GB Urged to Submit $10M Climate Project for Global Funding
The federal government has directed Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to submit a bankable climate project worth at least $10 million for international financing under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in 2025, stressing that it cannot allocate funds from its own resources due to fiscal constraints.
In an official letter addressed to GB Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) acknowledged the country’s pressing climate challenges but made it clear that “the current fiscal space does not permit the government to allocate funds for climate interventions entirely from its own resources.” The letter underlined the need to rely on international climate finance for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The letter referenced a recent GCF Board meeting held on January 12, 2024, where provinces were urged to identify and address bottlenecks hindering access to GCF funds. The Ministry has assured full technical support to Gilgit-Baltistan in developing a bankable project that aligns with GCF criteria and can be pitched for funding.
“Forgoing in view, the province of GB is requested to submit at least a USD 10 million project for the GCF financing during the year 2025,” the letter stated.
As the designated national authority for the GCF in Pakistan, the MoCC&EC is responsible for guiding provinces in securing funding. However, the latest communication underscores that GB must look beyond domestic financing and prepare a compelling project to attract international climate funds.
GB, home to some of the most climate-vulnerable communities due to glacial melt and extreme weather events, has struggled to secure global climate funding in the past. The ministry’s assurance of technical support may help streamline the application process, but officials say the region must swiftly formulate a viable proposal to meet the GCF’s stringent criteria.
Writter :Faheem Akhtar
