Climate Change and Biodiversity
As the world rapidly realizes that climate change is affecting health, resources, the economy, and the frequency and magnitude of catastrophic events, geopolitics is also being influenced. IRM’s contributions to society are evolving in response. Our institutional response recognizes that climate change is a global issue that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Therefore, IRM has decided to intensify its efforts to better understand its role in the climate system and to use this knowledge to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
Our contributions strive toward a cleaner, healthier, and resource-protective environment by reducing climate change impacts on health, food security, resource depletion, the economy, and disruptions to both society and ecosystems.
IRM’s main areas of focus include climate change, sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions, eco-conservation, and technology-based environmental solutions.
Our climate change initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and increase adaptability to climate-related impacts. We also raise awareness about the urgency of climate action among various stakeholders, including policymakers and community groups.
In sustainable agriculture, IRM promotes farming methods that are environmentally friendly, climate-resilient, and economically beneficial. We are also engaged in the development of innovative technologies to increase agricultural productivity while reducing emissions.
In nature-based solutions, IRM works to conserve and restore ecosystems like forests and wetlands to store carbon, improve water quality, and offer co-benefits. We implement ecosystem management approaches that support climate adaptation and sustainable development.
In technology-based environmental solutions, IRM advocates for the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies to reduce emissions and enhance community resilience. We support the creation and adoption of innovative technologies that improve environmental management.
IRM collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, private companies, and civil society groups to promote sustainable development and address climate change adaptation and mitigation in Pakistan.
As part of the RSPs Network in Pakistan, IRM leverages a strong network of professionals and works closely with local communities to ensure project sustainability. Our approach emphasizes community participation, local ownership, and gender-sensitive implementation to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups.
IRM’s interventions focus on disaster impact reduction for vulnerable populations, access to livelihood opportunities, and capacity building for communities and local authorities to assess, mitigate, and respond to both natural and human-induced disasters.
We are committed to building resilience to climate change and developing adaptive, sustainable livelihoods for at-risk populations. IRM’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts are guided by principles of inclusivity, gender sensitivity, environmental sustainability, and respect for cultural norms and human dignity.
Overview of Key Interventions:
Working with UN
IRM collaborated with UNDP Pakistan on a successful Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Project to improve disaster preparedness at the community level. Activities included reassessment, formation of community organizations, capacity-building, disaster response planning, and the implementation of mitigation strategies. IRM also trained and supported UNDP to create sustainable livelihoods and build disaster-resilient shelters.
In another UNDP-funded project, IRM strengthened the disaster management capacities of vulnerable local authorities and communities in three districts of Sindh, aiming to reduce natural hazard impacts and minimize economic risks.
Relief Work During Flood 2010
In the aftermath of the 2010 floods, IRM responded promptly by setting up three tent cities in Jamshoro, providing transitional shelters to 2,500 families, and forming camp management committees. In partnership with Sindh Rural Support Organization, IRM registered displaced individuals and distributed cooked food to 674,242 families across Sindh.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,700 flood victims received tents, hygiene kits, and kitchen items. IRM conducted rapid needs assessments and delivered health and hygiene education under the UNICEF WASH project. Training was provided to 364 males and 38 females in subject-specific skills, and disaster response training was delivered to 210 males and 41 females, funded by UNDP-South and UNDP-CRS (CIWG).
Relief & Rehabilitation After Earthquake 2005
Following the 2005 earthquake in AJ&K, IRM quickly initiated relief efforts and capacity-building programs to support affected populations. CBDRM projects included Hazard and Vulnerability Assessments, First Aid training, and disaster management database creation.
IRM partnered with the Asian Development Bank and UN-HABITAT to implement a Capacity Building of Community in Reconstruction Project for earthquake-resistant housing. Additionally, IRM provided technical support, enterprise development training, and water supply operation and maintenance training. Hygiene Promotion Workshops were held for the earthquake-affected populations.
Through these interventions, IRM played a critical role in the relief and rehabilitation of communities impacted by the earthquake in AJ&K.
In conclusion, IRM is a dynamic organization committed to making a lasting impact on the environment and communities of Pakistan. By promoting sustainable development and addressing the consequences of climate change, we aim to build a more resilient and equitable future.
Contact Information
Email: sara@irm.edu.pk
Address: IRM Complex, #7, Sunrise Avenue, Park Road, Near COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Contact number: +92 51 8742201-7