Latest news with #AstolaIslandManagementPlan


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Coastal communities: Impact of climate change highlighting
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has stressed the urgent need to build strong global partnerships and mobilise climate finance to protect Pakistan's marine ecosystems and tackle mounting environmental challenges along the country's coastline. He made these remarks during a meeting with Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), who called on the minister at his office. The two sides discussed strengthening collaboration to conserve coastal biodiversity and promote sustainable development in the maritime sector. Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on coastal communities, the minister called for enhanced investment in biodiversity projects and modern wastewater treatment systems to curb marine pollution. He requested IUCN's technical assistance in implementing the Astola Island Management Plan and praised the organisation's input on refining the national Maritime Policy. The minister also emphasised the role of eco-tourism in promoting both environmental conservation and socio-economic uplift of local populations. In response, the IUCN representative offered full support in aligning Pakistan's tourism and marine resource strategies with global best practices. Both parties agreed that pollution and untreated wastewater pose severe threats to marine life. IUCN pledged to help design environmentally sound wastewater management technologies for coastal regions. The minister concluded by underscoring the importance of inclusive conservation efforts, involving local communities to ensure sustainable and long-term impact. Cheema also presented IUCN's latest annual report, reaffirming the organisation's commitment to supporting Pakistan's blue economy ambitions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Maritime minister advocates global partnerships
Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised the critical need to build strong partnerships with global organisations to safeguard marine ecosystems and effectively address escalating environmental challenges along Pakistan's coastline. He shared these views during a meeting with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Country Representative Mahmood Akhtar Cheema. IUCN is a global organisation working for the conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources. The discussion focused on enhancing collaboration to conserve Pakistan's marine and coastal biodiversity while promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector. The maritime minister highlighted the severe pressure being exerted on coastal areas by climate change and stressed the urgent need for mobilising climate finance to fund biodiversity conservation projects. He stated that such efforts were essential not only for fulfilling Pakistan's international environmental commitments but also for strengthening resilience in coastal communities vulnerable to climate impacts. Junaid Anwar requested IUCN's technical support for implementing the Astola Island Management Plan and acknowledged the organisation's role in refining the national maritime policy.