Experts urge for maritime policy to develop blue economy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs a comprehensive maritime policy with input from all stakeholders for mapping and development of strategic human and natural resources in the maritime sector to sow the seeds of a blue economic revolution in Pakistan.

This was the crux of the views expressed by maritime policy experts and marine scientists at a webinar titled “The Ocean: Life, Livelihood and Sustainability – Opportunities and Challenges for Pakistan”. It was organised on the eve of World Oceans Day 2021 by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with University of Karachi, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), and Maritime Study Forum (MSF).

The webinar was chaired by former ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain. It was addressed by Bahria University Associate Professor Dr Azhar Ahmad, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) former director general Dr Nuzhat Khan, and technocrat Nisar A Memon.

Participants of the discussion were of the view that developing aquaculture was critical for enhancing the livelihood means and skills of the fisherfolk, who populate the 1,001km long coastline of the country in large numbers.

Research done in universities could help them in developing aquaculture in their coastal villages for algae, sea grasses, and several other valuable biological species having great economical, medicinal and environmental importance.

A lot of meaningful research focusing on the marine resources of Pakistan has already been carried out in Karachi University, Bahria University and other universities and research institutions; however, government’s apathy and lack of interest in the industrial sector to invest in R&D and commercialise available academic research was a big hurdle that needed to be overcome, they said.

Integrated coastal zone management and strict enforcement of national and international environmental laws to protect the sea and its resources was also emphasised by the speakers.

It was highlighted that all over the world coastal communities were better off because the coastal areas were more developed. But in Pakistan, except for Karachi, the entire coast remains neglected. Although the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given a fillip to the maritime sector, more concerted efforts were required to impart modern training and necessary skills in all elements of the blue economy.

The National Maritime Policy, promulgated in 2002, was revised in draft form almost a decade back but could not be finalised so far, which the discussants termed as apathy and nonchalance for maritime affairs on the part of the policymakers.

Pakistan needs a comprehensive maritime policy which should be formulated by taking all the stakeholders on board, it was urged.

Speakers lauded the efforts of IPS to address sea blindness in Pakistan and helped create a maritime research community engaging universities and think tanks across the country.

To enhance awareness of the oceans and maritime sector, introduction of the subject in the educational curriculum at various levels was also advocated.

Commenting on the deteriorating ocean health, participants urged the PMSA to take the lead in enforcing environmental laws by creating synergies among environmental protection agencies of Sindh and Balochistan and the local governments of the coastal districts of both provinces.

Dr Asma Tabassum, Institute of Marine Sciences, Karachi University, Naghmana Zafar, senior research fellow, NIMA, Naufil Shahrukh, GM Operations, IPS and general secretary, MSF, and Commander Moeed, Lt Cdr Imran, and Lt Jameel of PMSA were also present. The session was moderated by Hafiz Inamullah Khan, deputy manager outreach at IPS.