Pakistan, China to work for eco-civilisation under CPEC project

Islamabad : Pakistan and China are going to turn China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a model for ecological civilisation aiming at restoration of the natural environment in the region.

According to the details, a joint committee has been formed to work towards ecological civilisation that also comprises Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam.

An official of the climate change ministry said the concept of ecological civilisation would help stimulate green economy, green transportation system and green channels of production in both Pakistan and China.

He said: “The basic aim of ecological civilisation remains reversal of the ecological deterioration from the source, creating a good environment for production and living and making contribution to international ecological safety. It follows the principles of resource conservation, environmental protection and giving priority to the natural restoration of the ecology.”

Under this concept, the goals will be achieved by promoting green development, carrying out recycling activities, and crafting initiatives related to the low-carbon and resilient development. It also requires forming a pattern and industrial structure that is based on resource saving and environmental protection.

The official said when both the countries would pursue the concept of ecological civilisation the economy of China would get a boost and the economy of Pakistan would shift towards a positive change.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam has said Pakistan is already pursuing various ambitious projects to promote ‘green culture’ under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“We have successfully achieved our targets under Bonn Challenge by increasing 0.3 million hectares of forest cover in Khyber- Pakhtunkhawa province,” he said.

He said fifteen National Parks have been established under Protected Areas Initiative and Green Financing initiatives introduced by Pakistan at global level for ecosystem restoration fund has achieved tremendous success.

The government has become a pioneer in introducing green financing for the first time in the country’s history as 500 million dollar sovereign guarantee ‘Green Bonds’ have been launched by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for two hydropower projects, he said.