Strengthening climate resilience
The German Red Cross and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society are assisting vulnerable people to better protect themselves against climate-related extreme weather events through disaster preparedness activities.
As a result of climate change, Pakistan is particularly affected by natural disasters such as floods, droughts and earthquakes. Global warming also intensified the heavy rainfall that led to devastating floods in large parts of the country in 2022.
The change in the intensity of rainfall is likewise affecting agriculture in many ways: the salinization of farmland and increasing soil erosion are forcing many people to leave their homes. Harvests are often less productive, which increases food insecurity.
Overall, the recurring extreme weather events lead to a massive, sometimes existential threat, especially for vulnerable population groups, such as people who are already living in poverty.
Key aspects of the project
Together with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), the German Red Cross is strengthening disaster management through interlinked measures – with the aim of mitigating the negative effects of climate change. The project focuses on sustainability and the intensive involvement of the population and relevant stakeholders. The cooperation between stakeholders and institutions at local, regional and national level significantly contributes to improving disaster management throughout the country.
Introduction of climate-sensitive disaster preparedness
- development of a legal framework to establish disaster preparedness in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change, disaster management authorities and representatives of relevant civil society organisations
- media campaign to inform about the role of Pakistan Red Crescent Society as a national relief organisation.
- training on climate change and disaster preparedness for approximately 3,000 members of various communities with a focus on the participation of women, children and people with disabilities.
With the development of an internal climate change strategy, employees of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society are involved in its implementation across the board by acting as multipliers and initiating or coordinating various projects:
- training on climate-sensitive disaster risk management for 300 employees to integrate climate risks into projects, develop proposals for climate financing and carry out risk assessments
- training on climate-related disaster risk management for 500 volunteers to set up small-scale support programmes in their communities, test the knowledge they have learned and develop local solutions to climate-related challenges
- Green office initiatives in various branches and headquarters of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to reduce the environmental footprint
The project
Strengthening the capacities of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the field of climate-sensitive disaster risk management
Region
nationwide
Project volume
935.000 euro
Duration
01/2022 until 12/2024
Funding
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, GRC/donations
Partner
Pakistan Red Crescent Society
