Policy Framework of Balochistan Pakistan and Guiding Principles for Climate Action

The Balochistan Climate Change Policy (BCCP) provides broader contours of the commitment by the Government of Balochistan (GoB) towards a climate resilient Balochistan ensuring a dynamic approach toward adaptation and mitigation actions through active engagement of all relevant stakeholders.

Aim and Objectives of the Policy

The BCCP aims to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that Balochistan faces due to climate change while also aligning with broader national and international climate goals. To be crafted through involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, the Policy will remain flexible and adaptable to hamess the evolving opportunities in Balochistan. The objectives of the Policy include:

Adaptation and Resilience Building:

Given Balochistan’s vulnerability to climate change impacts such as water scarcity, droughts, and extreme weather events, the Policy prioritises building resilience, including adopting ecosystem-based adaptation approach, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, improving water management systems, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Mitigating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

Balochistan should set targets for reducing its GHG emissions, particularly those associated with energy production, transportation, and industrial processes. The policy promotes the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate emissions

Natural Resource Management:

Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including minerals and fisheries. The Policy focuses on sustainable resource management practices to ensure these assets are not depleted or harmed by climate change. This could involve stricter regulations on resource extraction and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.

Water Resource Management:

Balochistan faces acute water scarcity issues. The Policy outlines strategies for efficient water use, rainwater harvesting, and the rehabilitation of water storage infrastructure. It also addresses the equitable distribution of water resources among different sectors and communities.

Biodiversity Conservation:

Balochistan is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The Policy includes measures to protect and conserve biodiversity, including the establishment of protected areas, wildlife corridors, and habitat restoration initiatives.

Economic Viability:

The Policy promotes economic sustainability by fostering green and sustainable economic growth, creating jobs in renewable energy and other climate-related sectors, and reducing the long-term economic costs of climate change.

Economic Diversification:

Balochistan’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resource-based industries. The Policy encourages economic diversification by promoting sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods and industries.

International Collaboration:

Balochistan’s climate challenges are not limited to its borders, and the Policy encourages collaboration with neighbouring countries, international organisations, and donors to access financial and technical support for climate projects.

Private Sector Engagement:

The Policy encourages private sector participation in climate action by incentivising sustainable business practices, green investments, and the development of climate-friendly industries and technologies.

Social Equity, and Inclusivitv,:

The Policy prioritises the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, ensuring that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are inclusive and do not exacerbate existing social disparities.

Capacity Building and Awareness:

To successfully implement climate change initiatives, the Policy emphasizes capacity building at the local and provincial levels. It also promotes climate education and awareness programs to engage communities and stakeholders in climate action.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Establishing a robust monitoring and reporting framework is crucial to track progress towards climate goals. Regular assessments of the Policy’s implementation and its impact on climate resilience and mitigation will be conducted and shared with relevant stakeholders.

Alignment with National and International Climate Agenda

The BCCP is aligned with national and international climate goals, as reflected in policies, strategies, and conventions to ensure that Balochistan’s efforts contribute effectively to global climate action. Following are steps and strategies to achieve this alignment:

• The BCCP explicitly references and aligns with Pakistan’s national climate agenda, including the National Climate Change Policy° (2021), National Adaptation Plan’ (2023), and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted under the Paris Agreement. This ensures that provincial actions complement and support the country’s climate objectives.

• The BCCP identifies specific actions through its Action Plan (Part B) that directly contribute to achieving Pakistan’s climate targets, such as reducing GHG emissions and enhancing climate resilience. The provincial targets are developed in line with or exceed national commitments where possible.

• The Balochistan government will collaborate closely with federal government agencies responsible for climate change, such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), to ensure the harmonization of policies, share best practices, and access national resources and expertise.

• The data collection, reporting, and monitoring mechanisms at the provincial level will be aligned with national requirements and reporting frameworks to ensure that provincial progress can be aggregated at the national level for reporting on Pakistan’s climate actions.

• The Balochistan government will work with national authorities to access climate finance opportunities, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF), to fund climate projects and initiatives within Balochistan (Part C). It will develop project proposals that align with national priorities and criteria for funding.

• There will be a collaboration with national institutions and organizations to build local capacity for climate action through the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of climate initiatives in Balochistan.

• There will also be collaboration with other provinces and regions within Pakistan to share experiences and best practices in climate adaptation and mitigation, and interprovincial cooperation agreements to tackle shared climate challenges.

• The Balochistan government will engage with international organizations and donors involved in climate initiatives to access technical assistance, technology transfer, and financial support. It will forge partnerships with international stakeholders to leverage resources for climate projects in Balochistan.

• It will be ensured that Balochistan is represented at national and international climate forums and negotiations to advocate for Balochistan’s specific climate needs and challenges while also contributing constructively to global climate discussions. As transparent reporting is crucial for demonstrating alignment with national and international climate goals, the provincial climate actions, progress, and achievements will be regularly reported to the federal government and international bodies.

• The BCCP will remain flexible and adaptable, allowing it to evolve alongside changes in national climate policies and international agreements. • The Balochistan government will engage in climate diplomacy and communication efforts to raise awareness about Balochistan’s climate challenges and Balochistan’s commitment to climate action on the national and international stages.

• All development projects will adhere to the principles and goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, aligning with the standards and objectives being actively pursued by international financial institutions.

Guiding Principles for Climate Action

Climate action in Balochistan, as guided by the BCCP, will be rooted in a set of fundamental principles to drive effective and meaningful efforts to address climate challenges in Balochistan. These guiding principles for climate action in Balochistan include:

Long-Term Commitment:

The climate actions will be driven by a long-term political ownership that extends beyond electoral cycles, recognising that climate change is a long-term challenge that requires sustained commitment and action.

Local Ownership:

The climate actions will be derived from the needs and priorities of local communities in Balochistan by engaging with and empowering residents to take an active role in climate initiatives and decision-making processes. The local communities, including indigenous and traditional knowledge holders, will be engaged in the design and implementation of climate actions.

Ecosystem-Based Approaches:

The protection and restoration of ecosystems, such as mangroves, forests, and watersheds, which play a critical role in climate resilience and mitigation will be emphasised by promoting sustainable land use practices that conserve biodiversity and natural resources.

Scientific Rigour:

The climate actions will be based on the best available scientific evidence and climate data about the local and regional climate challenges.

Transparency and Accountability:

There will be transparency in decision-making, policy g holistic d f e different implementation, and resource allocation to establish clear accountability mechanisms to track progress, report on results, and address any shortcomings.

Across various Collaboration:

There will be collaboration and coordination amaocrn Interagency government agencies, departments, and levels of government to ensure energy, and integrated approach to climate policy.

Cross-Sectoral Integration:

The climate considerations will be integrated such as agriculture, livestock and fisheries, water resources, industries, transportation, to maximise synergies and minimise conflicts in policy implementation.

Courtesy: REDD+ Pakistan