Efforts Afoot To Combat Desertification Through SLM

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2017 ) : Ministry of Climate Change has decided to step up Sustainable Land Management (SLM) up-scaling activities in 2017, envisaging integrated provincial policies, technical trainings, effective land use planning with Geographic Information System (GIS) and implementation of climate-resilient activities in partnership with communities across landscapes in the country.

The decision to this effect was reached on Friday at meeting of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) of Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLMP, Phase-II), chaired by Secretary Climate Change Syed Abu Ahmad Akif.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the programme across the country and appreciated the achievements. The committee accorded approval to the land management plan meant to be executed in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and all provinces of the country.

The Secretary Climate Change said, "Better management of land resources through this programme will go a long way in poverty reduction, better livelihoods, food security and improved ecosystems in the country." Joint Secretary of Ministry of Climate Change and the National Programme Director of SLMP (Phase-II), Ishrat Ali, informed about how the programme was introducing modern approaches and advanced technologies in Pakistan's areas affected by land degradation and under the risk of desertification.

Assistant Country Director, UNDP (Environment Unit), Amanullah Khan emphasized to bring provinces upfront in SLM activities and institutionalize these activities in their development portfolios.

Earlier, National Programme Coordinator, Hamid Marwat presented complete overview of activities executed in 2016 and highlighted the impact of the programme activities in target districts and communities.

The meeting approved SLMP's Annual Work Plan for 2017, to combat land degradation and desertification in the country. The second phase of the SLMP-II is an up-scaling phase of the SLMP pilot phase project to be implemented in 14 dry land districts across the country.

With support from the UNDP and the GEF the programme became operational in September 2015. The project will result in successful application of SLM over an area of 800,000 hectare in 14 districts covering more than 200 villages. The integrated activities will be performed in agriculture, forest, irrigation, livestock, rangelands and soil conservation/stabilization sectors.