KARACHI: A workshop was organized by IUCN Pakistan which and other partner organizations concluded in Karachi today. Other partners included Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET); Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agricultural University (MNSUAM); Society of Facilitators and Trainers (SOFT); and Charles Sturt University (Australia).

The objective of the workshop was to reflect on progress towards intended project outcomes. A focus of discussion among participants was on improving engagement of local communities in land and water management planning of the salinity affected landscapes where they live.

Representatives of the project partner organizations of the “Adapting to Salinity in the Southern Indus Basin” project funded by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) participated in the workshop, with representatives from project partners overseas joining online.

The participants also shared the analysis on the salinity affected areas based on the studies conducted to ascertain the level and nature of salinity in the project areas. A one-day exposure visit was also organized for the participants to Keti Bunder – a salinity affected area to get first-hand information and examined the nature of salinity to explore the possible adaptation options available to live with salinity.

Dr Michael Mitchell, the project leader based at Charles Sturt University in Australia, concluded the meeting by congratulating all participants for their evident enthusiasm and camaraderie throughout the workshop proceedings. He added that it is this energy and desire to make a difference for some of Pakistan’s most impoverished communities that makes doing this kind of research so rewarding and worthwhile for all.

On this occasion Dr. Bakhshal Lashari thanked the donors and the partners for the effective contribution to make this project a success. He hoped that this project would contribute immensely to improve the lives of coastal communities.

Mr. Naveed Soomro, Manager, Living with Salinity Project said that soil and water salinity in Sindh is a matter of great concern. It has rendered thousands of acres land infertile and creating food security situation. He hoped that this initiative will help in reversing the situation in the future.