Pakistan is set to gain from a major $250 million global climate adaptation project recently approved by the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund (GCF). The initiative, to be implemented through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to help vulnerable countries combat the impacts of melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, and rising climate threats.
According to the ADB, the Swat River region in northern Pakistan will be among the key beneficiaries of the project, which focuses on strengthening water management, agriculture, and community resilience in areas heavily affected by climate change.
Boost for mountain communities and water systems
The ADB’s statement revealed that the program will introduce measures to support farmers in adapting to changing water flows, improve irrigation efficiency, and reduce flood and drought risks in the Swat River basin.
One of the project’s priorities is to assist mountain communities whose livelihoods are directly threatened by glacial melt and unpredictable weather conditions. By building better infrastructure and early warning systems, the project aims to safeguard both lives and livelihoods in Pakistan’s northern regions.
The initiative also highlights gender-inclusive development, with plans to support women-led agricultural enterprises and increase women’s participation in sustainable farming. This approach aligns with Pakistan’s broader climate and social inclusion goals under its National Adaptation Plan.
Long-term investment for regional resilience
Over the next decade, the ADB and its partners will expand investment in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable water systems across Pakistan and several Central Asian countries facing similar challenges from glacier retreat.
The multi-country program is expected to directly benefit more than 13 million people, enhancing their ability to adapt to shifting weather patterns and preserve essential water and food resources.
Officials say that the GCF-backed project marks a critical step toward long-term resilience in Pakistan’s climate-vulnerable regions, offering both technical and financial support for adaptation measures.
As Pakistan continues to recover from the devastating 2022 floods — which displaced millions and caused billions in damages — initiatives like this underscore the growing global recognition of the country’s urgent need for climate resilience and adaptive capacity building.