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Efficient mangrove management proposed
Staff Correspondent
Karachi—Experts at the three day event hosted by IUCN Pakistan and
SANDEE, South Asian Network for Development Environmental Economics
to discuss the coastal ecosystems have urged for political will and
a synergized approach in dealing with the threats facing the
mangroves. The second day of the workshop focused on problems
specific to Pakistan. Status of mangroves, their economic and
protective services,and their management at the community level were
discussed.
Saima Baig, an environmental economist presented the case for
economic valuation of mangroves. Deriving examples from her study of
the Miani Hor area on the Balochistan coast, she explained how the
benefits to local and national economy could be assessed and
presented as a viable proposition for investment. Makhdoom Hussain,
a marine biology expert spoke about the importance of mangroves as
nurseries of fish and other marine life. He highlighted threats due
to reduction fresh water inflows, which was having negative impacts
on the habitat, leading to marine life depletion.
Asghar Shah of IUCN urged community level involvement in ensuring
that any initiative launched is made sustainable. He gave the
example of the successful IUCN intervention in Gwadar, where the
district government as well as the local community is fully involved
in the process of mangrove replantation and management. |
