Romina Calls for Boost in Marine Conservation Efforts

News Desk
Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, on Sunday urged the governments of Sindh and Balochistan to intensify efforts to conserve marine ecosystems.
Following the recent declaration of Churna Island as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the Balochistan government, Alam called for the establishment of additional MPAs to meet the global target of protecting 30 percent of the ocean area by 2030.
She lauded the Balochistan government’s initiative to protect Churna Island, describing it as a “positive step towards conserving marine resources and promoting environmentally sustainable development.”
Churna Island, renowned for its rich coral habitats and biodiversity, is now Pakistan’s second MPA. The island is home to over 50 species of corals, 250 species of fish, and a variety of other marine life.
Alam pledged full support to the Balochistan government in conserving marine biodiversity and protecting the island’s fragile ecosystem.
With over 5,000 MPAs globally, covering more than 8 percent of the world’s oceans, Alam emphasized the importance of adopting ecosystem-based management approaches to minimize human impacts and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
She stressed the urgency of safeguarding marine ecosystems and wildlife from the effects of climate change and human activities, calling for collective action and shared responsibility to address these challenges.
Alam also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to advancing marine conservation efforts in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, particularly through mangrove restoration, which has seen a 300 percent increase since 1992 in the country.