IUCN striving to make environment clean and green

Daily Times , Monday, February 25, 2013
Correspondent :
KARACHI: Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited in collaboration with IUCN Pakistan organised a half-day event at the PIBT site at Port Qasim to highlight the benefits of mangroves for the coastal communities and PIBT’s contribution towards greening and protecting the coasts in the vicinity of Port Qasim.

The event was attended by government officials, foreign dignitaries, representatives of the NGOs, IUCN Pakistan and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited staff members and media persons.

In the welcoming remarks, Sharique Siddiqui, CEO, PIBT informed that under an agreement IUCN Pakistan and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited are planting mangroves over 500 hectares along Korangi Phitti Creek System Near Port Qasim, Karachi.

In his speech, Admiral M Shafi, Chairman, Port Qasim Authority, appreciated the role of PIBT in plantation of the mangroves and manifestation of their responsibility towards environment. While talking about the projects in the vicinity of the Port Qasim, Admiral M. Shafi offered his support for anyone who would like to invest in the Port Qasim area.

Mir Hussain Ali, Secretary Environment and Alternate Energy, Government of Sindh, appreciated that the Environment Impact Assessment of the PIBT was thoroughly conducted.

He also appreciated PIBT for working with IUCN that has a worldwide reputation. He said that this project is very important for the country.

He was of the view that economic development is impacting the environment as reclamation in the sub-tidal is not positive and should not be encouraged.

While sharing the experience of Private Sector and Ecosystem Services in Asia, Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji, IUCN Regional Director Asia said that many people have settled in coastal zones to take advantage of the range of ecosystem services including the opportunities for food production, transportation, recreation and other human activities provided here.

Their well-being depends directly or indirectly on the availability of environmental goods and services provided by the natural coastal systems.

She said that PIBT and Port Qasim need to ensure the balance between the development and the environment in their future activities as this can effect the natural life in the area.

She said that thousands of fisher folks depend on the coastal areas. She said that the country is paying huge environmental costs in terms of GDP losses worth Rs.365 billion per year. These are huge costs for a poor country which could be avoided through better environmental governance in the country and more than 50% of the mangroves cover has vanished in Pakistan in the past few decades. She also talked about exploration of possibilities of the experience sharing between Pakistan and Indian mangroves communities that share the same environment.

The private sector tends to have a relatively short planning horizon, which is not always considering potential effects of e.g. climate change on its activities. Though the publics sector has the strongest and most direct incentives to adapt to climate change the private sector typically does not take the initiative for coastal adaptation to climate change, because benefits are small or uncertain. She congratulated the PIBT for taking this step towards fulfilling their corporate social and environmental responsibility and partnering

with IUCN in conservation of coastal mangroves.

While thanking the participants Haleem Siddiqui, Chairman, Marine Group of Companies said that PIBT had disturbed mangroves from 25 acres of land and are compensating it with the plantation of mangroves over 500 hectares. He was of the view that the country cannot develop without efficient and sizable ports. He appreciated the assistance of IUCN in their effort in plantation of the mangroves.

While delivering the vote of thanks, Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative said that the teamwork of IUCN and PIBT has set an example for others. He said that IUCN has planted around 5 million mangrove plants in Sindh and Balochistan.

He further said that mangroves serve as natural barriers against Tsunamis and Cyclones. He was of the view that if the ecosystem are protected the livelihood of many human beings is protected.

The model of PIBT and IUCN plantation is a good example and this model can be enhanced and replicated. At the closing of the event mangrove saplings were also planted by the dignitaries.

 
SOURCE : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\02\25\story_25-2-2013_pg12_12
 


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