ISLAMABAD: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) and the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), has commenced preparatory activities for a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to enhance marine biodiversity conservation in Pakistan.

According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a project kick-off meeting took place at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, chaired by Mr. Mahmood Hassan, Additional Secretary-II and GEF Operational Focal Point for Pakistan. The session focused on reviewing activities, timelines, and implementation strategies for the GEF Project Preparation Grant phase of the Marine Biodiversity Pakistan Project.

Officials from FAO, MoMA, MFD, and MoCC&EC deliberated on crucial project elements, institutional frameworks, including the proposed Project Management Unit, and the mechanisms for fund allocation and utilization. The discussion also included the formation of a Technical Advisory Group to support the preparation process.

The project aims to strengthen collaboration among governmental institutions and partners to promote sustainable management and conservation of Pakistan’s marine biodiversity and fisheries resources.

FAO’s team at the meeting comprised Ms. Emmah Kamau, Head of Operations; Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Senior Technical Specialist and National Coordinator; and Mr. Naveed Babar, Operations Focal Person, with international FAO and GEF experts participating virtually. The MoMA and MFD representatives included Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan, Director General of the Marine Fisheries Department; Dr. Hafeez ur Rehman, Fisheries Development Commissioner; and Mr. Muhammad Farhan Khan, Assistant Fisheries Development Commissioner.

The initiation of this project marks a significant step in advancing the preparation process and enhancing collective efforts for marine biodiversity conservation in Pakistan.