Karachi: Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasized the pivotal role of blue carbon ecosystems in building a climate-resilient and sustainable maritime sector in Pakistan. In a statement today, he called for the conservation and restoration of essential marine habitats such as mangroves, sea-grasses, and salt marshes for ecological preservation.
According to Radio Pakistan, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that blue carbon ecosystems act not only as powerful carbon sinks but also as natural defenses against rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. He emphasized the significance of the Indus Delta, which has the largest mangrove forests in the world, in stabilizing coastlines, supporting fisheries, and acting as a buffer against storms.
He further elaborated on ongoing restoration efforts in Sindh and Balochistan aimed at rehabilitating these ecosystems. These efforts are also designed to generate green jobs and revitalize local economies, emphasizing the dual benefit of ecological preservation and economic development.