Image source: IUCN Pakistan
by Abdul Waheed Bhutto 19 July 2023
Pakistan’s coastline along the Arabian Sea holds immense significance, offering opportunities for maritime trade, fisheries, tourism, and the provision of ecosystem services. However, the sustainable management of this valuable coastal ecosystem faces several challenges. In this article, we will delve into the policy gaps hindering its conservation and propose a way forward for Pakistan’s coastal ecosystem. By addressing these gaps, Pakistan can preserve its biodiversity, promote sustainable economic growth, and ensure the well-being of coastal communities for generations to come.
Stretching approximately 1,050 kilometers (652 miles), Pakistan’s coastline extends from the western border with Iran to the southern border with India. The Government of Pakistan has sovereignty and control over its territorial waters, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Additionally, Pakistan holds jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that spans 200 nautical miles from the baseline. This grants the country exclusive rights to explore and exploit natural resources, including fisheries, hydrocarbons, and minerals within this zone.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs oversees the control and management of fisheries, ensuring sustainable practices and granting fishing licenses. Coastal development, including infrastructure, ports, and tourism, is managed by various government bodies such as the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan Navy, and provincial authorities. Environmental protection along the coastline is a shared responsibility among entities such as the Ministry of Climate Change and provincial environmental protection agencies. These entities work towards conservation, pollution mitigation, and addressing environmental concerns.
The fishing sector in Pakistan plays a vital role in the country’s economy. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the sector contributed approximately 1.39 percent to the value addition in the agriculture sector and 0.32 percent to the country’s GDP. Notably, it achieved a growth rate of 1.44 percent, surpassing the previous year’s growth rate of 0.35 percent.
During the period from July to March of FY2023, the total fish production reached 700 thousand metric tons, consisting of 475 thousand MT from marine sources and 225 thousand MT from inland sources. This production showcased a 0.6 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Pakistan’s major buyers of fish and fish preparations include countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Middle Eastern countries, Sri Lanka, and Japan. The resumption of exports to the European Union has been successful, with consignments of finfish and shellfish meeting strict laboratory analysis requirements. In the fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan achieved notable export growth, with a total of 151.030 thousand metric tons of fish and fish preparations exported, valued at US$ 355 million. This represents a significant increase of 29.8 percent in export quantity.
Pakistan’s coastal region holds immense potential for ecotourism, offering a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions. Presently, there are several destinations along the coast that provide opportunities for ecotourism, and there is further room for development.
Astola Island, situated off the coast of Balochistan, boasts a pristine and biodiverse ecosystem, inviting visitors to explore its marine life and coral reefs through activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Hingol National Park, the largest national park in Pakistan located in Balochistan, showcases breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coastal areas, and allows for wildlife encounters, including the endangered Balochistan bear and the majestic Houbara bustard. Churna Island, near Karachi, is renowned for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, attracting snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts to witness the rich marine life, turtles, and occasional sightings of dolphins and whale sharks.
Ormara Beach in Balochistan offers a serene and picturesque setting, inviting visitors to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and captivating sunsets, while also serving as a nesting ground for endangered green turtles. Sonmiani Beach, near Karachi, is a popular destination for beach lovers, offering a peaceful environment and opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching. Along the coast, cultural heritage sites like Makli Necropolis near Thatta and the old town of Gwadar provide insights into Pakistan’s rich history and architectural heritage, attracting cultural and heritage tourism.
While Pakistan’s coast holds immense potential for ecotourism, several challenges must be addressed to ensure its sustainable development. Many potential ecotourism destinations along the coast lack adequate infrastructure, including transportation facilities, accommodations, visitor centers, and waste management systems. Insufficient infrastructure can hinder visitor accessibility and comfort, limiting the potential for ecotourism development.
Unsustainable tourism practices, such as unregulated construction, pollution from tourist activities, and habitat destruction, can degrade the natural environment and fragile coastal ecosystems. Uncontrolled waste disposal and improper sewage management can harm marine life and impact water quality. Limited awareness among tourists and local communities about the importance of ecotourism, environmental conservation, and responsible tourism practices can hinder the sustainable development of coastal areas. Education and awareness programs are needed to promote environmentally friendly behavior and support for conservation efforts.
Popular ecotourism sites along the coast can face challenges related to overcrowding, especially during peak tourist seasons. Increased visitor numbers can lead to environmental degradation, strain on resources, and disturbance to local wildlife. Involving local communities in the planning, management, and benefits of ecotourism is crucial for its long-term sustainability. However, the lack of community engagement and participation can result in conflicts, limited economic benefits for local residents, and a disconnect between tourism development and community interests. Coastal areas are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. These factors can disrupt ecosystems, affect biodiversity, and pose challenges for the sustainable management of ecotourism destinations.
Pakistan’s coastal areas face significant environmental challenges that necessitate concerted efforts for conservation and sustainable management. These challenges include coastal pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, habitat degradation and loss due to coastal development, climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and erosion, overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices, coastal erosion and shoreline retreat, loss of biodiversity and marine ecosystems, and limited awareness and environmental education. Addressing these challenges requires implementing effective pollution control measures, promoting sustainable coastal development practices, regulating fishing activities, adopting climate change adaptation strategies, and raising awareness about the value of coastal ecosystems. Public participation and stakeholder engagement are crucial for successful conservation efforts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s coastal areas.
Pakistan’s coastal ecosystem offers immense potential for sustainable economic growth and conservation through fisheries and ecotourism. Addressing the challenges to sustainable coastal management, such as overfishing, pollution, inadequate regulations, limited infrastructure, and climate change impact, is crucial. By implementing comprehensive policies, strengthening regulations, promoting community engagement, investing in infrastructure, raising awareness, and incorporating climate change adaptation strategies, Pakistan can ensure the preservation of its coastal biodiversity, the well-being of coastal communities, and the sustainable development of its coastal resources for generations to come.