HYDERABAD, Feb 19 (APP): In a major step toward advancing climate resilience and sustainable rural development, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, in collaboration with HOOPO Canada, has launched a landmark joint initiative to establish 100 carbon-neutral villages across Sindh, with implementation already underway in six pilot villages.
The initiative seeks to address interconnected challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and rural poverty, through science-based, community-driven solutions aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection.
In this regard, a ceremony was held on Thursday at the University’s Senate Hall during Ramazan 2026, where Carbon Action Tokens (CATs) were distributed among students, semester fee cheques were awarded, and the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign was formally inaugurated. The Vice Chancellor, Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the VC emphasized the need to promote student entrepreneurship and adopt Nature-Based Solutions to tackle emerging environmental and socio-economic challenges.
He noted that surveys conducted under HOOPO Canada not only identify students’ financial constraints but also highlight communities facing shortages of water, food, and essential resources. He added that small-scale projects and student-led startups are enabling young people to become economically self-reliant during their academic journey, with strong institutional support from the university.
Describing the carbon-neutral village initiative as more than a development project, he termed it a forward-looking vision integrating environmental sustainability, food security, and economic empowerment. He appreciated HOOPO Canada’s continued support in engaging youth in climate action while helping students sustain their education.
Dean, Faculty of Crop Protection, Prof Dr Abdul Mebeen Lodhi, stated that HOOPO Canada is actively supporting environmental sustainability and social welfare initiatives, including carbon-neutral villages, water purification systems, value-addition programs, laptop provision, and financial assistance for students.
Project Focal Person Dr. Abdul Waheed Solangi informed participants that six villages have been selected as model sites where sustainable lifestyle practices are being introduced to reduce carbon emissions and improve local livelihoods. Major components of the project include plantation of Moringa and fruit trees supported by biochar to enhance carbon sequestration and nutrition, promotion of climate-smart livestock management, and training of 109 livestock farmers in silage preparation and preservation.
Community-managed food security systems, including food banks and cultivation of nutrient-rich moringa, are also being established to support vulnerable households.
Dr Solangi further shared that the partnership is creating significant academic and entrepreneurial opportunities for students. To date, research funding has been awarded to 32 undergraduate interns and 11 MSc students, while student startups such as Agri-Clima AI and Moringa Anda Paratha have achieved initial commercial success. Through the CATs program, several students are receiving monthly incentives for climate-related activities, with 19 students successfully paying their semester fees through the initiative.
The ceremony concluded with the VC, faculty members, and students planting 100 Moringa saplings in front of the Faculty of Crop Protection, symbolizing the practical launch of the plantation campaign and the university’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.