The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intend to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity. It is expected that issues like climate change, water conservation and affordable, sustainable energy will be taking the centre stage. Sustainable development refers to “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development is important because it requires the combination of economic, environmental and social components at all levels.
Environmental issues are affecting the people of Balochistan. Unfortunately, the livelihood of these people is at risk due to climate change. Moreover, prolonged droughts, unseasonal rains, depleting fisheries death and destruction caused by Awaran earthquake demands the Provincial Government to address problems rising due to climate change. Desertification, deforestation, droughts are the main factors in increasing disease prevalence and the changing of weather cycles adversely affects province’s population and economy.
Moreover, both policymakers and their advisors at the Federal and Provincial level should give priority to environmental issues, which will bring economic, environmental, and social benefits. The Government of Balochistan should include sustainable development in its agenda to secure livelihoods, protect ecology, environment and ensure water conservation. The Government and the people of Balochistan should rise up for the new challenge of social development pertaining to changing climatic conditions. Balochistan is rich in natural and mineral wealth that can change the destiny of its people and will bring economic prosperity.
Moreover, combined decision making for sustainable development is dynamic at Federal, Provincial and local levels. The policies which are pertinent to building resilience, including adapting to extreme climates, like disaster risk reduction, natural resource management, and land-use planning, are often distributed at the sub-national level. The private sector can play a vital role in areas of fisheries and mineralogy. Rangeland productivity in Balochistan has weakened because of the absence of grazing management practices, low and erratic rainfall distribution, and over-exploitation of natural resources. The rainfall patterns in Balochistan vary. The rangelands of Balochistan need an urgent and well-planned program in management and utilization to stop the degradation process leading towards desertification.
The Government and the people of Balochistan should rise up for the new challenge given to human and social development that will affect the climate change. Moreover, Balochistan is rich in natural resources, hence, it can change the destiny of its people. Efforts to alleviate poverty, hunger or gender empowerment in Balochistan can be useful, if they are escorted by efforts for sustainable development. For a prosperous Balochistan, it is a useful time to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of earthly ecosystems, sustainably manage rangelands, combat desertification and prevent biodiversity loss.
In order to have the exact amount of development as pre-described by SDGs, the provisional government must pace up the efforts, and coordination with the Federal government and other state institutions for desirable outcomes.. Prosperous Balochistan means prosperous Pakistan, whereas SDGs goals must be completed in the given time frame for the betterment of the Balochistan.
