Government to improve environmental conditions of Industrial sites: Secretary Ministry of Climate Change

Karachi, April 20, 2015 (PPI-OT): In order to promote climate change mitigation/adaptation and reducing GHG Emissions, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in cooperation with PTA (SZ) Environmental Society Korangi Industrial Area Karachi has conducted a consultative workshop on 20th April, 2015 at Pearl Continental Karachi and deliberated upon various aspects of the climate change concerns so as to improve the environmental canvas. The workshop was chaired by Federal Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change.

Water which is one of the most important natural resource is increasingly becoming a scare natural resource. Pakistan has moved from a water affluent country to water stressed country. In order to overcome the situation, UNIDO has chalked out a programme to improve the environmental situation of Korangi Sector 7-A through Global Environmental Fund (GEF) funding being to be extended by Ministry of Climate Change.

While welcoming the participants, Mr. Esam Alqararh, UNIDO Representative to Pakistan appreciated the role of Ministry of Climate Change and in particular extraordinary support of Mr. Arif Ahmad Khan, Federal Secretary for realization of the project under GEF funding. Mr. Alqararh also appreciated the support extended by Mr. Gulzar Feroz, President PTA southern zone and the private sector keen interest shown and for the upcoming GEF project.

Mr. Guzar Feroz, in his speech emphasised UNIDO assistance for the up gradation of the existing effluent collection and conveyance system as well as comprehensive plan for solid Waste management to reduce the carbon foot print of the tannery industry in Sector 7A.

Addressing the participants, the Federal Secretary, assured full cooperation from the government to improve the environmental conditions of the Industrial sites. Simultaneously he stressed upon participation of private sector to come forward and join hands with the government to work together for the GEF project as well as new initiatives to reduce the pollution and reducing carbon footprint to tackle Climate Change.

Furthermore the project would strengthen, enable sustainability, and enhance viability of sector level initiatives undertaken previously. Optimized leather production process, optimized and enhanced sector level combined facilities including CETP; their technical and professional capacities will be enhanced; and necessary add-ons will be initiated to reduce GHG emissions. In this regard an experience sharing session was also organized by UNIDO, where Representative from Sialkot Tannery zone presented how Climate Change is being looked into while relocation of the tanneries to Tannery Zone.

Mr. Ivan Kral, Industrial Development Officer / Project Manager UNIDO presented the project and its various proposed outputs. The UNIDO projects are in line with inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development. It is expected to increase job opportunities and socio-economic uplift in the target areas.

The workshop was attended by various Federal Government, Provincial Government and Local Government representatives, NGOs, Academia and Representative from FPCCI and Pakistan Tanners Associations. In depth discussions conducted and concrete proposals to address the climate change issues of Korangi Sector 7-A were chalked out.

For more information, contact:
Fazian Saeed and Zafar
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Level 7th, Serena Business Complex,
Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy,
Opposite Convention Center,
Islamabad (Pakistan)
Cell: 0332-5201365.
Office: 051-8354820.
Tel: Direct +92-51 8354802
FAX: +92-51 2600123,
Web: http://unido.org/office/pakistan