A new chapter in Kaplor
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Sikander’s Story of Resilience: When the Waters Came, They Stood Together
Sikander, a farmer from Babu Syal in Umerkot, is regarded as a pillar of strength by his community; a place where the climate swings from relentless heat that scorches the earth to sudden, destructive monsoon floods. For the sharecropping families of this region, the land is more than just livelihood; it is legacy, sustenance, and survival. Protecting it is not a choice, but a necessity. Sikander understood this deeply, and when he recognised a recurring threat that others hesitated to confront, he chose action over silence.
Living with his mother, wife, children, and siblings, Sikander has long relied on farming to support his family. In 2011, torrential floods swept through Umerkot, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Homes were destroyed, fields submerged, and entire villages lost beneath rising waters. With no preparedness measures in place, communities were left vulnerable and exposed.
The floods of 2022 brought renewed crisis, this time on a national scale. Sikander’s village remained submerged for nearly three months, while surrounding farmlands stayed underwater even longer. The repeated trauma of these disasters galvanised the community. No longer willing to remain unprepared, they committed to building resilience and safeguarding their future.
Through the support of Community World Service Asia’s disaster resilience initiatives, Sikander and his fellow villagers are now charting a new path; one rooted in preparedness, collective strength, and hope. In 2023, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) identified flood-prone regions of Umerkot and introduced disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation trainings. Sikander was among the participants and later joined the Disaster Risk Reduction Committee set up under CWSA’s initiatives supported by CWS Japan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Japan.
By the time the monsoon rains returned in 2024, Sikander, equipped with disaster preparedness training, emerged as a unifying force, rallying not only his own village but neighboring communities as well. For twenty consecutive days, they stood as the frontline against impending disaster, working tirelessly to safeguard their lands and livelihoods.
Under Sikander’s leadership, villagers mobilised every available resource; tractors, fuel, manpower, and even dipped into their own savings to sustain the effort. Men laboured without pause, clearing blocked canals and reinforcing embankments to redirect floodwaters. It was a remarkable display of collective resilience, where women played a vital role by preparing and delivering hot, home-cooked meals and fresh rotis to those working in the field from dawn to dusk.
True to the wisdom that prevention is better than cure, the community acted swiftly on early flood alerts, implementing proactive measures before the crisis could escalate. Their efforts paid off: thousands of acres of farmland and hundreds of homes were protected from destruction. Through the construction of barrier walls, strategic placement of sandbags, and careful management of drainage systems, they successfully averted catastrophic flooding.
Sikander also coordinated with the Livestock Department to ensure timely vaccinations, safeguarding animals from seasonal disease and further loss. His leadership reflects the power of community-led action, where preparedness, solidarity, and timely intervention can transform vulnerability into resilience.
When asked why they worked collectively instead of individually, the answer was simple, “Who could have achieved this alone? Why wouldn’t a person go to every length to save his home, his land, his life’s work? Every village was at risk. Every man had to take charge.” Sikander had long believed that the community’s unity would be their greatest defense against calamity. Even when others were hesitant at first, he persistently urged them to prepare for what lay ahead.
Sikander’s unwavering determination earned him the gratitude of his people. He recalls, “They spoke my name in their prayers and showered me with good wishes.”
Today, after participating in these training sessions, Sikander trusts his instincts and uses his courage to turn resilience into action. “We will not only use these techniques to reduce flood risks ourselves,” he says, “but also pass them down to our children. We cannot change the entire village system overnight, but step by step we are moving toward resilience.”
Seeds, Support, and Strength: Building Food Security in Jumo Dadh through Community-Based Aid
In the sun-scorched plains of Tharparkar lies village Jumo Dadh, home to families that rely heavily on farming and livestock to earn a living. Most residents here work as sharecroppers, cultivating land owned by others in exchange for a portion of the harvest. This arrangement leaves them with limited means and little control over their financial wellbeing.
When the sky doesn’t rain for months, they miss out on whatever little promise of livelihood they could have had. Without water, the land stays dry and unproductive, and the hard work of preparing the fields brings no return. A lost season is a lost chance. Once it slips, so does the hope it carries.
In June 2025, hope took root in Jumo Dadh village as 26 households came together to receive their first-ever package of crop seeds. This milestone, led by Community World Service Asia in partnership with Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), marked a vital step toward supporting climate-affected desert communities.
This initiative is designed to enhance local agricultural practices, strengthen food security, and support the development of resilient livelihoods. Central to its approach is the empowerment of communities to lead and sustain their own progress through improved response capacities.
During the initial assessment phase, community members were actively involved in identifying their most pressing needs. A range of participatory methods, including focus group discussions, village meetings, and inclusive tools, ensured that voices from across the community were heard, especially those of women, elders, youth, and marginalised groups.
Existing community bodies such as Village Management Committees (VMCs) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) committees play a pivotal role in implementing the project. These structures provide local leadership and help ensure that interventions are contextually appropriate and community-driven.
To promote accountability and continuous improvement, the project has established regular feedback channels. Community review meetings and complaint-response systems enable residents to raise concerns, share suggestions, and will actively shape the project throughout its lifecycle.
For generations, these families have relied solely on rainfall and livestock to sustain their livelihoods, often struggling to cultivate crops due to erratic weather and limited farming inputs. Each season brought uncertainty and hardship. The seeds package they received under the project, offers a chance to grow food and rebuild resilience. Each package includes 18 kg of cluster beans, 16 kg of millet, 8 kg of moth beans, and 1 kg of sesame.
Families were selected using a clear criteria; including household size, number of dependents, women-led homes, income levels, and existing livestock assets. As part of the distribution process, farmers were shown the contents of their seed packages to ensure transparency and trust in the organisation’s commitment. They also received practical training on how to sow and care for the crops effectively. The training inculcated the community with the necessary technique and knowledge to optimise farming. By providing training and capacity-building opportunities, the initiative will strengthen local ownership. Community members will gain practical skills and knowledge, empowering them to sustain the benefits of the project long after its formal conclusion.
The distribution of millet and cluster bean seeds offered more than just agricultural inputs, they sparked a renewed sense of hope. For many families, it marks the first time they received seeds to cultivate on their own land. With support and practical guidance, they began preparing their fields, motivated by the prospect of feeding their families and generating a meaningful income.
Before the project began, the village community faced significant challenges. There were limited opportunities for collective dialogue, and residents had not previously engaged in vegetable cultivation, received food-related financial support, or participated in trainings on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) or climate-smart agriculture. Livestock such as goats, valuable for nutrition and income, were also absent from local households.
Following the intervention, the village has seen a remarkable transformation. Community structures such as Village Management Committees and DRR Committees have been established, creating platforms for shared decision-making and local leadership. Every household now maintains a kitchen garden, providing fresh, nutritious vegetables daily. Many families have also begun keeping goats, improving access to milk and enhancing food security.
Residents have actively participated in trainings focused on DRR and climate-smart agriculture, equipping them with practical skills to adapt to environmental challenges. A dedicated Disaster Risk Management Center (DRMC) has also been set up, serving as a hub for preparedness and coordination.
The village was selected based on a comprehensive vulnerability assessment, which considered factors such as poverty levels, food insecurity, limited access to essential services, and heightened exposure to climate-related risks. These indicators highlighted the urgent need for targeted support and sustainable solutions. The people of Jumo Dadh feel happy and take pride in being hard workers who commit selflessly and limitlessly to their labour and land. A good yield at the end of the day is the only reward they seek. A simple hope of seeing their children go to bed with full stomachs is the catalyst behind their staunch commitment. Despite assistance in other areas, this was the first of its kind for which the community expressed nothing but deep gratitude.
Building Disaster Resilience Together Across Asia
Online Learning Session | Thursday, 25th September 2025
Community World Service Asia, in collaboration with the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN), is pleased to host an interactive webinar designed to deepen understanding of regional disaster risk reduction efforts.
Session Title: Introduction to ADRRN & Its Role in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Time: 1:30-3:00 (Pakistan Time) | 17:30 – 19:00 (Tokyo time) | 16:30 – 18:00 (Manila time) | 15:30 – 17:00 (Bangkok time)
This session will explore ADRRN’s mission, structure, and its strategic contributions to building resilience across Asia. Participants will gain insights into how NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions, and donors can engage with the ACDRRM Hub and support locally led, innovative solutions for disaster preparedness and response.
Featured Speakers:
- Mr. Takeshi Komino, Secretary General, ADRRN & Country Representative, CWS Japan
- Ms. Mayfourth Luneta, Deputy Executive Director, ADRRN
Whether you’re a practitioner, policymaker, researcher, or humanitarian actor, this session offers valuable perspectives on advancing climate adaptation and strengthening regional collaboration.
Strengthening NGO Support Systems in Pakistan
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) was honoured to host Ms. Helene Paust, Counsellor – Development Cooperation, German Embassy Islamabad, at the NGO Help Desk housed within the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
As part of our ongoing collaboration with EAD, CWSA has supported the establishment of this Help Desk to assist NGOs in navigating the MoU process, offering guidance, facilitating applications, and enabling timely follow-ups.
During her visit, Ms. Paust engaged with EAD staff and NGO representatives to learn how this initiative has transformed access to foreign funding. Where once only 68 NGOs had secured MoUs, today over 1,200 NGOs have successfully registered, marking a significant leap in transparency, efficiency, and inclusion.
CWSA is proud to be part of this journey toward strengthening civil society and enabling locally led development efforts.
Situation Report IV: Pakistan Monsoon Floods 2025: A Call for Inclusive and Urgent Humanitarian Action
Crisis Overview
Pakistan is currently facing one of its most devastating monsoon emergencies in recent history. Since the onset of the rains in late June, relentless downpours intensified by cross-border water releases, have triggered widespread riverine flooding across Punjab and recurrent flash floods and landslides in northern and mountainous regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
As of early September, over 883 lives have been lost, with more than 1.8 million people displaced nationwide. Punjab, the country’s agricultural heartland, has been particularly hard-hit, with over 3.9 million people affected, thousands of villages inundated, and entire wheat-producing districts submerged. Emergency responders have deployed boats, drones, and mobile relief camps to reach isolated communities, yet access remains limited in many areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods and landslides have destroyed homes, schools, and roads, cutting off entire villages. Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan have added another layer of destruction, wiping out water systems and power infrastructure. Urban flooding in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas—has caused fatalities, submerged roads, and damaged crops and homes4.
Despite large-scale evacuations and the relocation of over 900,000 individuals, humanitarian needs continue to outpace response capacity. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns of sustained high flows in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, with floodwaters projected to reach the Guddu Barrages, posing downstream threats to Sindh and straining evacuation and flood defense systems.
Key Risks and Impact
| Sector | Impact |
| Shelter & Displacement | 4,700+ homes destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced, many sheltering in schools or with host communities. |
| Urgent need for emergency tents, winterisation kits, and transitional shelter as floodwaters recede. | |
| Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) | Widespread contamination of water sources and collapse of sanitation infrastructure. |
| Rising cases of malaria, skin infections, and diarrheal diseases, especially in urban flood zones and remote valleys. | |
| Critical gaps in hygiene kits, clean water access, and disease prevention measures. | |
| Health | Damage to 40+ health facilities, disruption of medicine supply chains, and limited disease surveillance capacity. |
| WHO and partners are scaling up vector control and outbreak containment, but access remains a challenge in cut-off areas. | |
| Food Security & Livelihoods | Agricultural losses mounting across Punjab and Sindh, with thousands of acres of crops destroyed. |
| Livestock deaths and disrupted supply chains threaten food availability and income for rural households. | |
| Need for cash-for-work programs to support debris clearance and recovery | |
| Protection & Education | Over 400 schools damaged or closed, leaving children without safe learning spaces. |
| Increased protection risks for women, girls, and displaced families, with urgent need for dignity kits, psychosocial support, and safe shelters. | |
| Forecast & Climate Risks | Meteorological forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and landslides through early September, especially in eastern Punjab and northern highlands. |
| GLOFs and unstable glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan pose ongoing threats, exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures |
ADRRN has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen inclusive early warning and early action systems, backed by transformative investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR) to break Pakistan’s recurring cycle of flood-related loss and damage. Priority areas include:
- Community-based DRR; training local residents in search and rescue
- Forming Emergency response teams
- Building local capacity for immediate medical and psychosocial support
Advancing locally-led climate adaptation requires complementing community knowledge with scientific and technical support to effectively address evolving risks.
Immediate Humanitarian Needs
The 2025 monsoon floods have triggered a nationwide humanitarian emergency, with over 2 million people affected and more than 880 lives lost. Punjab remains the epicenter, but downstream threats to Sindh and cascading disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan are rapidly escalating humanitarian needs across provinces.
Priority Needs Across Pakistan:
- Shelter & NFIs: Over 4,700 homes destroyed; displaced families urgently require tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and kitchen sets. Winterisation items are critical in northern regions.
- Multipurpose Cash Assistance: Where markets remain functional, cash support is critical to enable families to meet diverse needs; food, medicine, transport, and shelter, while preserving dignity and choice.
- Health Services: More than 40 health facilities damaged; rising cases of malaria, dengue, and diarrheal diseases demand mobile health units, medicines, and disease surveillance.
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH): Contaminated water sources and collapsed sanitation systems have led to surging infections. Hygiene kits, safe water access, and sanitation facilities are urgently needed.
- Food Security & Livelihoods: Agricultural losses in Punjab and Sindh threaten food availability. Livestock deaths and disrupted supply chains require food rations and cash-for-work support.
- Protection & Education: Over 400 schools damaged or closed; children face heightened protection risks. Dignity kits, safe learning spaces, and psychosocial support are essential.
- Climate & Disaster Risk: Forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and landslides. Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan compound risks, especially with winter approaching.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) Response
Anticipatory Action in Sindh: With upstream river discharges threatening a “super flood” in Sindh, CWSA has activated anticipatory measures across flood-prone districts:
- Pre-positioned supplies: Lifesaving medicines, medical equipment, and hygiene kits stocked at Umerkot warehouse.
- Mobile health units: Strategically placed for rapid deployment.
- Risk communication: Disseminating early warnings, safe water guidance, evacuation protocols, and disease prevention messages in local languages.
- Coordination: Working closely with PDMA Sindh, health agencies, and cluster partners to ensure targeted, inclusive response and avoid duplication.
Despite these efforts, additional support is urgently needed to scale operations, particularly for reaching remote communities and covering operational costs.
Continuous Response in Gilgit-Baltistan
In response to GLOFs and monsoon-triggered landslides, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has launched emergency relief in Hunza and surrounding districts:
- Emergency Relief Kits: Distributed to affected households.
- Winterisation & NFIs: Planned distributions of household items and kitchen sets to mitigate cold-related risks (if funds are mobilised)
- Food & Shelter Assistance: New projects initiated to support displaced families.
However, significant gaps remain:
- Many households remain unreached due to access and resource constraints.
- Additional winterisation, sanitation, and shelter supplies are needed.
- Multipurpose cash support is critical where markets remain functional.
- Enhanced coordination with local authorities is required to facilitate last-mile delivery.
Coordination & Accountability
CWSA continues to work in close coordination with NDMA, PDMAs, UN agencies, and humanitarian clusters and working groups and with ACT members in the country to harmonise response efforts and avoid duplication. As Co-Chair of the AAP Working Group in Pakistan, CWSA places communities at the centre of response, ensuring fair access to aid, clear information in local languages, safe feedback channels, and inclusive decision-making. However, the scale of the crisis demands urgent and flexible funding to translate readiness into lifesaving action.
Urgent Funding Priorities:
- Expand anticipatory action in Sindh with rapid deployment capacity and community communication.
- Scale up winterisation, shelter, and cash support in Gilgit-Baltistan based on community-identified needs.
- Strengthen logistics and last-mile transport to reach high-risk, remote communities.
Without timely and flexible funding, the humanitarian toll in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other provinces will continue to rise. CWSA stands ready to respond, grounded in local partnerships, strategic coordination, and a commitment to inclusive, dignified humanitarian action.
Contacts:
Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4
Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4
References
- ADRRN Statement on Recent Disasters in Afghanistan and Pakistan – ADRRN
- Live Updates: Pakistan floods 2025 – DAWN.COMhttps://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1336438-trail-of-death-and-destruction-rescuers-recover-bodies-as-rains-floods-toll-tops-350
- OCHA Update – September 3, 2025
- https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/08/109815/monsoon-floods-kill-more-700-pakistan-heavy-rains-set-continue
- https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/08/109815/monsoon-floods-kill-more-700-pakistan-heavy-rains-set-continueNational Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Report August 17
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/pakistan-evacuates-million-people-farming-belt-hit-by-worst-floods-decades-2025-08-28
- https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/30/pakistan-punjab-province-deadly-floods-disease
Bearing Witness: The Climate Crisis in Gilgit Baltistan
As climate-induced disasters intensify across Pakistan, the remote region of Gilgit Baltistan stands at the frontline; battered by glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and relentless monsoon rains. Entire communities have been uprooted, homes destroyed, and livelihoods lost.
This photo essay documents the unfolding humanitarian crisis through the eyes of those living it. It captures not only the devastation but also the extraordinary resilience of families navigating loss and uncertainty. Their stories reveal urgent needs for shelter, food, healthcare, and long-term recovery, and call for a coordinated, compassionate response.
CWSA is on the ground, working with local partners to deliver life-saving aid and advocate for climate justice. These images are more than documentation, they are a call to stand in solidarity.
Voices of Resilience: Climate Learning in the Heart of Hunza
On April 30, 2025, Hunza Public School became a vibrant hub of intergenerational learning, as students and community elders came together with a shared commitment to climate awareness. In partnership with Community World Service Asia (CWSA), the school hosted a Climate Change Education & Awareness event that highlighted the transformative potential of youth activism and community-led engagement.
The event brought together students, teachers, and local leaders for a dynamic dialogue on environmental stewardship, glacier preservation, and sustainable living. Guests from Act Church of Sweden and Community World Service Asia (CWSA) joined the gathering, highlighting the transformative role of education in fostering climate-resilient communities.
A traditional welcome ceremony, rooted in the customs of Gilgit-Baltistan, honored the guests with pharsin, locally crafted caps worn by both men and women. The cultural exchange continued with folklore songs recounting the ancient legacy of the region’s glaciers, followed by a spirited dance performed jointly by elders and youth.
Students voiced their concerns with passion and clarity, speaking on the urgent threats of global warming, glacier retreat, and climate-induced disasters. Their discussions reflected not only the gravity of the challenges but also the ingenuity and commitment needed to overcome them.
“Our glaciers are vanishing faster than our leaders are acting. If we don’t push for clean energy and water conservation today, our children will inherit a barren land,” shared Farida, a Grade 8 student.
Naema, a Class 7 student, spoke with passion, “Climate change isn’t just science; it is our reality. Last year’s floods destroyed homes. We need schools to teach survival skills, not just theories.” Her words echoed the lived experiences of many in the region, underscoring the urgency of climate education rooted in real-world resilience.
The event featured a satirical play titled “Our Planet Earth,” in which extraterrestrial visitors confronted humanity for its environmental negligence. The performance concluded with a dramatic ultimatum: offer solutions or surrender the planet. The message was clear and compelling; the time to act is now.
Students also presented innovative scientific models focused on climate adaptation. From water filtration and slope stabilisation to rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, and green school initiatives, their projects reflected both creativity and a deep commitment to sustainable living.
“Our students are well aware of climate change and its solutions. What they need is support and facilities to develop these ideas and emerge as future decision-makers,” highlighted Memoona, senior teacher and focal person at Hunza Public School.
“Our ancestors said glaciers and peaks are bound in eternal union. The mountains provide strength, the glaciers give water. Now this union is failing because we broke our covenant with nature. This is the time to act, by harnessing the power of youth through education and community support,” added Nazia Zafar, CWSA staff in Hunza, citing the wisdom of indigenous traditions.
A Pledge for a Sustainable Future
With CWSA’s continued commitment to climate education, students left the event not only informed but inspired, ready to champion sustainable practices, safeguard their glaciers, and lead transformative change within their communities.
The Earth’s future is in our hands — and the time to act is now.
CWSA hosts Climate Change Learning Event at Karakoram International University
On July 3, 2025, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) organised a transformative Climate Change Learning Event titled ‘Climate Action in Gilgit Baltistan: Opportunities for a Resilient Future’ at Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit, bringing together climate change experts, local stakeholders, and students to address the pressing challenges of climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan. The event, attended by a diverse audience, emphasised the urgent need for education, community-led solutions, and collaborative action to build resilience in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Dr. Sajjad Ali, Associate Professor and Director of Academics at KIU, delivered the welcome address, urging young students to act. “It is a form of disrespect against nature to not take action towards climate change efforts,” he stated, highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability as one of the top 10 countries affected by climate change. He noted a critical barrier, “We are among the lowest to benefit from climate change funds due to a lack of education, awareness, and advocacy.” Dr. Ali proposed investing in youth education as a key solution to this global crisis.
Takashi Komino of the Asian Disaster Response and Reduction Network (ADRRN) emphasised the prevalence of floods and storms as the most frequent disasters in Asia. He advocated for community-led strategies, stating, “We need to turn technical science into people’s science, reaching communities in ways they understand.” Despite a brief internet disruption, his message resonated, underscoring the importance of accessible, community-driven approaches.
Khadim Hussain, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the value of youth and indigenous knowledge. “We have faced numerous challenges, but we are still surviving. Together, we can take collective action,” he said, advocating for natural resource-based solutions and increased awareness efforts by NGOs.
Nishanie Jayamaha, a climate expert, stressed the need for community-aligned strategies. “We must constantly evaluate if our strategies are helping and working with communities. Misaligned approaches can cause harm,” she cautioned, urging organisations to prioritise community needs to avoid unintended consequences.
Dr Iftikhar Ali, Senator at KIU emphasised on active participation and contribution of local governments, he shared that “Local governments play a vital role in building climate-resilient and sustainable communities by implementing green policies, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring infrastructure can withstand climate impacts”.
Dr. Farasat Ali of World Wildlife Fund Pakistan shared alarming data, noting that climate change costs Pakistan $30 billion annually. He highlighted the risks posed by 33 of the 3,044 glacial lakes in northern Pakistan, classified as hazardous zones for extreme flooding, threatening lives and economic stability. “Increased water temperatures will also affect freshwater sources, impacting fishing and farming,” he added, emphasising the widespread impact across urban and rural communities.
Tabinda Jabeen from the Teacher Resource Center underscored the role of education in preparing Pakistan’s youth for a climate-challenged future. “Children and youth are our future. We must share knowledge and collaborate to equip them for the world we are leaving behind,” she said.
A KIU student studying climate change offered a compelling perspective, suggesting, “We should use local languages instead of English to educate communities and incorporate indigenous knowledge into community-based adaptation efforts for greater success.”
Dr. Shaukat Ali of KIU delivered a powerful closing statement: “Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here, and it is very real.”
The event culminated in a significant milestone, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CWSA, and the Vice Chancellor of KIU, on behalf of the Gilgit-Baltistan government. This MoU formalises a commitment to collaborate on climate change education and resilience-building initiatives, marking a promising step for CWSA and the communities of northern Pakistan facing escalating climate challenges.
This event, supported by partnerships with KIU and other stakeholders, reflects CWSA’s dedication to fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and driving collective action to address climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan. By empowering youth, integrating indigenous knowledge, and strengthening local collaborations, CWSA continues to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
One Daughter, One Tree: Hunza’s Youth Lead the Way in Climate Action
In the scenic valley of Golkin, Hunza, a powerful movement has taken root; one that blends environmental stewardship with a celebration of women’s roles in community resilience. Launched in collaboration with the Forest Department of Gilgit Baltistan, the “One Daughter, One Tree” (Aik Bete, Aik Shajar) plantation drive marks a significant step in combating climate change through afforestation.
This initiative, supported by Community World Service Asia’s Climate Education and Awareness Program and funded by Week of Compassion, goes beyond tree planting. It is a tribute to daughters, mothers, and grandmothers, honouring their contributions while fostering environmental consciousness among students and local communities.
As Gulnaaz, a woman farmer from the region, shared, “We are planting hope. We are honouring nature. We are celebrating women and teaching our children to protect what sustains us.”
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the increasing frequency of floods and glacier retreat in the region. A representative from the Forest Department emphasised the critical need for afforestation to safeguard Hunza’s fragile ecosystem and raise public awareness about sustainable practices.
This event is the first in a series of plantation drives planned across more than 25 public and private schools, engaging youth and communities in long-term climate adaptation efforts.
Among the young changemakers is Safina, a passionate student from Al Amin Model School in Gulmit, Gojal. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of glacier melt and flooding in her valley, Safina joined the plantation drive with a clear purpose; to contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
Her actions speak volumes. By planting trees and advocating for climate awareness, Safina is not only protecting her community but also inspiring her peers to take ownership of their environment. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action in addressing global challenges.
As Hunza’s youth and elders unite under the banner of climate resilience, CWSA remains committed to supporting locally led solutions that protect both people and the planet. Together, these efforts are sowing the seeds of sustainability—one daughter, one tree at a time.
