The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) is set to embark on a collaborative effort with stakeholders to address the critical issue of sustainable nitrogen management in South Asia. Recognizing the dual importance of nitrogen in agriculture and its potential environmental repercussions, the ministry aims to develop a comprehensive South Asia Roadmap for Sustainable Nitrogen Management.
Nitrogen, while vital for agricultural productivity, can also pose significant challenges when used excessively or inefficiently, leading to environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The proposed roadmap seeks to strike a balance by promoting sustainable nitrogen practices that support not only food production but also align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, climate action, life below water, and life on land.
Collaborating with the South Asia Co-operative Environment Program (SACEP) and the South Asia Nitrogen Hub (SANH), the ministry has crafted a draft roadmap, incorporating inputs from member states and stakeholders. The roadmap sets clear targets and policy frameworks to encourage sustainable nitrogen management across the region, fostering national actions, knowledge sharing, technology dissemination, and mutual learning among member countries.
Given the global context, including recent fertilizer price crises and the potential for ‘green ammonia’ as a future fuel, the importance of sustainable nitrogen management has never been more apparent. The draft roadmap, open for final comments from SACEP member states, underscores the economic, environmental, and food security benefits of reducing nitrogen waste.
In line with these efforts, MoCC&EC, in collaboration with SANH, UAF, and INI, has organized a consultative workshop scheduled for May 9, 2024, in Islamabad. This workshop aims to engage relevant sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, industry, and waste management to gather input, address concerns, and improve the draft roadmap further.
By fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, the Ministry of Climate Change aims to drive meaningful progress towards sustainable nitrogen management, contributing to a more environmentally resilient and food-secure future in South Asia.
