Karachi, In a pivotal workshop held in Karachi, experts underscored the necessity of implementing comprehensive conservation strategies for the protection of Sindh’s threatened wildlife, mangrove forests, and fisheries resources. The knowledge-sharing event, titled ‘Participatory Conservation Plans (PCP) for the Indus Delta,’ drew attention to the urgent need for both short-term and long-term action plans to safeguard these vital resources against anthropogenic threats and the adverse effects of climate change.
According to WWF – Pakistan, which organized the workshop in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and WWF-Germany, the discussion focused on the degradation of the fertile lands of the Indus Delta. This degradation has led to the loss of livelihood for local farmers and fishers, primarily due to reduced freshwater flows, sea intrusion, and coastal flooding. The participatory conservation plans developed aim to encourage sustainable resource usage, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem integrity through integrated management approaches. Furthermore, these plans seek to mitigate poverty among local communities, improve socio-economic conditions, and promote sustainable livelihoods through various management initiatives, including mangrove restoration and the introduction of alternative crops and livelihood options.
Arif Ali Khokhar, Conservator at the Sindh Forest Department, highlighted the significance of the conservation plans in addressing overexploitation and degradation of natural resources in the coastal regions of Sindh. He pointed to the collaborative efforts that have led to an increase in mangrove cover in the deltaic region, emphasizing the ecological and socio-economic benefits of mangroves.
Dr. Ali Muhammad Mastoi, Director General of the Sindh Fisheries Department, addressed the decline in fisheries resources over the past decades, attributing it to mangrove degradation, unsustainable fishing practices, and pollution. He stressed the need for sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods for local fishers. The conservation plans, he noted, are crucial for reversing the decline in fish catch and promoting awareness of sustainable practices.
Jawad Umer Khan, Manager at WWF-Pakistan, called for the development and implementation of comprehensive conservation plans to protect coastal areas and support the well-being of local communities. He mentioned that WWF-Pakistan is seeking feedback from stakeholders to refine and finalize the plans, which include recommendations for aquaculture, seaweed farming, eco-tourism, and women’s involvement in handicraft production.
The workshop facilitated a dialogue on the implementation strategies for the conservation plans, with discussions on the roles and responsibilities of various departments and stakeholders. Participants included representatives from the Social Welfare Department, the Sindh Environmental Agency (SEPA), the Sindh Fisheries Department, and local communities, highlighting a collective commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of Sindh’s coastal resources.