CDA explores carbon credits, seeks UN support for green projects in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday held a meeting with United Nations Senior Coordination Officer for Climate and Environment and UNEP focal point Alex Forbes to discuss environmental protection measures and the acquisition of carbon credits in the federal capital.

The meeting was attended by CDA Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, Director General Resource and other senior officials. Discussions focused on aligning Islamabad’s environmental initiatives with international carbon credit frameworks.

Randhawa said the CDA was implementing a comprehensive strategy to protect and improve the environment of Islamabad and aimed to fully benefit from global carbon markets. He said several projects were under way that could support the acquisition of carbon credits.

He said efforts were being made to increase the city’s green cover, including plans to convert brown areas into green zones across the capital. Randhawa added that a modern solid waste management project was also being developed, which could help reduce emissions and qualify for carbon credits.

The CDA chairman highlighted that a fleet of 160 electric feeder buses was already operating successfully in Islamabad. He said future expansion, including electric tram projects and other eco-friendly transport initiatives, could further contribute to lowering carbon emissions and accessing carbon credit mechanisms.

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He said the completion of development projects in the capital would not only improve public convenience but also help cut emissions. He added that CDA was working to establish modern, scientific landfill sites in line with international standards to reduce environmental pollution.

Alex Forbes stressed the importance of future technical cooperation and said the United Nations would consider providing technical support to help Islamabad acquire carbon credits under international green programmes.

Randhawa said collaboration with the UN and other international development partners was essential to tackling environmental challenges. He added that strengthening CDA’s institutional capacity would help ensure tangible progress in securing carbon credits, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to benefit from UNEP’s expertise, capacity-building and global experience.