WWF-Pakistan and Engro Foundation, the social investment arm of Engro Corporation, entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership for the conservation and management of the endangered Indus River dolphins.
The project will focus on the core habitat of the 500 km (approximate) Indus River stretch between Taunsa and Sukkur barrages. This stretch is a habitat of approximately 1,800 Indus River dolphins and overlaps with the Indus Flyway, which is a globally important route of migratory birds.
The area has immense ecological and cultural significance as the Guddu – Sukkur stretch is a protected area, Indus Dolphin Reserve, and was declared a Ramsar wetland under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). Similarly, the Taunsa – Guddu River section is home to the second-largest Indus dolphin population of 660 individuals.
The selected project area supports 90 per cent population of the Indus River dolphin, eight species of freshwater turtles, smooth-coated otters, hog deer and fishing cats. The project area and the adjoining wetlands support many endangered and threatened migratory birds as well. Considering that the Indus River dolphin is the top predator and keystone species of the river, saving and protecting it will support the conservation of the other important species including migratory birds and freshwater turtles.
As part of the project, Engro Foundation along with WWF-Pakistan will work towards protection, conservation and management for the viable population of the Indus River dolphin and its habitat, using internationally developed and tested tools and technological advancements.
The partners will also be undertaking a comprehensive dolphin survey, along with awareness and outreach efforts to foster commitment from the government, communities, and other stakeholders, to achieve the desired project outcomes.
