Pakistan & Germany sign €20 Million deal for Billion Tree Project Phase II

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Republic of Germany will provide 20 million euros to Pakistan for the second phase of the Billion Tree Afforestation Support Project (BTASP).

In this regard, the agreement was signed after the approval of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema. Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz and Director of the German Development Bank KfW Esther Graven Kotter signed the agreement on behalf of the respective governments.

This project is an important part of the German Pakistan Climate and Energy Initiative launched at COP26.

The German government is actively supporting Pakistan’s efforts to mitigate climate risks through the Pakistan-German Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP). With the signing of the agreement, the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development’s (BMZ) funding for the program through KfW has reached €33.5 million. The first phase of BTASP (€13.5 million) is already being implemented in collaboration with the KP Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Department (CCFEWD).

BTASP will support conservation and sustainable management of forests in KP. The project will focus on 10,000 hectares of new plantations, and increase the capacity of the Forest Department, including developing a management information system. BTASP will also engage and mobilize communities as key stakeholders in forest conservation. The project will help in creating nature-based livelihoods for poverty alleviation.

Additionally, it will promote women’s economic empowerment and participation in decision-making processes. KfW has an active portfolio supporting the Government of Pakistan with a focus on renewable energy. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Niaz said that the project is expected to play a significant role in Pakistan’s climate change mitigation efforts, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals.