As the world is rapidly coming to the realization that climate change is affecting health, resources, economy and at the same time, frequency and magnitude of catastrophic events and geopolitics is also being affected by it. IRM’s contributions to society are evolving rapidly in response. Our institutional responses to Climate Change recognize that climate change is a global issue that has a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Therefore, IRM is decided to divert its efforts in gaining a deeper understanding of its role in the climate system and use our knowledge to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the future.
Our contributions strive toward a cleaner, healthier, natural resource-protective environment, and toward reducing the climate change impacts on health, food security, resource depletion, the economy, and both societal and ecosystem disruptions.
IRM’s main areas of focus include climate change, sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions, eco-conservation, and technology-based environmental solutions.
Our efforts on climate change encompass executing initiatives aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions, advancing renewable energy, and enhancing adaptability to the effects of climate change. Additionally, the organization endeavors to heighten understanding about the effects of climate change and the urgency of action among various groups, decision makers, and other relevant parties.
In sustainable agriculture, IRM operates to advance sustainable farming methods that are environmentally friendly, more capable of resisting the effects of climate change, and economically advantageous for farmers. Additionally, we undertake the development of innovative technologies and strategies aimed at increasing the yield of agriculture while lowering emissions of greenhouse gases.
In nature-based solutions, IRM aims to conserve and restore natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands, to store carbon, enhance water quality, and offer additional benefits. We strive to implement novel methods of managing ecosystems to counter the effects of climate change and advance sustainable growth. In technology-based environmental solutions, IRM endeavors to promote the usage of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other clean technologies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the resilience of communities to climate change impacts. We pursue the development of innovative technologies and methods to enhance the efficiency and performance of environmental management.
IRM also collaborates with government bodies, international organizations, private sector, and other civil society organizations to advance sustainable development and address climate change adaptation and mitigation in Pakistan.
Being a part of RSPs Network in Pakistan, we have a strong network of experts and professionals in their field and work closely with local communities to ensure the sustainability of their projects. This approach is based on community participation, local ownership and gender-sensitive implementation to ensure that the most marginalized are also benefiting from the projects. The organization endeavors to bolster communities by offering training and education, as well as supplying technical support and resources to execute sustainable development initiatives.
The IRM’s interventions have focused on reducing the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations, providing access to livelihood opportunities, and building the capacity of local authorities and communities to assess, mitigate, and cope with human and natural disasters. Through our programme, we are committed to building resilience to climate change and creating sustainable, adaptive livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
In addition to that IRM’s, DRR-focused interventions are guided by principles of inclusiveness, gender sensitivity, environmental friendliness, and respect for cultural norms and human dignity.
Here is an overview of few interventions:
Working with UN
- IRM collaborated with UNDP Pakistan and completed a successful Community Based Disaster Risk Management Project aimed at improving disaster risk management measures at the community level. The project included reassessment, formation of community organizations, capacity-building, establishment of a disaster response system, and implementation of disaster mitigation plans. IRM also provided technical assistance and training to UNDP to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and disaster-resilient shelters.
- IRM also implemented another UNDP-funded project to strengthen the capacities of vulnerable local authorities and communities in three districts of Sindh. The aim was to reduce the impact of natural hazards and minimize economic risks.
Relief Work During Flood 2010
- In the aftermath of the floods in 2010, IRM took swift action to support those in need. Three tent cities were established in Jamshoro to support 2,500 families with transitional shelters and camp management committees were formed. IRM registered IDPs and distributed cooked food to 674,242 families in Sindh in collaboration with the Sindh Rural Support Organization.
- In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,700 flood victims were provided with tents, hygiene kits and kitchen items. IRM also conducted rapid need assessments and trained residents of affected districts in health and hygiene under the UNICEF WASH project. IRM provided subject-specific training for 364 males and 38 females, and disaster response management training for 210 males and 41 females, funded by UNDP-South and UNDP-CRS (CIWG) respectively.
Relief & Rehabilitation Work in Earthquake 2005
- IRM took quick action in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake in AJ&K by providing relief efforts and building capacity for economic and social empowerment. IRM conducted various CBDRM projects including Hazard and Vulnerability Assessments, First Aid training, and disaster management database development. IRM partnered with the Asian Development Bank and UN-HABITAT to implement the Capacity Building of Community in Reconstruction Project for earthquake-resistant home construction.
- IRM was also involved in two more Community Based Disaster Risk Management Projects, providing technical support and enterprise development training. IRM provided training for community members on water supplies operation and maintenance and held Hygiene Promotion Workshops for earthquake 2005 affectees. Through these interventions, IRM played a crucial role in providing relief and rehabilitation to the earthquake-affected people of AJ&K.
We would like to conclude that IRM is a dynamic organization that is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and communities in Pakistan, by promoting sustainable development and addressing the impacts of climate change.
