The multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC, under current implementation, includes a 660km stretch of highway from China’s Xinjiang (XUAR) region to Balochistan’s Gwadar and is accompanied by the establishment of special economic zones and multiple infrastructure projects. In addition to acting as a transport corridor for shipping containers, also CPEC also aims to connect manufacturing hubs, while supporting industrialisation and promoting energy production along the way.

Experts have expressed, however, worrying prospects for the environment. An estimated three-quarters of the power generated by the CPEC’s 19 energy projects (for which 33 billion USD are expected to be spent) will come from coal-powered plants. According to the Asian Development Bank, this newly-generated energy will substantially increase greenhouse emissions, impeding global efforts to mitigate climate change. In addition to the air pollution, the project will lead to inevitable water scarcity within the CPEC development region, seeing as coal power plants require substantial amounts of water.

Furthermore, the CPEC development projects are occurring and scheduled to occur in politically unstable regions. In such areas, local communities have been victims of violence and marginalisation for decades. Numerous experts and non-governmental bodies have reported such vulnerabilities, which are more often than not indigenous and minority groups, stating that such groups are subject to unlawful exploitation of natural resources and usage of their lands.

It ought to be noted that aside from the above facts, that indigenous and minority communities in the CPEC development area are often afflicted with serious health implications from the environmentally irresponsible implementation of the mega-project, mostly triggered by air and water pollution.

Against this background, the Unrepresented Nations and People’s Organization (UNPO) and the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) will host a panel discussion  environmental consequences of the CPEC and regionally affected indigenous and minority communities, potentially reach far beyond South Asia. Academic experts in the areas of Geography, Environmental and South Asian studies and by representatives of NGOs and political foundations will share their view of the situation and discuss what positive contributions can arise from a debate across the Asian-European border.

Professional business attire is required for entry.

Light lunch will be served at 12h00pm

Panel discussion starts at 12h30pm