ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the World Bank on Tuesday signed a Rs22 billion ($124.6 million) agreement for increased forestation and conservation of ecosystem to tackle climate change challenges in the South Asian country, the Pakistani state media reported. 

The agreement for the launch of “Green Stimulus – Turning Concept into Reality” program was signed between the Pakistani Ministry of Climate Change and the World Bank at a ceremony in Islamabad. 

Under the agreement, the World Bank will be providing Rs22 billion to fund 14 green initiatives across the country, the state-run APP news agency reported. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest, highlighted the importance of increased forestation and conservation of ecosystem, urging the nation to play its role in protecting the country’s environment for future generations. 

“As Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1 percent in world carbon emissions, is unfortunately among the 10 most vulnerable countries, it is very important for Pakistanis to think as a nation and protect our future generations,” the report quoted PM Khan as saying. 

“We have to protect our existing forests, boost our tree plantation campaigns to enhance the forest cover and develop more national parks.” 

He said with melting glaciers, rising temperatures and less rains, Pakistan was taking measures to tackle climate change challenges through nature-based solutions. 

The prime minister mentioned his government’s various initiatives, including the 10 Billion Trees Tsunami Programme, establishment of national parks and digital cadastral mapping to protect existing forests, to mitigate negative effects of climate change. 

Besides hiring people, technology like drones would be utilized for surveillance and protection of 15 national parks announced by the government in various parts of the country, he said. 

“It will not only help protect the forests and wildlife but will also create employment opportunities for the local people,” PM Khan said. 

Stressing the need to protect green areas in and around urban centers, he said canals, rivers, water streams and air was being polluted in cities like Lahore, which was threatening the lives of people, especially the elderly and children. 

The prime minister, however, said his government was working on master plans of major cities to protect green areas and check encroachment through their ring-fencing. 

Similarly, he said, mangroves cover along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan was being enhanced and protected, which would help recharge ground water and protect wildlife. 

Earlier, Special Assistant to PM on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said the Green Stimulus initiative would “generate 135,000 jobs in the next nine months across all provinces.” 

Its thematic areas would include forestry, protected areas, clean green cities and electric mobility, he added. 

In a video message, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development, Juergen Voegele, conveyed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s endeavors to address climate change, reassuring the World Bank’s commitment to support Pakistan’s efforts in this regard.