About Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is the national framework that guides the country’s
efforts to reduce climate vulnerability and integrate climate resilience into all sectors of
development planning. Anchored under the UNFCCC’s Cancun Adaptation Framework, it translates
global adaptation goals into local action.
The NAP supports long-term climate planning at national, provincial, and district levels to
safeguard communities, ecosystems, and the economy from climate impacts.
Global NAP Process
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process was established under the Cancun Adaptation Framework (Decision 1/CP.16)
to help developing countries identify medium- and long-term climate risks, integrate adaptation into policies,
and strengthen resilience systematically.
- Guided by principles of evidence-based policy and inclusion.
- Facilitates long-term resilience planning and monitoring of adaptation progress.
- Acts as a channel for mobilising adaptation finance under the UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund.
Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
Vision
A climate-resilient Pakistan in which communities, ecosystems, and the economy have the capacity
to adapt and thrive sustainably.
Objectives
- Guide climate adaptation across all levels of government.
- Strengthen institutional and technical capacity for adaptation planning.
- Mobilise domestic and international financing for resilience-building.
Priority Areas
- Agriculture, water, and food systems
- Natural capital, ecosystems, and biodiversity
- Urban resilience and infrastructure
- Health and human wellbeing
- Disaster risk management and early warning systems
- Gender and social inclusion
Governance and Coordination
- MoCC&EC: National lead and UNFCCC focal ministry.
- MoPD&SI: Integrates NAP priorities into national development frameworks.
- Pakistan Climate Change Council: Provides policy guidance on NAP implementation.
- Provincial and Local Governments: Implement adaptation actions aligned with NAP priorities.
Alignment with the Living Indus Programme
The Living Indus Programme acts as the ecosystem-based adaptation pillar for the NAP, focusing on
restoration of the Indus Basin, floodplain management, and nature-based solutions that reduce disaster
risk and improve community resilience.
Progress and Key Milestones
2018–2023: Readiness Phase
- GCF Readiness project launched to formulate Pakistan’s NAP.
- Sectoral vulnerability assessments and consultations completed.
2023: NAP Published
- Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan officially published and shared with UNFCCC.
2024–2025: Implementation and Integration
- Provincial workshops held in KP, Punjab, and Sindh.
- Ten adaptation concept notes prepared across key sectors.
- Costing tool finalised and applied to national planning systems.
Guiding Principles of NAP
Integrate Climate Adaptation
Make it a core part of all decisions.
Think Strategically
Plan for the changing climate across generations.
Make Evidence-Based Decisions
Rely on scientific data and local knowledge.
Leave No One Behind
Prioritise inclusivity and support vulnerable groups.
Think Ahead and Stay Flexible
Proactively adapt to changing conditions.
Address Inequity
Choose actions that promote social justice.
Coordinate and Collaborate
Partner for effective adaptation efforts.
Build Capacity & Knowledge
Enhance adaptation planning and understanding.
Act Locally
Understand and address local risks and opportunities.
Digital Platforms and Adaptation Tracker
The NAP is supported by a digital adaptation tracking system that visualises progress through
dashboards and maps. The NAP Portal
integrates project data, reports, and AI-driven analytics to enhance transparency and coordination.