Page 25 - {PDF Title}

CPEC and eco civilization in SDGs

and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). It into decision-making processes to balance ecological
highlights the importance of integrating community- preservation with socioeconomic needs. It will help
centric approaches with technological innovations, in reinforcing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and
such as water recycling and efficient distribution SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). 30
systems. Furthermore, the findings reveal a pressing (v) Creating bilateral green governance frameworks:
need for policy frameworks that address water China and Pakistan can collaboratively develop
scarcity and mitigate pollution caused by industrial a CPEC Green Agreement, focusing on shared
and infrastructural expansion within CPEC regions. ecological goals, carbon reduction targets, and
Experts from the CPEC Center stressed the urgency of biodiversity conservation. This joint governance
creating a sustainable water management plan, linking model strengthens international cooperation and
it with broader ecological goals to avoid long-term ensures long-term environmental sustainability. 31
environmental degradation.
6. Conclusion
5.2. Practical implications
The CPEC presents opportunities and challenges The study participants came from various sectors,
in balancing economic growth with environmental including government, non-government organizations,
sustainability. To address these challenges, several education, industry, CPEC, the economic and social
strategic measures can be implemented to ensure that sectors, the planning commission, water and environment
CPEC aligns with global sustainable development goals sectors, and policymakers. The collaboration among
while mitigating its ecological footprint. The measures these experts and scholars was a great phenomenon, as it
include: fostered rich discussions and sharing of valuable insights
(i) Implementing SEA: Policymakers should during the brainstorming sessions. This collaboration
institutionalize SEA systems for all CPEC projects played a crucial role in developing a valuable
to systematically evaluate environmental impacts questionnaire. Moreover, the results of the questionnaire
at every stage of development. This ensures highlighted the diverse views of all the participants and
compliance with international sustainability their mutual agreement on key issues. The majority of
standards and promotes proactive environmental experts concluded that ecological civilization could serve
governance, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate as a successful model in CPEC and green development.
Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption The collaboration between government officials
and Production). 27 and industrialists highlighted various environmental
(ii) Developing a water resource management challenges and potential solutions. It was mutually agreed
framework: The study highlights the need for that ecological civilization should be emphasized as a
alternative water resources and advanced water key concept for green development in education, at both
management technologies, such as desalination primary and higher levels, to ensure it becomes widely
plants and recycling systems, particularly in understood and not an unfamiliar concept to the public.
Gwadar. Planners should create integrated A key limitation of this study is the potential bias
frameworks addressing water scarcity and pollution. introduced by the selection of experts. Although
Both of these align with SDG 6 (Clean Water and the panel was diverse, it may not fully capture all
Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and perspectives across different regions and disciplines.
Communities). 28 The reliance on a panel primarily composed of
(iii) Adopting ecosystem services and reforestation participants with academic, policy, and industrial
strategies: To counteract deforestation and enhance expertise may inadvertently exclude grassroots voices
ecosystem services, policies should prioritize large- and local community insights, which are critical to
scale afforestation and soil conservation projects understanding the socio-environmental nuances of
along CPEC routes. This would mitigate ecological CPEC projects. Furthermore, the geographic focus on
damage, preserve biodiversity, and contribute to specific areas like Gwadar and broader CPEC zones
SDG 15 (Life on Land). 29 may limit the generalizability of findings to other
(iv) Institutionalizing participatory governance models: regions facing similar ecological challenges. These
Engaging local communities and stakeholders factors underscore the need for a more inclusive and
ensures inclusivity and sustainable implementation. representative approach in future research, ensuring a
Policymakers should integrate community voices holistic understanding of ecological governance.

Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 19 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8483