Islambad (PR): Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan was met by a delegation of Shell Global Nature Based Solutions (NBS). headed by Shell Asia Pacific Region General Manager Kazim Khan.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed an important project it has planned for Gilgit-Baltistan in connection with environmental protection.
The proposed project is aimed at increasing forest cover, promoting carbon storage, and reducing the global carbon footprint along with supporting the local communities.
The Chief Minister thanked the delegation and expressed his appreciation for their interest in environmental protection of Gilgit-Baltistan.
While talking to the delegation, Chief Miniter G-B Haji Gulbar Khan said G-B has the world’s largest ice reserves outside the polar region. However, as evidenced by the ever-increasing floods and natural disasters in recent, these natural assets are severely affected by climate change.
He said the ongoing glacier depletion in the area endangers future water availability and food security for locals. However, international action to address environmental concerns in the region has been ignored.
The Chief Minister said the partnership with Shell would focus on a three-pronged approach that includes reforestation, conservation of natural forests through social partnership, and economic development of local people.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a special NBS unit at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to monitor the implementation of the project.
A high-level steering committee, chaired by him, would be convened to discuss and finalize the details of the MoUs, agreements, and other procedures, further said Chief Minister G-B.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the proposed project is in harmony with the cultural and social ethos of the communities of Gilgit-Baltistan who have maintained a sustainable relationship with nature for centuries and such initiatives will further strengthen the bond between communities and nature.
The delegation expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and expressed the confidence that with the support of the Gilgit-Baltistan government, this important project will be completed which will pave the way for environmental investment in the future.
