Term 

1.1.7 

Allocate sufficient resources in the ADP for implementing climate change related actions. 

Short Term 

1.1.8 

Promote laser land levelling of agriculture fields to reduce water losses. 

Short Term 

1.1.9 

Enhance capacity of relevant departments for silt and salt management in Indus Basin.

Short Term 

1.1.10 

Introduce and improve agricultural drainage system in Sindh 

Short Term 

1.1.11 

Promote reuse of drain water in rural and urban areas of Sindh. 

Short Term 

1.1.12 

Undertake periodic proper de-siltation of the canal system. 

Short Term 

1.1.13 

Facilitate technology transfer to small farmers by giving them incentives through subsidies etc. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.14 

1.1.15 

Take appropriate measures for construction of additional storage capacity while ensuring minimum base flows in all rivers. 

Organize integrated command area development for the existing and planned dams. 

Medium Term 

Med.Term 

                          1.1.16 

1.1.7 

Design and implement projects (e.g. afforestation, gabion’s structures etc) that reduce land erosion and avoid silting of dams. 

Explore the option of fixing the irrigation water pricing for generating the financial resources for the regular sustainability of irrigation infrastructure. 

Medium Term 

Medium 

Term 

Strategy  

1.2 

Developing local rainwater harvesting measures. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

Estimate rainwater capturing potential of areas near villages and agricultural farms.  

Priority  

1.2.2 

Promote rain harvesting both in rural and in urban areas as well as at household level. 

Priority 

1.2.3 

Strengthen community capacity in rainwater harvesting practises at house hold / village / local level. 

Short Term 

1.2.4 

Identify areas for building new rainwater harvesting infrastructure for irrigation and household use (e.g. in Balochistan: Rakshan river, Zhob river, Pishin lora basin, Nari river, Panjgur river, Anambar river, Barkhan district, Musakhel district). 

Short Term 

1.2.5 

Initiate programmes aimed at promoting the use of flood water for irrigation in Balochistan. 

Short Term 

1.2.6 

1.2.7 

Plant tree species in watersheds that are not negatively affecting the water table. 

Incorporate rain water harvesting systems in building bye-laws. 

Short Term 

Med. Term 

Strategy  

2.1 

Enhancing public awareness to underscore the importance of conservation and sustainable use of water resources. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

Plan regular media campaigns and hold seminars and workshops to highlight importance of conservation and sustainable use of water resources at all levels. 

Priority 

                          1.2.2

Support the NGOs and Civil Society organizations to highlight conservation and judicious use of water resources.

Priority 

                          1.2.3 

Initiate joint ventures, involving the line departments, civil society, academia as well as print and electronic media, to create mass awareness among the general public regarding water conservation, water availability, drainage system and other water related issues.  

Priority 

                          1.2.4 

Facilitate and provide guidelines to NGOs for adopting right policies that directly benefit the communities. 

Short Term 

                          1.2.5 

The importance of conservation and sustainable use of water resources be added to schools and madaras curriculum.  

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.1 

Ensuring that water allocations are made according to changes in sectoral demands caused by climate change. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Undertake a study to estimate the impacts of climate change on sectoral demands for water.  

Priority  

3.1.2 

Identify the medium and long term future water needs of each sector.

Short Term 

3.1.3 

Assess the vulnerability of water sector and estimate the changes in the gross national water availability due to climate change.

Short Term 

3.1.4 

Re-adjust water allocation according to future projected water demand for each sector of the economy. 

Short Term 

3.1.5 

Strengthen IRSA for integrated water resource management and its allocation as per demand for each sector. 

Priority  

3.1.6 

3.1.7 

3.1.8 

Establish water resources database for knowledge management and dissemination of necessary information through advanced information and communication technology (ICT). 

Encouage community participation and empowerment in planning, implementation, monitoring and operation & maintenance of water sullpy systems. 

Water allocation for drinking purposes will be given priority over other uses. 

Short Term 

Short Term  

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.2 

Protecting groundwater through management and technical measures like regulatory frameworks, water licensing, artificial recharge especially for threatened aquifers.  

Actions 

3.2.1 

Identify the locations, quality and quantity of groundwater resources available in the country. 

Short Term 

3.2.2 

Prepare a groundwater integrated water resources management plan for each aquifer by location at district and tehsil of each province.

Short Term 

                          3.2.3 

Develop regulatory frameworks and water licensing to control groundwater depletion and degradation and to ensure its rational exploitation.

Priority 

                          3.2.4 

Develop technical measures like artificial recharge, particularly, for threatened aquifers. 

Medium Term 

                          3.2.5 

Streamline and include watershed management as an essential component of all water sector development schemes. 

Short Term 

                          3.2.6 

3.2.7 

Construct delayed action and check dams for groundwater recharging particularly in AJK and Balochistan. 

Promote and standardized water-saving plumbing equipment and water efficient techniques and appliances. 

Medium Term 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.3 

Developing wastewater recycling and its reuse in agriculture, artificial wetlands and groundwater recharge. 

Actions 

3.3.1 

Identify the sources and estimate the amount of wastewater available for recycling in the country including AJK. 

Short Term 

3.3.2 

Design the technology and estimate the cost of proper treatment of wastewater. 

Short Term 

3.3.3 

Categorize the potential of reuse and estimate the cost of proper treatment, particularly, of wastewaters from industrial sector. 

Short Term 

3.3.4 

Pilot testing of reusing wastewater in potential agricultural areas.  

Priority  

3.3.5 

Undertake an experimental pilot study to test the recharging of groundwater aquifers with treated wastewater. 

Short Term 

3.3.6 

Install waste water treatment plants at all the urban sewerage system. 

Short Term 

3.3.7 

Provide the necessary financial resources to maintain the existing combined affluent treatment plants to keep them functional and operational with their full capacity. 

Short Term 

3.3.8 

3.3.9 

Introduce biological treatment of waste water. 

Promote reuse of drain water in rural and urban areas. 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.4 

Protecting and conserving water ‘catchment’ areas, and reservoirs from degradation, silting and irrigation system contamination. 

Actions 

3.4.1 

Engage local community organizations and line-departments to identify the processes and sources of contamination and degradation in the catchment areas, reservoirs and irrigation systems in each province. 

Short Term 

3.4.2 

Design a water quality conservation and protection plan for these areas. 

Short Term 

3.4.3 

Identify local community leaders to support and implement a regional water quality plan. 

Short Term 

3.4.4 

Provide incentives to local population living in watershed areas to ensure plantation and sustainability through their concrete participation. 

Priority  

Strategy  

3.5 

Encouraging active participation of farmers in water management along with linedepartments. 

Actions 

3.5.1 

Identify the line departments and civil society organizations that could train and mobilize the farmer’s community to participate in management and distribution of irrigation water. 

Priority  

3.5.2 

Build efficient communication between irrigation department and farmer’s communities regarding distribution   and management of irrigation water. 

Short Term 

3.5.3 

3.5.4 

Undertake stakeholders’ consultations with water managers and users on the integrated management of water resources vulnerable to climate change. 

Promote public-private partnership for enhancing access of safe drinking water and sustainable operation & maintenance of water supply systems. 

Priority  

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.6 

Distributing water among provinces as far as possible according to crop sowing timing. 

Actions 

3.6.1 

Estimate the water available and crops water requirements during sowing and planting season. 

Short Term 

3.6.2 

Decide in consultation with each province, their allocated water share for crop sowing according to their planting season. 

Short Term 

3.6.3 

Transfer the seasonal water shortages, as far as possible, according to the agreed provincial share.  

Short Term 

3.6.4 

Revisit the 1991- Inter-Provincial Water Apportionment Accord in the light of present realities and climate change scenarios. 

Short Term 

3.6.5 

Allocate, on priority, water required for drinking and industrial use in each province including the northern part of AJK. 

Priority  

Strategy  

3.7 

Addressing sea water intrusion into Indus deltaic region by allocating required water flow downstream Kotri, and taking measures to preserve the ecology of dry-river reaches of Eastern Rivers. 

Actions 

3.7.1 

Make allocation of water from the existing gross national water availability to minimum environmental river flow, downstream of Kotri. 

Priority 

3.7.2 

Identify the methods to preserve the ecology of dry-river reaches of Eastern Rivers.  

Priority 

3.7.3 

Undertake project to study the changes in aquatic ecology of western rivers in the wake of climate change. 

Short Term 

3.7.4 

Ensure proper allocation of water down stream of any hydraulic engineering structure to cater for minimum environmental regime. 

Priority 

3.7.5 

Mobilize local community to modify agricultural practices based on depleting irrigation water availability in the dry-river ecology. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.8 

Developing contingency plans for short-term measures to adapt to water shortages that could help to mitigate drought. 

Actions 

3.8.1 

Identify the areas that could be severely affected from seasonal or prolonged drought. 

Priority 

                          3.8.2

Identify water storage capacity of that region. 

Short Term 

                          3.8.3 

Allocate water from existing gross national water availability to water storages that could help mitigate drought in these affected areas. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.9 

Exploring the possibility of trans-boundary joint watershed management of catchment areas with neighboring countries. 

Actions 

3.9.1 

Undertake a study to identify the potential environmental threats to the watershed and catchment areas of the rivers flowing into Pakistan. 

Short Term 

3.9.2 

Setup a regional river waters study group to assess the environmental impacts on trans-boundary watershed and catchment areas. 

Short Term 

3.9.3 

SAARC or Indus Water Commission forum be used to set up Joint Environment Management Group for joint water shed management through appropriate agreement. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.10 

Safeguarding Pakistan’s rights on trans-boundary water inflows according to international norms and conventions. 

Actions 

3.10.1 

Identify the amount of water that could be diverted from existing river resource by regional nations due to increasing local demand. 

Medium Term 

3.10.2 

Identify the economic cost of such water diversion by neighbouring countries. 

Medium Term 

3.10.3 

Setup a task force on water, comprising relevant experts to study all relevant issues including international laws and convention to develop strategy to safeguard Pakistan’s rights on trans-boundary water.  

Short Term 

3.10.4 

Setup a mutual interest council to identify the possibilities of water treaty between Afghanistan and Pakistan to ensure continued and sustained water availability in River Kabul.

Medium Term 

3.10.5 

Setup another mutual interest council to identify and handle issues of post Indus Basin water Treaty (IBWT) between India and Pakistan in the light of emerging environmental and climate change concerns. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

3.11 

Promoting integrated watershed management practices in uphill watersheds. 

Actions 

3.11.1 

To identify the environmental threats to the uphill watershed and catchment areas of the rivers flowing in the plain regions of Pakistan. 

Short Term 

3.11.2 

Identify the technical possibilities like artificial glacial recharge to improve water quantity and quality. 

Short Term 

3.11.3 

Provide training to local community to identify sites and to manage artificial glacial recharge. 

Short Term 

3.11.4 

Ensure that the basic norms of watershed management are followed to protect erosion.

Short Term 

Strategy  

4.1 

Legislating and Enforcing laws and regulations required for efficient water resource management, conservation and groundwater regulatory framework. 

Actions 

4.1.1 

Review all relevant existing legislation to identify deficiencies in relation to water conservation and management. 

Priority  

4.1.2 

Amend and enact new laws, wherever needed, to achieve effective water resources management in agriculture, domestic and industrial sectors. 

Priority 

4.1.3 

Ensure strict enforcement of laws regulating the groundwater exploitation. 

Short Term 

4.1.4 

Cap the subsidy given to agriculture tube wells and ban installation of new in most threatened aquifers in Balochistan. 

Priority 

4.1.5 

Effectively enforce all environmental laws, concerning water conservation and water protection, through provincial/ state EPAs. 

Short Term 

4.1.6 

4.1.7 

4.1.8 

Constitute environmental tribunals at district level covering water related issues. 

Conduct review and harmonize existing legislations, polices and plans in water sector to include climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. 

Bring all individual Water concerning laws in different sectors into a single section, called “Water Laws”. 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

4.2 

Legislating and implementing the draft National Water Policy to address the water related vulnerabilities induced by climate change. 

Actions 

4.2.1 

Ensure that water related vulnerabilities induced by climate change are part of ‘National Water Policy’. 

Priority 

4.2.2 

Ensure the expeditious approval of draft’ National Water Policy’ and its implementation.  

Priority 

Strategy  

4.3 

Legislating and enforcing laws related to industrial and domestic waste management. 

Actions 

4.3.1 

Review the existing laws related to industrial and domestic waste management practices and update if needed to protect environment, in particular, water resources from further degradation. 

Priority  

4.3.2 

Identify Government Departments and Private Sector Organizations that will process solid and liquid industrial waste before it is mixed with existing water resources like lakes, rivers and aquifers. 

Priority  

4.3.3 

Identify local line departments that will legislate and enforce proper solid and liquid waste management laws.  

Short Term 

4.3.4 

Amend the relevant clauses of Pakistan Environment Protection Act regarding environmental degradation in the light of climate change realities. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

4.4 

Declaring glaciated areas as ‘protected areas’ to protect HKH Glaciers. 

Actions 

4.4.1 

Identifying the glaciated areas which are still not part of protected areas and ensure their inclusion. 

Priority 

4.4.2 

The National and Provincial line-departments to ensure proper management of Himalayan Glaciers by strictly enforcing the regulations meant for protected areas. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

5.1 

Preparing a comprehensive inventory of all water resources, including surface and ground water, in order to support an efficient water management system in the country. 

Actions 

5.1.1 

Design provincial and regional plans for undertaking scientific studies for preparation of comprehensive inventory of all water resources in Pakistan to support an efficient water management system in the country. 

Priority 

5.1.2 

Prepare Water Statistics Handbook for Pakistan. 

Short Term 

5.1.3 

Ensure the availability and use of technologically advanced equipment and measurement techniques for preparation of comprehensive inventory of country’s surface and ground water resources, as the accuracy of this inventory is vital for future planning. 

Priority 

5.1.4 

Update the Indus Drainage Basin Atlas-2005 prepared by WAPDA and includes vulnerable water resources in the wake of climate change. 

Priority 

Strategy  

5.2 

Strengthening the present hydrological network to monitor river flows and flood warning systems. 

Actions 

5.2.1 

Initiate a complete assessment of the hydrological network to highlight any shortcomings in the monitoring of river flow changes and flood warning. 

Priority 

5.2.2 

Plan enhancement for the hydrological network monitoring system, based on this assessment. 

Short Term 

5.2.3 

5.2.4 

Examine the options of trans-boundary hydrological data sharing on real time basis using WMO and UNESCO forums. 

Upgrade the WAPDA’s snowmelt forecast system incorporating remote sensing and snowmelt modelling.  

Short Term 

Short Term 

Strategy  

5.3 

Ensuring effective planning and management of irrigation water. 

Actions 

5.3.1 

Strengthen the country wide river and stream gauges network for provision of real time water availability reading for the irrigation system to IRSA. 

Priority  

5.3.2 

Ensure to use this information for effective and transparent distribution of irrigation water among different provinces according to their share. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

5.4 

Developing and extending technologies and techniques of domestic and drinking water saving as well as sea water utilization. 

Actions 

5.4.1 

Introduce and popularize domestic and drinking water conservation techniques and technologies. 

Priority  

5.4.2 

The government line departments will ensure that new technologies and techniques for domestic water saving are made available in a cost effective way in all urban areas. 

Short Term 

5.4.3 

5.4.4 

5.4.5 

5.4.6   

Setup institutional arrangements for developing and installing local sea water de-salinization plants in coastal urban areas to ensure ample water supply. 

Promote installation of water meters to check the indiscriminate use of drinking water supplies. 

Enforcement of the National Drinking Water Quality Standard. 

Promote cost effective and appropriate technologies options for water supply  systems 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Strategy  

5.5 

Enhancing national capacities for monitoring temporal changes in glaciers, snow cover, and meteorological parameters. 

Actions 

5.5.1 

Set-up and expand high-altitude meteorological observing stations to monitor the changing climatic parameters. 

Short Term 

5.5.2 

Strengthen remote sensing and GIS capabilities of SUPARCO, Pakistan Meteorological Department and WAPDA for monitoring temporal changes in glaciers and snow cover. 

Priority 

5.5.3 

Undertake study to prepare detailed and comprehensive inventory of glaciers in Pakistan using satellite imageries and develop institutional capacity for its regular updates.  

Priority 

5.5.4 

Carry out comprehensive mass balance studies of UIB glaciers. 

Priority 

Strategy  

6.1 

Enhancing country’s water storages capacities. 

Actions 

6.1.1 

6.1.2 

Take measures to enhance the life of existing water storage particularly, Mangla and Tarbela dams. 

Identify new potential dam sites in the country including AJK. 

Short Term 

Short Term 

6.1.3 

Undertake detailed seismic survey of these potential dam sites. 

Short Term 

6.1.4 

Ensure that these sites are not used for construction projects other than agriculture and forestry, to keep options open to develop new dams, should they be needed. 

Short Term 

6.1.5 

Undertake detail study to assess the country’s need for additional water storage for irrigation and hydropower generation. 

Priority 

6.1.6 

Undertake detailed feasibility and design studies with cost estimates of the proposed new dams. 

Short Term 

6.1.7 

Identify the source of funding and ensure its availability to WAPDA for expeditious completion of on-going and future dam projects. 

Priority 

Strategy  

6.2 

Ensuring the early rehabilitation, remodeling and up-gradation of existing irrigation infrastructure in the country, which can sustain the climate change related expected extreme weather events. 

Actions 

6.2.1 

Assess the possibilities and range of expected extreme weather events. 

Priority 

6.2.2 

Assess the range and potential of the existing irrigation infrastructure to sustain these extreme events. 

Short Term 

6.2.3 

Re-model and up-grade existing irrigation infrastructures to the projected range of expected extreme weather events. 

Medium Term 

6.2.4 

Identify the sources of funding required for upgrading these infrastructures. 

Priority 

6.2.5 

Ensure the early rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure in the country damaged during the floods in 2010. 

Priority 

Strategy  

6.3 

Developing infrastructure to harness the hill torrents potential.

Actions 

6.3.1 

Identify the potential hill torrents sites and estimate the amount of hill torrents water that can be harnessed at each potential site. 

Priority 

6.3.2 

Undertake detailed analysis of socio-economic cost of constructing such infrastructure. 

Short Term 

6.3.3 

Identify the sources of funding and its timely availability for constructing infrastructure to harness the full potential of hill torrents. 

Priority 

Strategy  

1.1 

Developing a risk management system to safeguard against crop failures due to extreme climatic events e.g. floods and droughts. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Setup agricultural production surveillance system in various arid, semi arid and other vulnerable areas to categorize them according to their vulnerability to extreme climate change events. 

Priority  

                          1.1.2

Involve corporate sector, comprising of public and private insurance firms to build an agricultural production insurance system for agriculture sector of Pakistan, particularly focused on climate change related crop failures. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.3 

Involve the farming community to manage the local risk identification process and the safeguard methods. 

Priority  

                          1.1.4 

Develop and introduce research based drought resistance crop varieties. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.5 

Set-up a programme for reclamation of denuded agriculture land. 

Medium Term 

                          1.1.6 

Develop and provide quality seeds and planting material to farmers in GilgitBaltistan. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.2 

Discouraging conversion of fertile agriculture land for purposes other than agriculture. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

Make viable legislation to discourage the indiscriminate conversion of agriculture land for town planning. 

Short Term 

1.2.2 

Organize awareness campaign for the farmers and other relevant stakeholders regarding safe and efficient use of agriculture land. 

Priority  

Strategy  

1.3 

Encouraging farmers, particularly in rain-fed areas, to avoid monoculture and plant a variety of heat and drought resistant crops, to reduce the risk of crop failure. 

Actions 

1.3.1 

Identify vulnerable areas within the rain-fed agriculture systems that are prone to increasing heat and drought related failures of crops. 

Priority  

1.3.2 

Support agriculture research system to identify the cropping mix package that would be most suited to that area under new vulnerabilities. 

Short Term

1.3.3 

Modify the local market and agriculture extension system to absorb the change in cropping patterns in the rain-fed areas. 

Short Term 

1.3.4 

Identify additional skills for farmers to supplement their incomes, reduced due to abandoning the monoculture planting systems. 

Short Term

1.3.5 

Develop and introduce Short rotation crops and Hybrid maize. 

Short Term 

1.3.6 

Adopt integrated cropping method to avoid monoculture and to have varieties of crops particularly in Balochistan. 

Priority  

1.3.7 

Develop and introduce  climate resilience late  crop varieties in Balochistan 

Short Term 

1.3.8 

Introduce low delta crops, at large scale, in Balochistan. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.4 

Encouraging farmers to adopt agriculture drought management practices as part of highly variable climate, rather than as unusual natural disaster. 

Actions 

1.4.1 

Identify the drought vulnerable agricultural areas. 

Priority  

1.4.2 

Develop and introduce drought resistant crops. 

Short Term 

                          1.4.3 

Develop localized plans for water storage and rain water harvesting for drought management. 

Short Term 

                          1.4.4 

Involve the farming community to manage the reoccurring drought due to climatic variations. 

Medium Term 

                          1.4.5 

Involve line departments to transfer innovative technologies for agricultural drought management to the vulnerable areas on pilot basis. 

Short Term 

                          1.4.6 

Provide incentives for reuse of domestic and sewage water for kitchen gardening. 

Short Term 

                          1.4.7 

Initiate a programme of land levelling and preparation of land sites for agriculture purposes in Balochistan. 

Priority  

Strategy  

1.5 

Ensure the enabling financial environment to farmers to invest in and adopt the relevant technologies to overcome the climate related stresses. 

Actions 

1.5.1 

Enhance the existing financial services for the farming community to cater to the technological innovation needed due to impending climate change related droughts. 

Medium Term 

1.5.2 

Make innovative technologies in agricultural irrigation readily available in the country and also financially viable. 

Short Term 

1.5.3 

Establish institutions that provide information to the farmers regarding finances available for technologies, equipments and new crops that will be needed in their regions due to climate change conditions. 

Short Term 

1.5.4 

Establish special financial grant mechanism for farmer’s community in Balochistan. 

Priority  

1.5.5 

PTV may consider launching an “Agricultural TV channel” to transfer information and agriculture technology to farmers. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.6 

Ensure availability of quality feed and fodder to livestock to supplement their grazing in the rangelands. 

Actions 

1.6.1 

Classify the quality of fodder production and potential of rangelands for grazing in each of the provinces. 

Short Term 

1.6.2 

Provide information regarding the products that could supplement feed and fodder in these grazing lands for the livestock. 

Priority  

1.6.3 

Develop efficient transport system from feedstock locations to farm areas to provide these livestock feed and fodder supplement products. 

Short Term 

1.6.4 

Minimise livestock impact on vegetation and crops in view of climate change projected stresses. 

Short Term 

1.6.5 

Encourage farmers to grow mod gross and oats as fodder crops in mountainous areas of AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan. 

Priority  

Strategy  

2.1 

Improving crop productivity by increasing the efficiency of various agricultural inputs, in particular the input of irrigation water. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Research on innovative techniques in cropping patterns to enhance agricultural productivity under reduced water conditions. 

Short Term 

2.1.2 

Training of farmer community to promote water conservation techniques in drought prone areas. 

Priority  

2.1.3 

Promote contour farming in mountain areas. 

Short Term 

2.1.4 

Set-up pilot project for demonstration and introduction of high yielding crop varieties in Balochistan. 

Priority  

2.1.5 

2.1.6 

2.1.7 

2.1.8 

Set-up pilot project for demonstration of water conservation techniques to the farmers of Balochistan. 

Promote sustainable management of Irrigation water and rehabilitation of field water-cources through community participation. 

Rehabilitation of salinity drainage infrastructure to reduce water logging and salinity etc.

Discourage traditional flood irrigation practices. 

Short Term 

Short Term 

Med Term 

Med.Term 

Strategy  

2.2 

Promoting energy efficient farm mechanization to increase yield, while conserving water and saving labor. 

Actions 

2.2.1 

Ensure systematic mechanization of farming production processes that are based on energy efficient equipment. 

Medium Term 

2.2.2 

Increase yields while conserving water, train farmers to adapt innovative techniques and equipments that are locally adjustable. 

Short Term 

2.2.3 

Invest in tools and equipments that increase yields while saving labour to convert to processing and other farming activities. 

Medium Term 

2.2.4 

Light weight agriculture machinery be developed and promoted in AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

2.3 

Improving farm practices by adopting modern techniques. 

Actions 

2.3.1 

Research and introduction of modern and innovative techniques for farming systems. 

Medium Term 

2.3.2 

Ensure improvement in cropping patterns and crop diversification with optimized planting dates and laser land levelling for reduced irrigation water consumption. 

Short Term 

2.3.3 

Introduce inter cropping system (ally cropping) and soil conservation techniques. 

Short Term 

2.3.4 

Provide incentives to Gilgit-Balochistan’s farmer for development of water channels, dairy sheds and market linkages. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

2.4 

Promoting biotechnology in terms of more carbon responsive crops, improving breeds and production of livestock through genetic engineering and other relevant fields. 

Actions 

2.4.1 

Enhance infrastructure to absorb biotechnology and genetic engineering for both crops and livestock to improve varieties and breeds, making them drought resistant.

Medium Term 

2.4.2 

Genetically modified crops that are more carbon responsive to enhance productivity under increased GHGs conditions. 

Short Term 

2.4.2 

Establish Bio-technology Labs in live stock and crop sectors. 

Short Term 

2.4.2 

Undertake capacity development of concerned provincial institutions for introduction of carbon responses plants and crops. 

Short Term 

2.4.2 

Strengthen and undertake research in KPK through Agriculture University Peshawar, agriculture & environmental research institutions of KPK. 

Priority  

Strategy  

2.5 

Promoting horizontal expansion of cultivated lands through development of wastelands and rainwater harvesting through involvement of local communities. 

Actions 

2.5.1 

Develop scientific skills to identify cultivable wastelands in each province. 

Short Term 

2.5.2 

Train local communities to harvest rainwater in small ponds and dams. 

Priority  

2.5.3 

Raise financial sources for irrigation and rainwater dam infrastructure development. 

Medium Term 

2.5.4 

Involve local and international corporate sector in these cultivation land expansion projects. 

Short Term 

2.5.5 

Develop effective land use planning for agriculture sector in Punjab. 

Priority  

2.5.6 

Develop necessary legislations to discourage conversion of agricultural lands into non-agricultural purposes. 

Priority  

Strategy  

3.1 

Developing models for assessment of climate change impacts on agricultural production systems in all agro-ecological zones. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Strengthen capacities of institutions to prepare digital simulation models of climate change impacting present and future agriculture production. 

Short Term

                         3.1.2 

Undertake assessment of climate change impacts on physical, chemical, nutritional and biological aspects of agricultural production systems in all agro-ecological zones. 

Priority

                         3.1.3

Design detailed financial assessments of each of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of change in the agricultural production systems in all agro-ecological zones due to climate change. 

Short Term

                         3.1.4

Undertake detailed study of existing agriculture product system and develop recommendations for productivity enhancement. 

Priority

                         3.1.5

Undertake further strengthening of Plant Protection Department (PPD) particularly its activities in Balochistan. 

Short Term

                         3.1.6

3.1.7 

Support the relevant agriculture and livestock research projects of relevant research institutions and universities of KPK. 

Transform the Agriculture University Rawlakot into a Mountain Area Agriculture University with up-dated curriculum and research activities. 

Short Term 

Med. Term

Strategy  

3.2 

Developing new varieties of crops which are high yielding, and resistant to the anticipated impacts of climate change. 

Actions 

3.2. 

Undertake research on crops that expected to be adversely affected by the climate change in various parts of Pakistan. 

Short Term

3.2.1 

Initiate research to develop new varieties of crops that are less vulnerable to heat stress and are drought resistant. 

Priority

3.2.2 

Develop new and hybrid climate change resistant crops that could survive both changes in temperature and precipitation, and still be high yielding, resistant to heat stress, drought tolerant, less vulnerable to heavy spells of rains, and less prone to insect-pests. 

Short Term

Strategy  

3.3 

Developing and introducing better breeds of livestock which have higher productivity and are less prone to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. 

Actions 

3.3.1 

Develop livestock research capabilities of research institutions and universities based on projected changes in climatic conditions. 

Short Term

3.3.2 

Improve veterinary facilities at grass root level to prepare for any livestock epidemics. 

Priority

3.3.3 

Initiate research on developing new breeds of livestock that are less prone to heat stress and more droughts tolerant. 

Medium Term

3.3.4 

Initiate research on local livestock species-breed improvements especially of sheep, and introduction of new foreign breads either should be discouraged or linked to stringent tests and trials. 

Medium Term

3.3.5 

Establish agriculture, livestock and poultry research institute in AJ&K. 

Short Term

3.3.6 

Develop capacity to use “Embryo Transfer Technology” to enhance livestock reproduction. 

Priority

                         3.3.7

Develop improved livestock breeds suitable for mountainous areas of Giligit-Baltistan, KPK and provide incentives to local communities for its adaptation. 

Short Term

                         3.3.8

Develop and introduce disease resistant fish species and promote publicprivate partnership for development of new fish farms in Gilgit-Baltistan. 

Short Term

Strategy  

3.4 

Developing quality datasets on crop, soil and climate-related parameters to facilitate research work on climate change impact assessment and productivity projection studies. 

Actions 

3.4.1 

Develop capacities of Bureau of Statistics, PARC, PMD and other database institutions to compile information on crop, soil and climate related parameters for different aspects of agricultural production systems in all agro-ecological zones. 

Short Term

3.4.2 

Strengthen research facilities at selected agriculture research institutions on climate change impact assessment and agricultural productivity projection studies. 

Short Term

3.4.3 

Undertake detail soil and ground water quality studies in AJK. 

Priority

3.4.4 

Enhance the present limited capacity of institutions in Balochistan to promote tissue culture. 

Short Term

Strategy  

3.5 

Enhancing research capacity of relevant organizations to make reliable climate change projections to assess the corresponding likely impacts on various agriculture products and develop appropriate adaptation measures. 

Actions 

3.5.1 

Develop reliable high resolution local level climate change scenarios. 

Priority

3.5.2 

Develop adaptation measures well suited for each agro-ecological zone and for all agricultural production systems based on above scenarios. 

Short Term

3.5.3 

Establish close coordination mechanism among concerned agricultural organizations and meteorological department at district level for benefiting from reliable weather and climate predictions. 

Priority

3.5.4 

Set-up climate change adaption and mitigation cells in the departments of agriculture, livestock and EPA of the AJK. 

Short Term

3.5.5 

Establish close collaboration between academic and research organizations/ institutions in Balochistan particularly dealing in agricultural areas. 

Short Term

Strategy  

3.6 

Developing “Remote Sensing and GIS techniques” capacity to assess temporal land cover changes. 

Actions 

3.6.1 

Develop remote sensing and GIS related capacities of agriculture research institutions and universities. 

Priority

3.6.2 

Undertake research to identify major temporal changes that have been taking place in all agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. 

Priority

3.6.3 

Upgrade the GIS laboratories of planning & development and forestry departments; and set-up such facilities in crops and livestock departments in AJK. 

Short Term 

                          3.6.4 

Undertake remote sensing mapping of existing and future land use planning in Balochistan. 

Short Term

                          3.6.5 

Establish GIS laboratory for relevant sectors in Balochistan. 

Short Term

Strategy  

3.7 

Improving nutritional quality of livestock feed. 

Actions 

3.7.1 

At the farm level improve livestock feed quality by preparing supplements of Multi-Nutrient Blocks (MNB) prepared from urea, molasses, vitamins and minerals. 

Priority

3.7.2 

Design program to involve local communities and corporate sector to develop MNB locally or as near the rangelands as possible. 

Short Term

3.7.3 

 Provincial agriculture research organization and universities to supervise livestock feed and fodder production enhancement activities. 

Short Term

3.7.4 

Encourage and assist farmers to develop cost-effective livestock feed through “Silage Making” techniques and by using “Urea Treatment” from maize, rice and wheat low quality roughages. 

Priority

3.7.5 

Develop and improve rangelands through community participation. 

Short Term

Strategy  

4.1 

Establishing Climate Change units in agriculture research organizations to devise adaptive strategies for projected impacts of climate change on agriculture. 

Actions 

4.1.1 

Establish                  climate   change   units        or              centres   at                   agriculture              research organizations. 

Short Term

4.1.2 

Establish meteorological and cropping information hubs at provincial level. 

Priority

4.1.3 

Streamline information flow through agriculture extension services for climatic conditions and related cropping from these organizations. 

Priority

4.1.4 

Undertake awareness campaign among all stakeholders to give due importance to climate change’s impact on agriculture. 

Short Term

4.1.5 

Involve farmers in policy formulation and strategic dialogues. 

Priority  

4.1.6 

Conduct review and harmonize existing legislations, polices and plans in agriculture sector to include climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. 

Priority 

Strategy  

4.2 

Promoting feed conservation techniques and fodder banks in the arable areas. 

Actions 

4.2.1 

Introduce innovative technologies to enhance livestock production in the arable areas in each province. 

Medium Term

4.2.2 

Involve corporate sector in promotion of feed conservation techniques and fodder banks for the dairy and poultry sectors. 

Short Term

4.2.3 

Set-up poultry feed production unit in AJ&K. 

Priority

Strategy  

4.3 

Enhancing the capacity of the farming community to take advantage of scientific findings of the relevant research organizations. 

Actions 

4.3.1 

Establish community organizations at village/ town levels to ensure imparting them scientific knowledge. 

Short Term

4.3.2 

Build a process to communicate the scientific findings to the farming community in easy to understand mode. 

Priority

4.3.3 

Arrange awareness material, campaigns and exposure workshops in all provinces particularly in Balochistan for Information dissemination to farmers about climate change threats. 

Priority

4.3.4 

Undertake awareness raising and capacity building of farmer’s communities to understand the natural phenomenon of climate change. 

Priority

Strategy  

4.4 

Improving the extension system to allow effective and timely communication of weather, climatic predictions and corresponding agro advices. 

Actions 

4.4.1 

Develop communication hubs for translation of weather and climatic information in local language for the farming community at village and Tehsil level. 

Priority

4.4.2 

Develop efficient agriculture extension system for establishing an effective communication among farmers and relevant government departments. 

Short Term

4.4.3 

Develop effective communication strategy for dissemination of timely weather information to farmers through electronic and print media. 

Priority

Strategy  1.1 

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved management and techniques in agriculture and livestock sector. 

Actions          1.1.1

Develop and promote best management practices for methane and nitrogen management in agriculture and livestock sector. 

Priority 

                          1.1.2

Promote optimum use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides for achieving mitigation goals. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.3 

Arrange pest management training programmes for farmers. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.4 

Develop best practices of tillage and soil management that improve soil carbon storage. 

Short Term 

1.1.5 

Develop and introduce improved water management in rice paddy to control release of methane from agriculture soils. 

Medium Term 

1.1.6 

Introduce low water dependent rice varieties. 

Priority 

1.1.7 

Promote use of green manure in agriculture. 

Priority 

1.1.8 

Identify and promote better manure storage & management practices. 

Priority 

1.1.9 

Set-up system to control the illegal import of pesticides and for applying quarantine measures at dry/ sea ports particularly in Balochistan. 

Short Term 

1.1.10 

Proper disposal of obsolete pesticides/chemicals in Balochistan be ensured. 

Priority 

1.1.11 

Improve energy use efficiency in agriculture sector to reduce carbon emissions. 

Short Term 

1.1.12 

Develop and introduces low water dependent rice varieties. 

Medium Term 

1.1.13 

Develop efficient bio-gas and manure digester for methane reduction and energy production. 

Short Term

1.1.14 

Undertake extensive review of existing research about mitigation option in agricultural sector to assess the value of investment in these programs. 

Priority

1.1.15 

Under take detailed study to assess the possible threat of cultivation of biofuel crops on country’s food security. 

Short Term

1.1.16 

Initiate cultivation of bio-fuel crops on limited pilot scale to assess its viability. 

Priority

1.1.17 

Develop and introduce appropriate feedstock mixes and additives to reduce methane production from enteric fermentation/ digestion in cattle. 

Short Term

Strategy  

2.2 

Develop climate model to predict climate change impact on agricultural activities at local scale. 

Actions 

2.2.1 

Develop Institutional capacity of GCISC and other relevant organisations to run climate models for developing future climate projections. 

Priority

2.2.2 

Down scale the output of regional climate models to the scale relevant to farmers and local planners. 

Short Term

2.2.3 

Use these climate change scenarios for informed decision making in agriculture and livestock sector. 

Priority

2.2.4 

Set-up Climate Change Research Department in Agriculture University Rawlakot. 

Short Term

Strategy  1.1 

Addressing the essential knowledge gap about climate change impact on Pakistan’s forests through research on forest adaptation. 

Actions          1.1.1 

Initiate immediate collaboration with national and international research institutions (such as CIFOR1, IIASA2 and other renown international research bodies); and organize research projects on species vulnerable to climate change in all natural forests located in various ecological zones of Pakistan. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.2

Undertake ‘forest ecosystem’ based research and map out ecosystems of high and low resilience to climate change. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.3 

Commence research on species and climate change interactions in the most vulnerable forest types. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.4 

Organize research projects on response of various forest types to increased temperature and drought spells. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.5 

Undertake research on forest pathology and entomology in the vulnerable forest types/ areas to control insect and disease outbreaks. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.6 

Initiate studies on forest management systems to explore new tools and adaptation options for managing forest areas in wake of climate change. 

Medium Term 

                          1.1.7 

Include forest pathology, entomology, water management, watershed management, flood risk management, soil conservation and other interrelated disciples as integrated part of forestry research programs depending on the research objective(s). 

Medium Term 

                          1.1.8 

Develop an appropriate ‘Risk Management Framework’ and include the research findings into it and good practice guidance. 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

2.1 

Taking appropriate measures to adapt to the projected adverse impacts of climate change and increase ecological resilience of forest ecosystems. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Based on conservancy approach, identify important forest fragments and connect them to provide natural migration corridors for plant and wildlife species for important ecosystem functions. 

Short to Med. 

Term

2.1.2 

Take Forest protection measures to reduce the damage from forest fires. 

Priority  

2.1.3 

Promote the use of indigenous and locally adapted plants. 

Priority 

2.1.4 

Identify appropriate forest management practices to address the likely impacts of climate change based on scientific research. 

Medium Term 

2.1.5 

Initiate demonstration projects, in line with the research findings, on area and species specific appropriate silvicultural systems to minimize damages caused by forest pathogens and insect pests. 

Short to Med. 

Term 

2.1.6 

On the pattern of forest landscape restoration approach, design and implement soil conservation and slope stabilization programs for fragile watershed areas by applying bioengineering and biological techniques. 

Priority 

2.1.7 

Enhance forest cover on uphill watershed areas through rapid afforestation and reforestation measures on account of increased intensity of rainfall and flood risks. 

Priority  

2.1.8 

Measures to adopt forestry practices in wake of increased temperature and droughts in accordance with the research findings. 

Short Term 

2.1.9 

Promote the role of GIS/ RS techniques in mapping climate change prone forests, monitoring and implementation of ecosystem based adaptation. 

Priority

Strategy  

3.1 

Promoting best practices of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) via setting appropriate Criteria and Indicators (C&I) to ensure the social and environmental values and services from forests. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Develop and implement criteria and indicators to clearly define SFM; prepare manuals and guidelines to monitor progress towards it. 

Short Term 

3.1.2 

Develop and put into practice appropriate forest legislation, regulation and incentives to promote sustainable management of forests. 

Medium Term 

3.1.3 

Seek policy advice from experts and international bodies (such as FAO) through institutional and technical capacity building. 

Priority 

3.1.4 

Set up pilot projects, with participation of the forest dependent communities, to demonstrate and compile best practices of SFM in all forest types of Pakistan. 

Priority 

3.1.5 

Facilitate dissemination of best practices and exchange of experiences particularly with the forest communities and civil society organizations through networking, workshops, seminars, exposure visits. 

Priority 

3.1.6 

Capacity building of the relevant institutions for preparedness to address emergency situations in forests caused by natural disasters or adverse effects of human activities, e.g. forest fires, pathogens and storms. 

Short Term 

3.1.7 

Initiate specific projects and programs to promote sustainable use of non timber forest produce (NTFP) with greater participation of the local communities with particular focus on livelihood improvement. 

Priority 

3.1.8 

Bring all forest areas, either state owned or community owned, under certain management regime based on the principles of SFM. 

Short Term 

3.1.9 

Integrate land use planning and community participation in managing forest lands. 

Priority 

3.1.10 

Recognize the role of indigenous knowledge and give it due consideration while managing forest and other natural resources with participation of the local communities. 

Short Term 

3.1.11 

Institutional            strengthening        and          re-organization     of                  provincial                forest departments to form manageable forest management units. 

Medium Term 

3.1.12 

Organize refresher courses for lower staff of the forest departments to pace with the recent developments. 

Priority  

3.1.13 

Take appropriate measures to stop encroachment of the forest areas in the country. 

Priority  

3.1.14 

Minimize revenue generation focus from the existing forests and put more focus on ecological values. 

Priority  

3.1.15 

Define jurisdiction for shamilat and guzara forests and manage them involving the local communities to restore the depleted forest fragments. 

Short Term 

                          3.1.16 

Put emphasis on ‘self sustenance’ use of forest resources for the local communities. 

Short Term 

                          3.1.17 

Ensure in time ‘sanctioned water’ availability to the irrigated plantation. 

Priority  

                          3.1.18 

Provide economic incentives for forest guards, foresters and RFOs. 

Priority  

Strategy  

4.1 

Raising awareness among general public, forest communities and enhancing capacities of forest professionals on forestry and climate change adaptation. 

Actions 

4.1.1 

Develop joint programs in partnership with civil society to show up the role of forests particularly among the forest dependent communities and students in tackling climate change. 

Priority  

4.1.2 

Launch nationwide campaign for sensitization of the general public via print and electronic media to highlight the importance of forest ecosystem and biological diversity. 

Priority 

4.1.3 

Establish ‘Communication’ wings in the relevant ministries at national, provincial and local levels. 

Short Term 

4.1.4 

Enhance dissemination of appropriate information on forestry and climate change in Pakistan through the proposed ‘Information Communication’ wings. 

Short Term 

4.1.5 

Develop curricula on forest ecosystem, biodiversity and their relevance to climate change and introduce them at all levels of schooling. 

Short Term 

4.1.6 

Regularly monitor the public awareness of forestry’s role in helping combat climate change through public opinion’s surveys. 

Short Term 

4.1.7 

Develop and promote ‘Forest and Climate’ expert groups at national and provincial levels to deliver newer ideas and information to public, forest communities and professional foresters based on latest research in forestry and climate change. 

Short Term 

4.1.8 

Arrange workshops and seminars for forest professionals and managers to widen up their professional horizons on green issues related climate change. 

Priority  

4.1.9 

Organize capacity building and educational opportunities for forest professionals on interconnectedness of forestry and climate change. 

Short Term 

4.1.10 

Promote forestry’s role in tackling climate change through engagement with appropriate government, sectoral and cross-sectoral forums. 

Priority  

4.1.11 

Sensitize politicians and provide advice to Parliamentarians (ministers, senators, members of national and provincial assemblies) and other key government personnel on forestry-related aspects of the National Climate Change Policy. 

Priority  

Strategy  1.1 

Building capacities of national institutions, provincial forest departments and other stakeholders for effective development and implementation of innovative mechanisms aiming at avoiding deforestation and enhancing forest carbon stocks. 

Actions          1.1.1 

Designate national and provincial focal institutions for steering, coordination and implementation of the REDD plus mechanisms and CDM processes. 

Priority  

                          1.1.2

Develop strategy for establishing regulatory, governance and law enforcement framework for REDD mechanisms in consultation with all stakeholders including communities depending on forests for their livelihoods. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.3 

Establish linkages with national and international entities, (especially the UNREDD program, World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Fund- FCPF, Forest Investment Program- FIP; Australia’s International Forest Carbon Initiative; and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative) for technical and financial assistance to initiate programs and pilot projects on CDM and REDD plus in various phases. 

Priority 

                          1.1.4 

Make institutional and legislative arrangements to clearly define the rights on carbon stored in the forests. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.5 

Organize training workshops and seminars for forest professionals and forest dependent communities on “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” (FPIC) taking on board all the relevant stakeholders to avoid future conflicts and disagreements. 

Priority  

                          1.1.6 

Develop and enhance national capacity for assessing existing forest carbon stocks, monitoring and accounting capacity in accordance with globally accepted Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for REDD plus projects. 

Priority  

                          1.1.7 

Build capacities of provincial forest department personnel in ‘Reduced Impact Logging’ (RIL) to minimize damages to forest trees and soil thus so as to save the future carbon stocks. 

Short Term 

                          1.1.8 

Organize training events to enhance national capacity on taking a lead role in the negotiation processes under UNFCCC to include incentives for REDD plus in post-2012 legally binding climate change agreement in the national interest. 

Priority  

                          1.1.9 

Provide trainings to professional foresters and staff of provincial forest departments on developing documentation for CDM and REDD plus projects.  

Priority  

                          1.1.10 

Develop and disseminate manuals and guidelines for target audience including forest dependent communities and civil society on REDD plus and 

CDM projects. 

Priority  

                          1.1.11 

Integrate climate change as a compulsory part of forestry education system with particular emphasis on understanding the concepts of REDD plus and CDM mechanisms. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

2.1 

Developing and implementing mechanisms to avoid deforestation, reduce carbon emissions and enhance forests’ capability to sequester more emissions from the atmosphere. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Pursue massive afforestation and reforestation programs for enhancing the country’s forest cover and establishing forest areas as effective carbon sinks. 

Priority  

2.1.2 

Launch ‘Reduced Impact Logging’ (RIL) techniques in commercial forests to minimize damages during forest operations to save the future carbon stocks and avoid soil disturbance and erosion risks. 

Short Term 

2.1.3 

Develop forest cover assessment at district level through GIS/ RS in decision making and forest carbon accounting system to assess changes in carbon stocks in forest areas. 

Short Term 

2.1.4 

Develop effective mechanisms to avoid illicit cutting of forests and strictly enforce such measures in all forest types of Pakistan. 

Medium Term 

2.1.5 

Intensively encourage farm forestry and agro-forestry practices through plantation of multipurpose and fast growing tree species to meet the demands of local population for fuel, timer and fodder for cattle. 

Priority  

                          2.1.6 

Initiate projects and programs to provide alternative fuel and livelihood options for forest dependent communities to compensate avoiding deforestation (e.g. improved livelihoods through conservation and sustainable use of NTFPs, providing fuel efficient stoves and provision microhydel energy etc). 

Priority  

Strategy  

3.1 

Developing effective mechanisms to gauge the progress from the onset and during implementation of the proposed actions. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Develop and maintain an appropriate climate change and forestry monitoring framework for the forestry sector. 

Short term 

3.1.2 

Verify the proposed MRV system after certain intervals of time if the emission reductions, as part of the REDD process, are progressing. 

Medium Term 

3.1.3 

Publish annual progress reports and make them publically available. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.1 

Improving awareness of issues related to mitigation of climate change induced disasters through public participation. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Make the decision makers aware of the likely increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change and the proposed mitigation strategy; 

Priority

1.1.2 

Develop mechanism to formalise and promote strong sectoral coordination among sectors responsible for DRM; 

Priority

1.1.3 

Conduct special emergency handling situation training programmes for NGOs and volunteer organizations; 

Short Term

1.1.4 

Conduct special awareness campaigns for different segments of society and particularly for those communities living in vulnerable areas, through radio, TV, print media and participatory workshops; 

Priority

1.1.5 

Develop an integrated information system to manage temporal and spatial information on climate change and disaster risk reduction; 

Short Term

                          1.1.6 

Include disaster management as a discipline in the curriculum of universities; 

Short Term

                          1.1.7 

Develop flood adaptability of the communities’ living in riverine flood plains; 

Short Term

                          1.1.8 

Enhance the institutional capacities of all agencies involved in disaster management related activities (NDMA, PDMAs, SDMA Provincial Irrigation Departments, PMD, FFC, WAPDA and Emergency Relief Cells Civil Defence, 

Health Deptt, Education Dept, Hydel Board, Highways Deptt, CBO, Academia); 

Medium Term

                          1.1.9 

Develop drought adaptability of the communities living in county’s drought prone areas particularly in Balochistan. 

Short Term

Strategy  2.1 

Addressing the important gaps in our knowledge of the natural processes that cause hazards. 

Actions          2.1.1 

Develop remote-sensing and in situ techniques to monitor temperature & moisture contents of the atmosphere at different levels using satellite and weather radars etc. 

Medium Term

                          2.1.2

Develop data assimilation techniques for running high resolution Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models to predict precise weather conditions for 7 to 10 days. 

Priority

                          2.1.3 

Establish a dedicated Monsoon Research Unit in PMD to study the climate change induced changes in monsoon rainfall patterns. 

Priority

                          2.1.4 

Develop capacity of predicting quantitative precipitation. 

Short Term

                          2.1.5 

Improve numerical weather models and visualization techniques to provide accurate and timely products more usable by forecasters and researchers. 

Short Term

                          2.1.6 

Develop methods for validity the output of these models. 

Short Term

                          2.1.7 

Analysis and document details of gaps and weakness and strong points in handling each natural disaster to learn lessons. 

Priority

                          2.1.8 

Improve knowledge and understanding of available technologies for disaster reduction among professional engineers, building contractors etc. 

Priority

                          2.1.9 

Enhance stake holders understanding of disaster process through training seminars and workshops. 

Priority

Strategy  

3.1 

Developing hazard zoning and mitigation strategies through management, formulation and enforcement of regulation and laws. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Prepare an integrated natural hazard zoning map of Pakistan includingAJK. 

Short Term

3.1.2 

Identify the vulnerable areas at local level and develop mitigation strategies against those vulnerable areas and communities. 

Short Term

3.1.3 

Identify low floods risk areas for future land use planning. 

Short Term

3.1.4 

Identify the avalanches and landslides vulnerable mountain areas. 

Medium Term

3.1.5 

Identify safe areas for evacuation of people and livestock in each vulnerable locality. 

Priority

3.1.6 

Encourage resettlement/ relocation of villages outside the flood plains; 

Short Term

3.1.7 

Develop collection points for livestock during disaster. 

Priority

3.1.8 

Develop evacuation plans with the consent and participation of local communities and also provide training to them. 

Priority

3.1.9 

Incorporate water, food hygiene, and sanitation management in disaster preparedness and evacuation plans. 

Short Term

3.1.10 

Set-up system where old, children and disabled get particular focus during evacuation. 

Priority

3.1.11 

Develop waste management strategies for post disaster situations. 

Priority

3.1.12 

Integrate hazard zoning into land use and urban development through zoning regulation. 

Short Term

3.1.13 

Undertake formulation and enforcement of “River Flood Plain” regulations and laws. 

Short Term

3.1.14 

Update river laws to protect Streams, rivers banks and its flood plain areas from encroachments. 

Short Term

3.1.15 

Develop and provide incentives to encourage disaster resistant construction, particularly in rural areas. 

Priority

3.1.16 

Develop efficient rescues mechanism, relief and rehabilitation options and their implementation strategies before a disaster happened. 

Priority

3.1.17 

Set-up a system to ensure that policy and regulatory framework is implemented and enforced. 

Short Term

3.1.18 

Identify the drought vulnerable areas in Balochistan and develop mitigation strategies for vulnerable communities. 

Short Term

3.1.19 

Undertake risk mapping of all vulnerable areas in Balochistan. 

Short Term

3.1.20 

Update the flood plain maps for 100 years return period. 

Priority

Strategy  4.1 

Investigating and undertaking detailed studies through hydrological and climate modeling future flood behavior of Indus River System. 

Actions          4.1.1 

Undertake GIS mapping of all existing irrigation infrastructure specially flood embankments for effective monitoring and flood management. 

Priority

                          4.1.2

Identify the flood retarding basins and escape channels for managing flood peaks. 

Priority

                          4.1.3 

Undertake comprehensive dam break studies to analyze flood routing etc. 

Short Term

                          4.1.4 

Use the existing dams particularly Tarbela and Mangla dams for managing flood peaks through integrated water management at these dams. 

Priority

                          4.1.5 

Demarcate the flood vulnerable areas according to different flood return periods of 10 to 100 years. 

Priority

                          4.1.6 

Identify the most vulnerable public areas and buildings. 

Priority

                          4.1.7 

Undertake detailed flood routing studies. 

Short Term

Strategy  5.1 

Developing and strengthening natural hazard early warning system for providing the reliable warnings to the users. 

Actions          5.1.1 

Improve real-time meteorological and hydrological data collection and processing for better understanding of natural processes and evolving disasters. 

Short Term

                          5.1.2

Upgrade and expand weather monitoring station network in the country. 

Medium Term

                          5.1.3 

Strengthen natural disaster’s early warning system for making it more efficient and linked it with improved mitigation measures and actions. 

Short Term

                          5.1.4 

Develop improved early warning dissemination system using radio, TV, SMS, and mosque loudspeakers etc. 

Priority

                          5.1.5 

Develop standard operating procedures, clearly defining the role and responsibilities of each concerned department during natural disasters. 

Priority

                          5.1.6 

Establish the local flash flood warning centres in vulnerable mountain areas. 

Medium Term

                          5.1.7 

Improve and strengthen flash flood response mechanism of local & district disaster managers to minimize the damages keeping in view generally rapid on-set of flash floods with short warning lead-time. 

Short Term

                          5.1.8 

Establish regional flood forecasting and warning centres in each province and sub-regional centres at each vulnerable district. 

Medium Term

                          5.1.9 

Strengthen linkages with media, particularly with electronic media, for timely dissemination of early warning in easy to understand local languages. 

Priority

                          5.1.10 

Set-up remote-sensing and ground-base mechanism to monitor the development of Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOF). 

Priority

                          5.1.11 

Develop evacuation strategies in case of GLOF for vulnerable areas. 

Priority

                          5.1.12 

Develop universally adopted standards for sharing and storing hazard-related data for easy analysis and integration with other data sets. 

Short Term

                          5.1.13 

Set-up a national data centre for easy sharing of all climate, water and disaster related data. 

Short Term

                          5.1.14 

Upgrade & install Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) model in PMD, Mangla Dam and Tarbela Dam with proper staff training. 

Priority

Strategy  

6.1 

Developing and strengthening the infrastructure which is resilient to climate change, particularly to the extreme weather events. 

Actions 

6.1.1 

Undertake detailed studies to assess the requirements of flood embankments, dykes and protective bunds to protect vulnerable areas particularly urban areas with large population in light of likely flood level. 

Priority

6.1.2 

Strengthen the existing flood embankments and dykes and protective bunds. 

Short Term

6.1.3 

Rehabilitate the 2010 flood damaged embankments, bunds and irrigation infrastructure on priority. 

Priority

6.1.4 

Enhance, restore and strengthen the capacity of Barrages. 

Medium Term

6.1.5 

Strengthen telecommunication, power, utilities, and transport infrastructure to with stand climate change induced extreme weather events. 

Medium Term

6.1.6 

Construct cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal areas.

Short Term

6.1.7 

Redesign and construct disaster resilience multipurpose school buildings to be used as shelters during natural calamities. 

Short Term

6.1.8 

Ensure regular periodic maintenance of irrigation and other related infrastructure to enhance its sustenance and minimizing its damage during natural disasters. 

Medium Term

6.1.9 

Redesign and upgrade storm drainage capacity of major cities especially Karachi and Lahore keeping in view climate change related likely increase in short duration intense rainfall events. 

Medium Term

6.1.10 

Redesign and upgrade Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) capacity, particularly in southern Sindh, keeping in view the experience gained during climate change related short duration intense rainfall events in Southern Sindh during July, 2003 & Aug, 2010. 

Short Term

                          6.1.11 

6.1.12 

6.1.13 

6.1.14 

Construct escape structures at suitable places along the existing flood embankments, dykes and protective bunds, and identify suitable places that could be used for recharging depleting aquifers from surplus flood water. 

Water supply systems be designed and constructed with due considerstion to natural disasters and emergencies. 

National, Provincial, District and local emergiency preparedness and response plans may be developed for ensuring provision of safe water to the people affected by emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, droughts and conflicts, in line wiSphere Standards. 

Policies may be formulated to prevent threats of pollution and risks to water bodies and undergroung water for providing safe sanitation to communities affected by disasters like floods and earthquakes. 

Medium Term 

Med. Term 

Med. Term 

Med. Term

Strategy  

1.1 

Strengthening institutions and implementing the existing measures taken so far to enhance biodiversity conservation in Pakistan. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Boost national and provincial institutional capacities in terms of finance and political as well as public support to enhance biodiversity conservation activities; 

Short Term  

1.1.2 

Concrete measures to put into practice the already prepared Biodiversity 

Action Plan for Pakistan; 

Priority  

1.1.3 

Set up provincial focal points and steering committees in all provinces to draw up Biodiversity Conservation Plans at provincial/ local levels and make sure its practical implementation; 

Priority  

1.1.4 

Establish central body at national level to look after the conservation activities at provincial/ local levels; 

Short Term  

1.1.5 

Promote public and political sensitization activities to put biodiversity conservation as one of the top priority agendas;  

Short Term  

1.1.6 

Review and update the existing plans periodically based on the lessons learnt during practical implementation phases. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

2.1 

Promoting and conducting latest research in the field of biodiversity with its relevance to the effects of climate change to fill the knowledge gap between policy and practice. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Enhance capabilities of research institutions and academia to explore and promote sustainable use of natural resources and the associated biological diversity in the country; 

Short Term  

2.1.2 

Initiate meaningful applied research on biodiversity conservation in the wake of climate change at national and provincial levels; 

Short Term  

2.1.3 

Document and integrate indigenous knowledge into the latest scientific findings/ information for use in conservation planning and activities; 

Short Term  

2.1.4 

Commence joint partnerships with international research institutions and make the best use of their collaboration in terms of technical assistance and the use of latest technologies in conservation efforts; 

Priority  

2.1.5 

Extend conservation practices in joint collaboration with the local communities making use of their knowledge in local perspective; 

Short Term  

2.1.6 

Integrate biodiversity conservation practices into all relevant disciples such as forestry, wildlife, marine and agriculture; 

2.1.7 

Promote in-situ as well as ex-situ conservation of valuable species for research and other purposes in biodiversity rich regions. 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

3.1 

Enhancing capacities of the existing and yet to be established monitoring centers at national and provincial levels

Actions 

3.1.1 

Establish resource bases at national and provincial levels to collect, share and monitor information and monitoring activities of biodiversity conservation; 

Short Term  

3.1.2 

Strengthen institutions and organizations that are involved in various activities (e.g. data collection, information dissemination, and conservation) pertaining to conservation of flora and fauna in Pakistan; 

Short Term  

3.1.3 

Indentify and classify national priorities to conserve various threatened ecosystems and the associated biodiversity in each province in accordance with the Biodiversity Action Plan for Pakistan; 

Priority  

3.1.4 

Enhance capacities of research institutions, government departments, civil society and local communities to monitor activities pertaining to conservation of biodiversity;

Short Term  

3.1.5 

Promote knowledge and information sharing among relevant stakeholders preferably among the local communities and sensitize them towards importance of conserving valuable species of flora and fauna through various programs. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

1.1 

Conducting detailed scientific research in mountain areas to identify the most fragile and resilient ecosystems to the adverse impacts of climate change and addressing the identified issues with concrete measures. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Establish a coordination mechanism and plan of operation for the entities carrying out scientific studies to map out the ecological resilience of mountainous areas.

Short Term  

1.1.2 

Establish a research centre exclusively coordinating and disseminating scientific information on mountain areas ecosystems. 

Short Term  

1.1.3 

Initiate focused research on plant phenology; trends in precipitation and temperature; changes in the soil carbon and biomass of mountainous ecology. 

Priority  

                          1.1.4 

Investigate the effects of climate change on mountain biodiversity and the role of science integrated with indigenous knowledge for its preservations. 

Medium Term 

                          1.1.5 

Publish reports of the scientific findings and recommendations for preserving mountain ecology to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. 

Priority  

                          1.1.6 

Launch integrated watershed management projects at sub-catchment basis to reduce run off and soil erosion mitigating flood intensities. 

Short Term  

                          1.1.7 

Launch reforestation programs in the mountain areas to stabilize slopes and reduce the flood intensities. 

Priority  

                          1.1.8 

Establish network of small multi-purpose dams in mountain areas to reduce the flood intensities, generate power and serve irrigation purposes. 

Priority  

                          1.1.9 

Launch slope stabilization and river bank protection programs by applying engineering, soil bio-engineering and biological measures. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

2.1 

Ensuring agriculture crops adapting to the changing climatic conditions at high altitudes. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Conduct studies to identify crops particularly vulnerable to sudden climatic changes; develop programs to prevent crop damages due to unexpected weather changes. 

Medium Term 

2.1.2 

Undertake experiments on short duration, heat and drought resistant crops in mountain areas. 

Short Term  

2.1.3 

Introduce cold and drought resistant short duration cereal crops suited for high altitudes based on tested experimental results. 

Short Term  

2.1.4 

Designate responsible agriculture research entities to systematically and continuously carry on research on crop production in mountain areas and recommend actions accordingly. 

Priority  

2.1.5 

Implement the recommended measures in close collaboration with the local communities. For instance, replace the vulnerable crops with those resistant to cold and droughts. 

Priority  

2.1.6 

Establish a forum of agricultural research institutions to research on, design and introduce technologies suited for high altitudes. 

Short Term  

2.1.7 

Introduce new feedstock varieties and technologies to maintain it as forage areas for cattle. 

Priority  

2.1.8 

Encourage perennial crops (fruit orchards) and fodder trees to produce fodder and food during droughts. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

3.1 

Discouraging activities that contribute to depletion of mountain ecology while encouraging those that help in rejuvenating feasible climate at higher altitudes. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Develop conservation partnerships with China, Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries to protect the mountain ecology of Northern Areas of Pakistan; 

Medium Term 

3.1.2 

Conduct GLOF related research and accordingly develop projects to conserve the glaciers of northern regions, especially Gilgit Baltistan; 

Priority  

3.1.3 

Promote ecotourism and devise mechanisms to avoid accumulation of solid waste, trash and other unwanted material in hill stations and popular tourist destinations; 

Short Term  

3.1.4 

Sensitize and take on board the local communities for promoting ecotourism; 

Priority  

3.1.5 

Actions to remove and further avoid accumulation of unwanted biomass in areas of higher altitudes so as to prevent clogging of mountain water channels; 

Short Term  

3.1.6 

Develop special engineering projects to build check dams and other barriers to control solid waste, trash, biomass, and soil erosion from reaching plain areas; 

Short Term  

3.1.7 

Organize localized programs for removal and disposal of solid waste from the mountain areas; 

Short Term  

3.1.8 

Promote growing natural shrubby barriers on slopes to avoid soil erosion, windstorm, hailstorm and snowstorm related damages; 

Medium Term 

3.1.9 

Introduce and encourage the use of bio-degradable products. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

1.1 

Building natural plantation barriers along coastal areas to control sand and soil erosion and to minimize the disastrous impacts of cyclones and tsunamis. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Identify coastal habitats that are most vulnerable to sand and soil erosion. 

Priority

1.1.2 

Involve agricultural research institutions to identify the vegetation, shrub and trees most suited for the coastal areas. 

Priority

1.1.3 

Designate plantation areas for vegetation recovery and regeneration in the coastal areas. 

Short Term

1.1.4 

Initiate campaigns to plant mangroves, coastal palm and other trees suitable for coastal areas to control sand and soil erosion. 

Priority

1.1.5 

Get local community organizations involved in building and maintaining vegetative barriers in the coastal areas. 

Short Term

Strategy  

1.2 

Constructing structural barriers to safeguard low lying coastal human clusters against rising sea level, cyclones and tsunamis. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

1.2.2 

Undertake environmental socio-economic profiling of coastal areas. 

Identify areas that are within the hazards-belt and need engineering structures as safeguards against coastal cyclone and tsunami activities.  

Prority 

Short Term

1.2.3 

Design appropriate engineering structures that can with stand moisture corrosion and other extreme weather fatigue.  

Medium Term

1.2.4 

Entrust Provincial Irrigation Department to build and maintain such structures. 

Strategy  

1.3 

Developing salinity tolerant crops for coastal areas. 

Actions 

1.3.1 

1.3.2 

Identify agricultural research institutions to develop locally adaptable salinity tolerant cereal crop cultivars. 

Conduct economic valuation of marine ecosystems and coastal biodiversisty resources. 

Priority 

Short Term

1.3.3 

Involve local community to develop experimentation agricultural plots near the seashore and in coastal areas to see the adaptability of salinity crops to local environment.

Short Term

Strategy  

1.4 

Maintain optimal river water flow for continuation of sediment and nutrient transfer to the marine ecosystem. 

Actions 

1.4.1 

Identify the minimum amount of water inflows required downstream kotri to maintain marine ecosystem. 

Priority

                          1.4.2

1.4.3 

Provide required fresh water inflows downstream kotri to maintain coastal marine ecosystems and fish habitats in good health.  

Develop linkage between upstream and downstream ecosystems and their sustainable uses. 

Short Term 

Med. Term

Strategy  

1.5 

Reduce and control solid and liquid waste disposal in the bay areas. 

Actions 

1.5.1 

Identify the bay area’s being effected by waste disposal. 

Priority

1.5.2 

Identify alternative processes and locations for disposal of solid and liquid waste from coastal towns and cities.  

Short Term

1.5.3 

Involve local coastal communities for controlling bay area’s degradation from waste disposal. 

Short Term

1.5.4 

Develop coastal water quality monitoring stations. 

MediumTerm

Strategy  

1.6 

Maintain marine ecosystems and fish habitats for healthy fisheries sector. 

Actions 

1.6.1 

Institutional strengthening and capacity enhancement of R&D and other relevant institutions for conducting research to determine the impact of climate change on fisheries and marine ecosystems. 

Priority

1.6.2 

Design special coastal areas biodiversity and habitat preservation program that have direct implications for fisheries in the region. 

Short Term

1.6.3 

Train local fisherman and coastal area inhabitants to monitor and inform the concerned line departments of any changes in sea currents and fish stock movement. 

Medium Term

1.6.4 

Conduct studies to monitor any sea surface temperature change and the consequent movement of fish and other marine life. 

Short Term

Strategy  1.1 

Safeguarding the soil against erosion through vegetative barriers and maintaining optimal livestock densities. 

Actions          1.1.1 

Devise vegetative barriers for rangelands that are particularly vulnerable to erratic precipitation, strong winds and increased soil erosion; 

Short Term

                          1.1.2

Develop community based programs to plant shrubs and trees most suited for these rangelands and pasture; 

Short Term

                          1.1.3 

Design and implement programs to ensure optimal livestock densities according to the rangelands’ carrying capacities; 

Medium Term

                          1.1.4 

Organize awareness raising and training programs for local shepherds and farmers so as to maintain the ‘rangeland ecosystem’; 

Short Term

                          1.1.5 

Build communication channels among the local communities and the livestock research institutions to stay informed about the latest innovations in field of livestock research;

Short Term

                          1.1.6 

Use native and hybrid soil nutrient fixing vegetation for improving soil quality;

Short Term

                          1.1.7 

Develop close coordination among forest and livestock departments for efficient management of rangelands. 

Priority

Strategy  1.2 

Promoting grazing system, in line with the research findings, to facilitate regeneration of rangeland grasses and to increase the livestock production. 

Actions          1.2.1 

Conduct research to identify ‘fragile’ and ‘resilient’ rangelands and pastures in each province; 

Priority

                          1.2.2

Discretely calculate, through extensive research, the carrying capacities for both fragile and resilient rangelands and pastures in each province according to their local climatic conditions; 

Short Term

                          1.2.3 

Design rotational program for periodic movement of livestock from fragile to resilient rangelands and pastures to restore the fodder quality grass and shrubs according to the local conditions; 

Medium Term

                          1.2.4 

Conduct research involving expert institutions to change the herd composition that increases productivity with reduced ecosystem impact in the fragile rangelands and pastures; 

Priority

                          1.2.5 

Develop close links between local communities, veterinary services and livestock market for efficient livestock turnover; 

Short Term

                          1.2.6 

Establish experimental plots of native, hybrid and adapted vegetation species for increased fodder availability and improved rangeland and pasture management; 

Medium Term

                          1.2.7 

Designate alternative pastures and passages, in case of earlier or later than usual weather change. 

Priority

Strategy  

1.1 

Researching the causes of depletion of wetlands’ ecosystem in Pakistan. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Establish research bodies to monitor the immediate and lasting climate change impacts on the wetlands in Pakistan. 

Medium Term 

1.1.2 

Extend the research possibilities to recognize and enhance the roles played by wetlands in natural disaster protection. 

Short Term  

1.1.3 

Take measures to protect the associated biodiversity of the wetlands in Pakistan. 

Priority  

1.1.4 

Design appropriate management plans to maintain and safeguard the wetlands of Pakistan in light of the adverse impacts researched. 

Short Term  

1.1.5 

Control the use of pesticides and fertilizers in the immediate surroundings of the wetlands. 

Priority  

1.1.6 

Encourage the use of biological control for disease and weed control in agricultural crops. 

Priority  

1.1.7 

Establish a “Centre of Excellence” to conduct comprehensive climate change related research on the conservation of wetlands in connection with associated biodiversity, forestry and related disciplines.  

Medium Term 

Strategy  

2.1 

Supplying the necessary contribution to the wetlands by efficient management of the resources. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Ensure adequate water supply allowing ecologically necessary water flows to estuaries, peat lands, rivers, streams and lake marshes, mudflats and intertidal areas. 

Short Term  

2.1.2 

Establish an institutional setup to responsibly monitor changes in quality of waters coming to the wetlands. 

Medium Term 

2.1.3 

Take immediate measures to conserve the wetlands, particularly those that are part of the RAMSAR convention. 

Priority  

2.1.4 

Design proper monitoring and evaluation procedures for the existing conservation activities in Pakistan’s wetlands and the report be made publicly available. 

Short Term  

2.1.5 

Undertake joint programs with provinces to plan and set allocations for ecosystem maintenance water levels. 

Short Term  

2.1.6 

2.17 

2.1.8 

Develop adaptation mechanisms for wetlands and communities dependent on them threatened by climate change. 

Concretely address the ‘multi-management’ and ‘multi-ownership’ issues of wetlands and bringing their management under a single authority. 

Ensure design and implementation of sustainable, participatory management plans for independent demonstration sites, representing of broad ecoregions in Pakistan. 

Short Term 

Priority  

Short Term 

Strategy  

2.2 

Taking remedial measures to reduce siltation of the wetlands. 

Actions 

2.2.1 

Ensure control of siltation of wetlands by reducing deforestation and felling of timber in the catchments areas. 

Priority  

2.2.2 

Conduct research to identify further the causes of siltation in the wetlands and take remedial measures accordingly. 

Medium Term  

2.2.3 

Develop wetlands maintenance programs to control siltation and other debris with efficient participation of the local communities. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

2.3 

Devise legal procedures concurrent with scientific findings to control organic and inorganic pollution of wetlands. 

Actions 

2.3.1 

Undertake comprehensive survey of the wetlands catchment areas for any intensive input agricultural. 

Medium Term 

2.3.2 

Check water quality in all drainage systems to wetlands for excessive fertilizer and pesticide contamination. 

Priority  

2.3.3 

Put in place monitoring and control system to keep wetlands from receiving excessive chemicals. 

Short Term  

2.3.4 

Incorporate the role of local communities in management procedures. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

1.1 

Seeking innovative fodder shrubs and crops irrigation techniques and technologies designed for water conservation. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

Establish ‘Knowledge Management’ and ‘Information Extension’ cells at village and town levels to extend information regarding water conservation and its techniques to the local farmers. 

Medium Term 

1.1.2 

Drive ‘farmers’ awareness’ campaigns to sensitize local farmers regarding importance of water conservation measure. 

Short Term  

                          1.1.3 

Devise appropriate training programs for local communities to adopt and maintain technologically advanced equipments for drip irrigation. 

Medium Term 

                          1.1.4 

Develop experimentation plots for local and hybrid vegetation cover with least usage and maximum utilization of water. 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

1.2 

Find technological breakthrough for irrigation systems, to raise vegetative cover in extremely difficult and harsh areas of arid zone. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

Identify irrigation equipment and technology most suited for arid and desert areas; 

Short Term  

1.2.2 

Design appropriate training programs for local communities to maintain technologically advance equipments for drip irrigation and alternative (solar and wind) electricity source systems for tube-wells; 

Medium Term 

1.2.3 

Built local community linkages with irrigation and agriculture research institutions for most appropriate technology for arid areas with decreasing water resource. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

1.3 

Encouraging development of technological innovations for improved water efficiency for crops, efficient equipments for the rehabilitation of Karez irrigation system including artificial groundwater recharge. 

Actions 

1.3.1 

Ensure irrigation technological innovations that are most suited for arid areas with hot climate to maintain crop cover; 

Medium Term 

1.3.2 

For artificial ground water recharge, involve institutes that apply engineering innovations to irrigation techniques, particularly, suited for arid and hyperarid agriculture; 

Medium Term 

1.3.3 

Involve irrigation research institute with a focus on arid areas to develop technologies and equipments to improve the traditional Karez irrigation system; 

Short Term  

1.3.4 

Provide training to local farmers to develop Karez irrigation system by using artificial. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

2.1 

Ensure building vegetative barriers for safeguarding against sand storms near human habitats. 

Actions 

2.1.1 

Identify human habitats that are most vulnerable to sand storms. 

Priority  

2.1.2 

Involve arid area agricultural research institutions to identify appropriate vegetation for these vulnerable areas. 

Short Term  

2.1.3 

Engage local communities to build and maintain these vegetative barriers near desert area villages. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

2.2 

Developing Kharan Desert as a rangeland. 

Actions 

2.2.1 

Develop a local pastures and livestock development plan in consultation with the local communities and nomadic tribes. 

Short Term  

                          2.2.2

Develop a small dam projects for local rivers in the closed valley of the Kharan water catchment area. 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

3.1 

Researching on and promotion of “low delta crops” as well as drought and pest resistant crops. 

Actions 

3.1.1 

Ensure development of low delta and drought resistant, high-yield crop varieties for arid and hyper-arid areas in Pakistan. 

Short Term  

3.1.2 

Develop special programs for pest resistant crops or integrated pest management to safeguard crop productivity. 

Short Term  

Strategy  

3.2 

Undertake development of drought resistant shrubs, fodder crops and grasses for pastures and oasis for livestock. 

Actions 

3.2.1 

Explore research opportunities to improve feed and fodder in arid areas;  

Short Term  

3.2.2 

Involve local communities and nomadic tribes to develop experimental plots of improved grasses and shrubs for livestock. 

Medium Term 

Strategy  

1.1 

Assessing and reducing health vulnerabilities to climate change. 

Actions 

1.1.1 

1.1.2 

1.1.3 

Assess the country’s vulnerability including identifying thoses populations and regions that are most vulnerable to vector borne diseases.  

Identify the vulnerable population groups with each urban and rural locality that might be directly affected by natural calamities like floods and cyclones. 

Establish baseline conditions of human health risk of current climate variability and recent climate change.  

Priority 

Priority 

Short term 

1.1.4 

Design health systems out-reach programs that could reach the designated areas for quick emergency health services. 

Priority 

1.1.5 

Built effective infrastructures and means of communications to quickly counter any epidemic spreading due to climate change induced natural hazard.  

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.2 

Ensuring that appropriate measures to address health related climate change issues are incorporated into national health plans. 

Actions 

1.2.1 

1.2.2 

1.2.3 

Identify financial resources and personnel training facilities within new national health plans, particularly, focused on climate change related health hazard requirements. 

Estimate the possible additional burden of adverse health issues (future risk) likely to change over the coming decades due to climate change. 

Assess the current capacity of health and other sectors to manage the risks of climate sensitive health outcomes. 

Priority 

Short Term 

Short Trem 

1.2.4 

Design health plans that not only have out-reach components, but able to provide first aid medical help to  a  large number of injured and sick during a natural disaster. 

Priority 

Strategy  

1.3 

Educating and sensitizing health personnel and the public about climate change related health issues. 

Actions 

1.3.1 

Design communication strategies to inform the general public of climate change related health hazard and its geographical span, particularly, alerting health personnel in the vicinity. 

Priority 

1.3.2 

Use media and civil society organizations to educate and sensitize public as well as health personal to the climate change related health issues particularly arising during the natural disasters.  

Priority 

1.3.3 

Conduct assessments on the impacts of climate change on vector/waterborne and nutritional diseases. 

Short Term 

Strategy  

1.4 

Ensuring that the medications and clean drinking water are available to the general public easily and cost effectively particularly during climate related extreme events. 

Actions 

1.4.1 

Design and built emergency vaccines and medication storage facilities near each DCO’s office to be used in case of injuries and epidemics due to natural hazard. 

Priority

1.4.2 

1.4.3 

Keep mobile water purification facilities ready to be shifted to disaster stricken areas at short notice. 

Develop and promote household water treatment options. 

Short Term 

Short Term

Strategy  

1.5 

Upgrading and extending disease outbreaks monitoring and forecasting systems to counteract the possible climate change health impacts. 

Actions 

1.5.1 

Strengthen disease monitoring and forecasting systems for prior planning and timely effective interventions. 

Priority

1.5.2 

1.5.3 

Develop effective intervention strategies in national health plans to build and design climate change related health impacts control system. 

Develop an effective response system to deal with any vector borne diseases like malaria and dengue epidemics, which are expected to rise in changing climate patterns. 

Short Term 

Short Term