As the world marked World Ocean Day, Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the urgent necessity for collective action from governmental and non-governmental entities, as well as communities, to confront the numerous challenges confronting Pakistan’s oceans.
In a press release issued on Saturday, Ms. Alam stressed the relevance of this year’s theme, ‘Catalysing Action for Our Ocean and Climate’, particularly resonating with Pakistan’s coastal communities, whose lives and livelihoods are intricately linked to the oceans’ health and sustainability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment as a coastal nation to advancing marine conservation efforts, Ms. Alam acknowledged the crucial role oceans play in supporting life on Earth, regulating climate, and providing resources for sustaining livelihoods.
She lauded initiatives such as mangroves restoration, which have led to a 300% increase in mangrove cover since 1992, garnering global recognition for the government’s conservation endeavors.
Through measures like marine protected areas, community-based conservation projects such as the national mangroves restoration initiative, and public awareness campaigns, the current government is striving to protect oceans and promote their sustainable utilization.
Ms. Alam acknowledged the environmental and climate change-related challenges facing oceans nationally and globally, including marine pollution, sustainable fisheries management, and marine biodiversity conservation.
Highlighting the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change, Ms. Alam urged strengthened cooperation among nations, effective policy implementation, and adoption of sustainable practices to ensure the resilience and well-being of marine ecosystems for present and future generations.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to global efforts for ocean preservation and sustainable use, Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized the need for concerted action to address the pressing challenges facing oceans worldwide.
