23/09/2026
Gilgit-Baltistan Carbon Strategy and Action Plan Presented to GB Government by EU Ambassador
Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan Carbon Strategy and Action Plan was formally presented by European Union Ambassador Mr. Raimundas Karoblis during a high-level meeting between the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the European Union Delegation in Gilgit.
The Strategy, developed with technical support from the EU Policy Support Project, provides a 20-year roadmap for low-carbon, climate-resilient and inclusive development in Gilgit-Baltistan. It focuses on reducing carbon emissions, strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable forest management, conserving biodiversity, protecting natural ecosystems, and ensuring responsible management of natural resources.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning & Development Mr. Raja Jalal Ali Shah, Minister for Forests Mr. Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Local Government Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Secretary Forests Mr. Sibtain Ahmed, and other senior officers of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Mr. Ashab Ullah Baig, Team Leader of the EU Policy Support Project, Carbon Expert and lead author of the Strategy, briefed the meeting on its rationale, key findings, strategic recommendations, and the proposed 20-year action plan.
Secretary Forests Mr. Sibtain Ahmed appreciated the European Union and the EU technical team, particularly Mr. Ashab Ullah Baig, for their valuable support in developing the Strategy. He emphasized the importance of continued EU cooperation in its implementation and in establishing linkages between Gilgit-Baltistan and leading European institutions and organizations working in the fields of climate action, sustainable natural resource management, and glacier protection.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Carbon Strategy and Action Plan will now be placed before the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet for approval. Following approval, it will serve as a strategic framework for coordinated climate action, sustainable development, carbon management, and long-term environmental conservation across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Gilgit-Baltistan’s climate governance and advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient future while safeguarding its forests, glaciers, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems for future generations.