Sindh, Balochistan govts urged to conserve marine ecosystems

Islamabad:Coordinator to the prime minister on climate change Romina Khurshid Alam on Sunday called on the Sindh and Balochistan governments to enhance their efforts in conserving marine ecosystems.

Following the recent designation of Churna Island as a marine protected area by the Balochistan government, Romina emphasised the need for additional protected

areas to meet the global goal of safeguarding 30 percent of ocean regions by 2030.

"The Balochistan government's decision to protect Churna Island is a significant move toward safeguarding marine resources and supporting sustainable development," the aide to the PM said. Churna Island, renowned for its rich coral habitats and biodiversity, is Pakistan’s second marine protected area, after Astola Island, located 39 kilometres east of Pasni in Balochistan, and hosts over 50 coral species, 250 fish species, and a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates.

Romina offered full support of her ministry to the Balochistan government in conserving marine biodiversity and safeguarding the island's fragile ecosystem and diverse wildlife. With over 5,000 marine protected areas globally, covering more than eight per cent of the ocean, she stressed the importance of adopting ecosystem-based management approaches to minimise human impacts and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.

The aide to the prime minister highlighted the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems and wildlife from climate change and human activities, saying there is a need for collective action and shared responsibility to address environmental challenges.

She noted that this initiative will help regulate anthropogenic activities that harm the marine ecosystems of the country and protect the islands from threats like overfishing, pollution, and climate change impacts.

Romina said Pakistan was committed to advancing marine conservation efforts in collaboration with all governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, particularly through mangrove restoration, which had seen a 300 per cent increase since 1992 in the country.