By: Shehneela Mazhar
Under #PUANEcoWarriors, meet Nayab Raza! Nayab isn’t just an ordinary woman; she is a Fulbright awardee with Ph.D in her field and the Founder and CEO of a revolutionary organization known as BHAAN.
Nayab was driven by a deep and abiding concern for the looming menace of climate change. In the year 2021, the Global Climate Risk Index sent shockwaves through the world when it ranked Pakistan as the eighth most vulnerable country to long-term climate risks. What was even more alarming was the revelation that a staggering 27% of the country’s total emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane were attributed to agriculture, further exacerbating the climate crisis.
Faced with this daunting challenge, Nayab embarked on a mission to combat these issues head-on. She knew that the world needed a sustainable solution, and that’s when BHAAN came into the picture. BHAAN’s vision was clear – to provide eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and sustainable fertilizers made from freshwater microalgae. It wasn’t just a business; it was a lifeline for Pakistan’s environment and its people.
Nayab’s determination didn’t stop there. She aimed high, setting a goal to achieve zero net emissions by the year 2030. To make this dream a reality, she tirelessly worked in locations like Tando Qaiser and other areas, tackling soil salinity and infertility issues that plagued Pakistan’s agricultural heartland.
But Nayab’s vision wasn’t confined to small-scale solutions. She dreamed of establishing a massive BHAAN Plant in Pakistan that could make a significant impact on the country’s environmental landscape.
Recognition for Nayab’s tireless efforts came in the form of a prestigious award. At “The Climate Change Emergency: Pakistan in the 21st Century and the Road to COP-28” event in Islamabad from August 5 to 6, 2023, she has been honored with the “Best Climate Solution” award. This accolade was presented by representatives of USAID, USEFP, and WWF-Pakistan, solidifying the significance of BHAAN’s eco-friendly fertilizers.
BHAAN’s achievements didn’t stop there. They rose to the elite ranks, winning the Prime Minister Innovation Award in 2023, placing it among the top 10 winners nationwide. The icing on the cake was when former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself extended his heartfelt appreciation to Nayab Raza during the prestigious award ceremony, acknowledging her as a visionary startup founder.
Nayab Raza’s journey from concern to action, from a small startup to a national champion, is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a burning desire to make the world a better place. She is a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change, proving that one person’s vision could inspire a nation and pave the way to a sustainable future.
