Pakistan's Naval Chief Calls for Urgent Action on Marine Pollution on World Environment Day

On World Environment Day, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan's Naval Chief, highlighted the urgent need to address anthropogenic threats to marine ecosystems. He emphasized the significant risks posed by human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, to marine life and ecology.

Admiral Ashraf stated, *"The marine ecosystem is facing extreme threats from human activities, and it is our collective responsibility to take immediate action to mitigate these risks and preserve the health of our oceans. "* His call to action highlights the critical importance of protecting Pakistan's long coastline, which provides livelihoods for millions and is home to diverse marine life.

Pakistan's coastline, stretching over 1,000 kilometers, is a significant contributor to the country's economy, particularly through its fishing industry, which is valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion and employs over 3 million people. However, the marine environment faces severe threats from untreated industrial waste, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and plastic debris.

The Pakistan Navy has initiated several measures to combat these threats. These include planting over five million mangrove saplings along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, conducting Exercise BARRACUDA to respond to marine pollution incidents, and complying with international conventions like the MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

The health of the world's oceans is vital for maintaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. If left unchecked, marine pollution can have devastating consequences, including the destruction of ecosystems, the collapse of fisheries, and the loss of coastal communities.

In his message, Admiral Ashraf highlighted the broader implications of marine pollution, stating, "Rising sea levels are causing coastal erosion which is accentuated by deforestation and construction activities that threaten the very existence of our coastal communities." He called for a united effort to tackle the environmental crisis affecting coastal areas and marine ecosystems.

To raise awareness and promote environmental responsibility, the Pakistan Navy celebrates World Environment Day with various activities. These include collecting solid waste from harbors, establishing Reedbed Plants, and conducting extensive tree plantation campaigns. A one-day seminar on the theme of World Environment Day is also being organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs in collaboration with Bahria University, WWF Pakistan, and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination.

Admiral Ashraf concluded his message with a call for collective action, stating, "Remember, a clean and environment friendly Pakistan is a prosperous Pakistan! Let us join hands to build a sustainable future, where our land and sea are preserved and forests, both ashore and in coastal zones, grown and nurtured for the generations to come."

Addressing marine pollution is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities, and preventing health problems caused by polluted seawater. The Pakistan Navy's initiatives and Admiral Ashraf's call to action highlight the urgent need for collective efforts to preserve the health of the world's oceans.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan's Naval Chief highlights urgent need to address anthropogenic threats to marine ecosystems.
• Human activities like pollution, overfishing, and climate change pose significant risks to marine life and ecology.
• Pakistan's 1,000 km coastline faces threats from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and plastic debris.
• Pakistan Navy initiates measures to combat marine pollution, including mangrove planting and international convention compliance.
• Addressing marine pollution is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities.