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Story 03 Feb, 2025

New report from Pakistan highlights potential of community-led approach in climate adaptation

A recent report to which IUCN Pakistan contributed to highlights the success of a community-drive capacity assessment approach in strengthening climate adaptation and resilience in rural Pakistan. 

Originally developed in Australia, the model helps community groups identify their strengths and needs, and develop strategies to build on their capacities. The report found that participating community groups in the Indus Delta showed high levels of social capital, but moderate to low levels of organisational and physical capital. This answered why those groups had demonstrated a high level of resilience against the extreme climate change that induced disasters and uncertainties.

By applying this approach, the community groups were able to enhance their adaptive capacities, improve their resilience to climate-related stresses, and develop strategies to address their needs. Informal assessments two years later revealed positive indications of improved organizational capitals, with increased interaction among NGOs and government.

Funded by the Government of Australia through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the ASSIB project was implemented in partnership with local and international organisations, including IUCN in Sindh Province.

In response to rising soil and water salinity, IUCN Pakistan has introduced bio-saline agriculture as an innovative, Nature-based Solution. This approach is helping transform degraded saline lands into productive agricultural zones, promoting long-term community resilience.

"This community-led approach to climate adaptation is proving highly effective in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower local communities to drive their own adaptation and resilience-building efforts." said Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan.

The report advocates for scaling up this approach across diverse regions and community groups to provide valuable insights for stakeholders working on climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Access the complete report from Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Australia: https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/4415047/Samoo-et-al-2025-electronic-version.pdf