MARDAN: A one-day awareness and training workshop on “Strengthening Expertise in Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector” was organized in Mardan with the collaboration of the Freshwater Action Network South Asia Pakistan (FANSA) and under the auspices of the non-governmental organization Integrated Regional Support Programme (IRSP).The objective of the workshop was to raise awareness among participants about the challenges faced by the water, sanitation and health sectors due to climate change, potential disaster risks, and effective strategies to address these challenges.
During the training session, detailed discussions were held on protecting the WASH sector from the impacts of climate change, improving water resource management, and ensuring the availability of clean water and sanitation facilities during disasters.Speaking on the occasion, IRSP Executive Director Shah Nasir, Muhammad Ismail, Engineer Yousaf and Nosheen Sardar said that, in view of the growing impacts of climate change, strengthening and making water, sanitation and hygiene systems more resilient and sustainable has become an urgent need.
They emphasized that effective coordination and joint efforts among relevant institutions, experts and communities are essential for reducing disaster risks.The speakers urged the participants to practically apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training workshop in their respective areas to help reduce WASH-related challenges arising from climate change and natural disasters.The workshop also highlighted the importance of preparedness, awareness and coordinated action at the local level to effectively respond to climate-related risks and protect communities from their adverse impacts.
