Quetta, Pakistan — In a landmark effort to confront the deepening climate crisis in Pakistan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), in collaboration with multiple development partners, has officially launched the provincial chapter of the Building Resilience and Addressing Vulnerabilities to Emergencies (BRAVE) project in Quetta, Balochistan.
Backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the BRAVE initiative exemplifies a localized and climate-resilient development model, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term climate adaptation strategies. With Pakistan reeling from the devastating impacts of the 2024 monsoon floods, BRAVE sets a new benchmark in how multilateral and government collaboration can strengthen rural livelihoods, food systems, and emergency preparedness.
Why BRAVE Matters:
Pakistan ranks among the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index. The 2024 monsoon season caused widespread flooding across regions like Sohbatpur (Balochistan), Sujawal (Sindh), and Muzaffargarh (Punjab) — areas now central to the BRAVE project’s implementation. By targeting 60 villages in each of these districts, the initiative will directly support over 9,000 households facing compounded risks due to climate variability, poverty, and food insecurity.
A Collaborative Blueprint for Resilience
The BRAVE project is led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in consortium with FAO, UNICEF, CARE International, ACTED, and Islamic Relief — creating a robust alliance of humanitarian and development actors.
One of its core mechanisms is the Extended Technical Working Group (ETWG) operating under the Climate Resilience and Humanitarian Response (CRHR) framework. The ETWG brings together technical expertise across sectors such as:
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Climate-resilient agriculture
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Sustainable livestock and rangelands management
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Forestry and aquaculture
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Renewable energy and disaster risk reduction
By promoting climate-smart practices, the BRAVE project aims to transform agrifood systems in Pakistan’s most climate-sensitive districts.
Voices from the Frontlines:
Imran Baloch, Chief Foreign Aid, Government of Balochistan, emphasized the urgency of such projects:
“Projects like BRAVE are critical for Balochistan, where climate change continues to threaten agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods. Through strong collaboration, we can build resilient communities prepared for future climate shocks.”
Julius Githinji Muchemi, BRAVE Project Manager, echoed the need for innovation:
“This initiative marks a milestone in transforming agrifood systems. Through collaborative knowledge management and scalable climate-resilient models, we aim to improve livelihoods not just in Balochistan but across Pakistan.”
Waleed Mahdi, FAO’s Head of Office in Balochistan, highlighted the integrated approach:
“This is not just about recovery—it’s about building forward better, placing resilience, sustainability, and empowerment at the heart of climate response.”
Building Forward Better
The Quetta workshop outlined BRAVE’s strategic goals:
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Addressing humanitarian needs arising from the 2024 floods
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Promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices
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Enhancing food and livelihood security
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Creating knowledge products for replication and scalability
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Empowering communities to lead their own climate adaptation efforts
Government bodies and partner organizations finalized the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Technical Working Group (TWG), which will guide village and beneficiary selection based on vulnerability, exposure to climate risk, and livelihood potential.
Local Solutions to a Global Crisis
What sets BRAVE apart is its focus on localization of aid. Instead of a top-down aid model, it builds local institutions and capacities, enabling communities to:
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Strengthen disaster preparedness
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Integrate climate information into farming practices
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Develop sustainable income streams through climate-resilient crops and livestock
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Leverage renewable energy solutions in rural economies
A Model for Future Humanitarian Development
As the global climate emergency intensifies, initiatives like BRAVE offer a replicable model of how integrated, cross-sectoral development can turn vulnerable regions into hubs of resilience.
Pakistan’s journey from climate victim to climate innovator will depend on projects like BRAVE — that blend science, local knowledge, and community empowerment to build a future where both people and ecosystems thrive.
