“GBRSP Divisional workshop on Climate Change and disaster risk reduction held in Gilgit”

By: Ejaz Ahmed Khan

GILGIT: Additional deputy commissioner Gilgit emphasized that the adaptation of Indigenous knowledge on Climate Change should be integrated with modern technology, he was addressing atdivisional workshop on Climate Change and disaster risk reduction organized by GBRSP in Gilgit. Divisional workshop was held under UNDP GLOF-11 project in connection with series of knowledge-based events for capacity building of stakeholders and raise community awareness on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, Climate Change resilience and risk reduction in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Different government line department representatives and other key stakeholders of Gilgit division participated in awareness workshop conducted by Prof.Ejaz Ahmed Khan as resource person, while GBRSP program manager Usman Zeb hold the introductory session on GBRSP initiatives under GLOF-11 project and the training coordinator sahib Jan organized the event. Prof Khan as resource person delivered different sessions on various thematic areas including Climate Crisis-Shaping Resilience andClimate Vulnerabilities having discussion onFlooding,Drought, risingtemperature and the precipitation Patterns with regards to climate change in context of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Thematic area of disaster management was thoroughly describes and discussed the issues related tocommunity and stakeholders response during occurrence of natural disasters, significance of preparedness for disaster risk reduction was highlighted and emphasized that preparedness and mitigation measures must be reflected in our policies and strategies to respond natural calamities including GLOF.

Keeping in view the growing trend of domestic tourism in Gilit-Baltistan, and its impact on the mountains delicate ecosystem was comprehensively deliberated and the participants shared their input and feedback to promote Echo-Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.

A detailed session on strategic interventions on climate crisis and shaping resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan context was held and generated fruitful discussion with participants to adapt sustainable policies and strategies to address climate change challenges and to mitigate the hazards associated with natural disasters with a focus on Glacial Lake Outburst floods Program manager GBRSP. A group work excursive was also done by participants onthe following Climate change related issues and challenges and they shared their findings. Participants shared their recommendation to adapt strategies and policies for implementation on following thematic areas.

· Climate Change Impacts

· Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs

· Increased Frequency of Natural Disasters

· Vulnerable Infrastructure

· Lack of Disaster Preparedness

· Impact on Livelihoods and Ecosystems

· Migration and Social Displacement

· Haphazard/Unplanned tourism

President central press club Gilgit Khurshid Ahmed described the significant role of media in mass awareness on climate change impact and mitigation measures, he proposed to hold media persons training on environmental journalism and climate change. Mr. ZahidHussain from Planning department also shared his views during including session and pointed outissues related to climate change that need to be addressed for reducing risks of natural disasters including GLOF’s events in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The workshop was concludedwith a vote of thanks by the training coordinator Mr. sahib Jan.