Islamabad: Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, has urged the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan to intensify efforts to protect marine ecosystems by expanding the coverage of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
According to Press Information Department, Alam’s call comes after the recent designation of Churna Island as a Marine Protected Area by the Balochistan government. She praised the move, describing it as a significant step toward conserving marine resources and promoting sustainable development. Churna Island, now Pakistan’s second MPA, is home to a rich biodiversity, including over 50 species of corals and 250 species of fish, making it a crucial habitat for marine life.
Alam called for additional MPAs to meet the global target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. She stressed the need for ecosystem-based management approaches to minimize human impacts and ensure sustainable use of marine resources. Highlighting the threats of overfishing, pollution, and climate change, she emphasized the urgency of collective action to safeguard these ecosystems.
Alam also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to marine conservation, including efforts in mangrove restoration, which has seen a 300% increase since 1992.