Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy-SDPI
Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy
SDPI Program on Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy (PESACE)
Objective: The SDPI Program on Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy (PESACE) is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through cutting-edge research, evidence-based policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. The program aims to foster ecological sustainability and circular economy principles in Pakistan and beyond, with a strategic focus on research collaborations, gap analysis, policy briefs, stakeholder dialogues, and capacity-building initiatives.
Research Themes and Priorities
PESACE focuses on four key research themes:
1. Environmental Diplomacy and Climate Action
This theme addresses the policy approaches required to promote ecological sustainability and circular economy principles at both national and global levels. Key activities include:
Policy Evaluation: Assessing and identifying best practices in environmental governance through benchmarking, stakeholder engagement and collaborations. Providing policy recommendations to enhance overall climate resilience in Pakistan through evidence, collaboration and capacity building.
Climate Resilience: Conducting baseline studies and working on promoting and developing strategies to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Climate Advocacy and Communications: Raising awareness and advocating for stronger climate action across various platforms.
Capacity Building: Empowering youth, women and the corporate sector with the knowledge and skills needed for effective climate diplomacy and action.
Other Research Focus Areas:
Climate Anxiety and Gender Nexus: Investigating the intersection of climate anxiety and gender in the Global South.
Non-Economic Loss and Damage: Exploring the impacts of climate change beyond economic loss, with a focus on social and cultural dimensions.
Gender Lens on Climate Finance: Analysing the role of gender in climate finance mechanisms.
Climate Risk Insurance: Working on developing frameworks for climate risk insurance to protect vulnerable communities and integrate risk insurance in existing policy frameworks on climate change
Water Governance: Stakeholder engagement and policy analysis on integrated water governance, management approaches. Conducting research to study nexus of water stewardship and role of private sector to enhance climate action in Pakistan.
2. Circular Economy and Waste Management
This theme is focused on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for waste reduction, management, resource efficiency, and closed-loop systems that drive sustainable economic growth. Key activities include:
Used Textiles Circularity: Conducting baseline and scoping studies on the recycling and sustainable management of used textiles trade in Pakistan
Plastics Circularity: Developing strategies to reduce plastic waste and enhance recycling efforts.
Capacity Building of Startups and SMEs: Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting circular economy practices.
Business Incubation: Fostering innovation through incubation programs focused on circularity and sustainability.
Sustainable Consumption and Production:
3. Urban Climate Resilience
This theme concentrates on enhancing the resilience of urban areas to environmental challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and natural disasters. Key activities include:
Green Infrastructure: Promoting the integration of green infrastructure in urban planning.
Urban Planning & Risk Management: Developing strategies for effective urban planning and risk management for community resilience.
Sustainable Urban Development: Identifying solutions that contribute to the long-term sustainability of urban environments.
Capacity Building for Media Journalists: Organizing workshops to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge to report on urban climate resilience issues effectively.
4. ESG and Sustainability
This theme explores the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into business practices and decision-making processes. Key activities include:
Socio-Economic Impact Assessment: Conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of business practices and policies.
ESG Reporting: Developing and advocating for robust ESG reporting standards.
Capacity Building: Enhancing the capabilities of corporate and public sector organizations in implementing and reporting on ESG initiatives.
