The overarching objective of this program is to encourage and facilitate good local governance around the issue of development of an integrated water management strategy for the Indus delta and the region. The project will target and enhance collaboration between local stakeholders, civil society organizations, environmental agencies and decision-makers. The main activities include:
– Capacity building workshops for local units of the PFF on rights to basic needs and environmental degradation affecting their daily lives.
– Mobilization campaigns to raise awareness of citizenship rights among the fishing community.
– Advocacy workshops with elected representatives of local councils.
– Consultation seminars with elected members to local and provincial bodies, fishing community representatives and other concerned civil society organizations
– Networking and communication with the international community
– Publications and web portal
Year 1
– Organizational and management meetings to plan and produce Action Plans
– Training of the PFF unit members on environmental degradation issues and their impact on the daily life of the community
– Publication of program brochure
– Publication of a newsletter
– Publication of the first annual report
Year 2
– Review of the first year activities and preparing Action Plan for Year 2
– Mobilization campaigns in the villages and towns of fisherfolk community by the PFF unit workers
– Advocacy campaigns/Lobby with elected members to local bodies
– Consultation roundtable with community representatives, PFF workers and elected representatives to local bodies
– Web portal design
– Publication of second newsletter
– Publication of the Second annual report
Year 3
– Review of the activities of Year 2 and Action Plan for Year 3
– Seminars in 5 towns of Keti Bunder, Thatta, Badin, Ibrahim Hyderi and Hyderabad with elected representatives, fisherfolk community, representatives of PFF and other NGOs and academics, researchers
– Launching of the web site
– Conference to launch the results of workshops and advocacy seminars
– Publication of Report and evaluation of the conference
– Publication of the Final Project Report
Beneficiaries
This project is based on needs originally assessed by the local partner organizations based in Sindh. An alliance and collaboration between government, community, and civil society organizations can only be beneficial to the development of an integrated regional water management strategy and to solving Pakistan’s water crisis.
Most of the activities will take place in Sindh’s poorest districts, Badin and Thatta, where needs are greatest and local resources to meet them are the most scare. Despite emergency relief that has poured in during so-called natural disasters, very few organizations have put in the efforts to rehabilitate the region and to promote sustainable development. Thus the direct beneficiaries of the project is the fishing community of the Delta.
Key stakeholders of the deltaic region, such as fishing communities and farmers, are mostly illiterate, poor and have little influence on the ruling elite. Public education through campaigns will be adapted to the needs and realities of these communities is crucial in order to reach the target groups.
The project aims to promote dialogue and networking between civil society organizations, grassroots stakeholders, government authorities, environmental experts and other key actors to the region’s water crisis. All these actors in the society will benefit through strengthening of local governance structures and practices. Building capacity of Pakistani civil society on environmental issues through the proven experiences and expertise of Canada is one of the program’s main concerns. Through workshops and seminars, mobilization campaigns and publications, the project will enhance the framework for Canada-Pakistan cooperation. Through its multiplier effects, it can directly result in opening investment for Canada, as well as joint business opportunities in environmental technologies. Sustainable and responsible ventures in Pakistan will only be possible through the improvement of the social, political and economic health of the country. As well, enhanced regional water management plan will prevent loss of investment in various Asian economic sectors.
