Sindh and Ethiopia Strengthen Climate Change Cooperation

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recently met a high-powered Ethiopian delegation to discuss enhanced cooperation on climate change, mass afforestation, and green development initiatives. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Ethiopia. The delegation was briefed on Sindh's challenges in addressing climate change, including the devastating 2022 floods that destroyed 2.1 million houses and caused massive economic losses.

During the meeting, the Ethiopian delegation presented their Green Legacy Initiative, under which they had planted over 40 billion trees since 2019 with a target of 50 billion by 2026. Sindh's Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, highlighted the province's efforts in addressing climate change, including the completion of nearly 600,000 houses under the Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) project and the development of forests over 675,000 hectares since 2010.

Key Takeaways:

• Sindh and Ethiopia agree to enhance cooperation on climate change, mass afforestation, and green development initiatives.
• Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative aims to plant 50 billion trees by 2026, including 7.5 billion seedlings by the end of 2025.
• Sindh has completed nearly 600,000 houses under the SPHF project to address the impact of the 2022 floods.
• The province has developed forests over 675,000 hectares since 2010, significantly increasing its green cover.
• Sindh is Pakistan's first and only province to qualify under the international carbon credit trading regime through public-private partnership models.
• The meeting concluded with the Ethiopian delegation joining the CM in planting a sapling at the CM House, formally marking the launch of a joint Green Initiative in Sindh.

Statistics:

• 2.1 million houses destroyed in Sindh due to the 2022 floods.
• 40 billion trees planted under Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative since 2019.
• 7.5 billion seedlings to be planted by the end of 2025 under the Green Legacy Initiative.
• 675,000 hectares of forests developed in Sindh since 2010.
• 500,000 houses under construction under the SPHF project.
• $ millions earned in carbon credits by Sindh through public-private partnership models.

Sources:

• The news article does not specify any dates or publication dates.
• The Pakistani Herald News