UNDP to shrink Indoor Pollution, Conserve Forests in Pakistan
Pakistan Times National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Shell Pakistan will give Rs. 4.5 million for the “Reduction of Indoor Pollution and Conservation of Forests through the Promotion of LPG, Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Resource Management at Galiyat” Project.

This project was launched by the National Environmental Action Plan Support Programme, Ministry of Environment at a total cost of US$ 754,848, from which Shell Foundation’s contribution is US$ 250,000 (in cash); the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) US$ 93,000 (in cash) and US$ 65,977 (in kind), Green Circle Organization US$ 40,942; communities US$ 85,518 (in kind) and micro-finance institution US$ 219,411 in the form of micro credit.

This project aims towards improving livelihoods and quality of life of the people belonging to Galiyat, through sustainable socioeconomic development, ecosystem management and clean energy supply approaches.

Therefore, the project will target conservation of forests in the respective area by introducing alternate energy sources and promoting ecotourism.

At present, 40 community based organizations are taking ground-breaking initiatives by empowering local women entrepreneurs and thereby assisting communities in establishing biogas plants, introducing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and installing solar geysers.

Furthermore, community members are taking a proactive approach and have planted 200,000 saplings of pines, orchids and walnuts with the goal of pioneering 18 nurseries in the area. The project has also founded a seed bank in Nathiagali to encourage the growth and export of medicinal plants found across Galiyat.

Given the prevalent traditions of the area, seasonal tourist industry and focusing on long term sustainability, a diploma awarding training facility for cooks, chefs and waiters has been established, which will ensure employment opportunities for the community members, after the successful completion of the project.

Plans are to adopt an integrated approach by setting up 200 more community organizations, providing credit to 6,000 households and encouraging ecotourism. Consequently, more than 8,000 households are expected to be the direct beneficiaries of the project.

Jan Vandemoortele, Resident Representative UNDP, speaking on the occasion stated that “This project will not only play a vital role in uplifting the local community but also provide essential means for long term socioeconomic viability and environmental sustainability. It additionally realizes the implications and significant role of women in combating poverty”.

Abid S. Ibrahim, External Affairs & Media Manager for Central Asia Cluster said that at Shell Pakistan we believe winning hearts and minds is as important as winning markets. Shell has been at the forefront of innovation for over 100 years.

We see the protection of environment as a positive force in the world. It is essential to securing the world’s growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner.

This project with UNDP is in line with our belief that business has a fundamental role in delivering society’s goals – be it economic, social or environmental.●