The Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch with the support of German Red Cross (GRC) has launched a Climate Advocacy & Coordination

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch with the support of German Red Cross (GRC) has launched a Climate Advocacy & Coordination for Resilient Action Project (CACRA) phase-II in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
By Faiza Gillani
Muzaffarabad :The launch ceremony of the project was held in Muzaffarabad at Pearl Continental Hotel.
The president of Azad Jammu & Kashmir & Chief Patron of Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK chapter Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chauhdary graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Besides, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society National Headquarters, Secretary General PRCS National Headquarters Abadiullah khan, Head of the delegation of German Red Cross Asif Amaan, Ms. Anum Zaib Country Coordinator CACRA Project also attended the launch ceremony.
It is worth remembering that project was initiated under Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Unit working under Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and funded by German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) which allows funding for 2-3 phases of three years each. The Project has been designed to strengthen resilience in the region to minimize the negative effects of recurring crises and shocks on the affected population in Pakistan.
While addressing to the participants of the launch ceremony the President State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir said that the climate change is a global issue and we all must take strong initiatives against climate change if we want to survive through the crises caused by climate change in Pakistan and especially Azad Jammu and Kashmir owing to its geography and topography. He ensured his support for the initiative taken by Red Crescent and said that he will make sure that all the Government Stakeholders duly contribute their part to make the State more resilient in facing climate change impacts. His excellency President State of Jammu and Kashmir applauded the efforts of Pakistan Red Crescent Society State branch for pioneering the collaborative approach that he said is the most effective approach and will bear greater impacts and minimize the chances of duplication. He thanked Chairman PRCS National Headquarters Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari for his presence and keen interest in the subject. Chairman PRCS National Headquarters Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari appreciated the efforts by the State Branch and ensured full cooperation in building the capacity of the organization to respond to the humanitarian needs in the State. He encouraged the State Branch team to work on climate change on priority basis and urged all the governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders to join hands with Pakistan Red Crescent Society in build resilience against the impacts of climate change. Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society State Branch Mr. Ejaz Raza thanked all the dignitaries presented at the inauguration ceremony and congratulated the State Branch team and Secretariat Industries, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Department and University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir who signed MOUs to work collaboratively in responding to Climate Change. The senior most Minister Khawaja Farooq Ahmed also attended the ceremony and encouraged all the parties involved to work in cooperation and serve the communities vulnerable to the impacts of Climate Change. Secretary Pakistan Red Crescent Society State Branch Ms. Gulzar Fatima also addressed the gathering and highlighted the achievements and constraints of the Society in AJK. She also pleaded to all in attendance to develop strong unity in this alarming situation and respond to the destructions caused by climate change.