Implementation of data-driven solutions for solid waste management stressed

LAHORE:A workshop concluded here on Tuesday, bringing together 75 participants, including top officials from Planning and Development Departments, CEOs of key waste management companies, and senior managers from national and international banks.

The two-day event focused on enhancing carbon finance opportunities and implementing data-driven solutions for solid waste management in Pakistan. Organised by the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) project, which was being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and led locally by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre and supported by GFA Consulting, the workshop was held at a local hotel.

Key topics included exploring carbon market mechanisms, the role of accurate data in supporting environmental compliance, and the potential for emission reductions through innovative projects like the Lakhodair Landfill gas-to-energy initiative. In the keynote speech, Jan Kuhn von Burgsdorff, First Secretary of the German Embassy to Pakistan, highlighted Pakistan's significant vulnerabilities due to climate change and the government of Pakistan’s commitment to international collaboration.

"The government is deeply committed to international cooperation in carbon markets," he stated. "In partnership with SPAR6C and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, we are actively involved across several key areas, including municipal solid waste, mangroves, efficient cookstoves, and the cement sector."

Highlighting the urgent need for investment in the waste sector, he noted, "There is an urgent need for investment in this sector, especially in mobilising the private sector to invest in climate mitigation projects, and that needs clear national rules and procedures to ensure that the proposed Article 6 not only comply with the international rules of the Paris Agreement but also with Pakistan’s policies and strategies for clean and green development.” Saba Ali, Environment and Climate Change Chief of the Punjab Development and Planning Board stressed the crucial role of integrated approaches and robust stakeholder engagement in shaping effective waste management strategies in Pakistan.

"This gathering has significantly advanced our collective knowledge and capabilities, laying a strong foundation for future initiatives," she noted, underscoring the workshop's role in driving progress in the sector.

As Pakistan faces significant environmental challenges with approximately 30 million tons of municipal solid waste and 2.3 billion cubic meters of untreated wastewater annually, this workshop marks a pivotal step towards sustainable waste management solutions and leveraging carbon finance to support these efforts.

The success of the SPAR6C workshop has set the stage for enhanced collaboration and innovation within the waste sector, aligning with global environmental goals and Pakistan’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in its updated NDCs for 2030.