The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) celebrated World Environment Day on the 5th of' June 2011 by undertaking a mangrove plantation and rehabilitation project in the Chinna Creek of Karachi. The project is named "Mangroves for the better environment" and is a much needed environmental enhancement initiative which promises to make a significantly positive impact on the Biodiversity of the chosen project area over the coming years as the planted mangrove forest community grows and takes hold of.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest the Secretary Port and Shipping Saleem Khan said that the environmental agenda of' the 21st Century should be one that drives environmental improvements which accompany economic and social gains. He emphasised on the need for global co-operation to promote sustainable development. Global agreements ensuring trade and environmental policies are mutually supportive and must succeed in helping the poorest of the poor in the world, he added. Saleem Khan said further that the global community must implement an integrated approach to environmental management. This approach must be underpinned by the need to involve the various 'actors in civil society' in the formation and implementation of devised policy measures.
Addressing the same gathering, the Secretary Environment and Alternative Energy Department, Government of Sindh, Mir Hassan Ali said that it is heartening to know that that young people are becoming more aware and vocal on environmental issues and ensures that the price paid for environmental misdeed be lessen. I take heart in engaging these people of' ours to address our pressing environmental needs to keep the momentum going, he added.
Sharing his views on the occasion of World Environment Day organised as international year for forests, the Secretary Forest and Wildlife Department. Mushtaque Ali Memon emphasised on reversing the trend of violence towards nature and fellow human beings otherwise it becomes difficult to correct the same in even thousand years. Mushtaque Memon termed it a truly People's Day and said that it is the chance for everyone-young or old-with or without community, with or without close friends to show that they really care for the planet they call home. Highlighting on the two large schemes along the Indus Delta for the restoration and plantation of' mangroves introduced by Forest Department, the Secretary said it is a wakeup call for all to get involved in something or the other for our shared future and to work in co-ordinated manner to play their role in environment's protection.
In her keynote welcome address, the KPT Chairperson Nasreen Haque said that Karachi area mangrove forests, at present, that still survives are stunted by severe organic and inorganic pollution, altered sedimentation patterns, garbage accumulations and uncontrolled cropping for firewood and fodder. She said that they are vulnerable to land reclamation and other engineering activities and can he reverse with correct management of mangrove forests in this and other regions of Pakistan. It could he developed as an important natural resource through provision of valuable and sustainable commercial products, supporting fish nurseries, enriching wildlife and offering new recreational potential to all Pakistanis who can learn to respect these fragile ecosystems, added the Chairperson. Emphasising on the long history and hands-on experience of KPT towards preservation and rehabilitation of mangroves forests in Pakistan. Chairperson. Haque said that considerable preparation is required in addition to expertise coupled with research in hatchery/seedling of these mangroves. She notified in her address that Karachi harbour is at the receiving end where land base pollution from Lyari and thirteen other tributaries fall. Strengthening on the issue, she said that KPT is not only sharing 33 % cost of the Sill project but also going to develop waste-water treatment plant at eastern backwaters to cater 6Omgd waste water coming from Soldier Bazaar, Nehre Khayyam and City Railway culverts. The Chairperson said further that KPT is doing remedial dredging for the uplift of the waterways of Chinna Creek.
This year's World Environment Day, 2011 Forests: Nature at your service is a timely reminder to us all in the preservation of the forest ecosystem. In our daily lives, it is not always easy to recognise how closely we are interconnected with Forests. They provide food to millions, shelter, livelihood opportunities and fresh air on which we are living. A large gathering participated on the occasion to perform mangrove plantation activities with KPT officials which concluded the proceedings of the day.-PR
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