KARACHI: Environmentalists are calling for urgent measures to safeguard mangrove forests, emphasizing their essential role in supporting marine life and sequestering carbon. These unique ecosystems, found in coastal regions such as Karachi, Keti Bandar, Thatta, Sujawal, and parts of Balochistan, are critical nurseries for fish, crabs, and shrimp, and can capture up to four times more carbon than other coastal plants.
Mangroves also serve as natural defenses against storms, floods, and tsunamis, while playing a vital role in the fishing industry by sustaining diverse marine species. One of the notable mangrove forests, spanning 470 hectares on Karachi’s Turtle Beach, is a key focus of conservation efforts.
The importance of these ecosystems was highlighted during a recent event at Turtle Beach, organized by inDrive in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan as part of the “Tide of Care” campaign. This initiative, launched on Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, seeks to combat environmental degradation and engage communities in reforestation efforts. Participants were encouraged to plant seeds to promote mangrove restoration, underlining the broader mission of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Story by Gohar Ali Khan
