IUCN Pakistan celebrates World Migratory Bird Day, bringing together journalists from Sindh and Balochistan for a two-day workshop in Karachi and Sonmiani. The journalist community visited Miani Horr, Ramsar site 2001, to closely observe the 2,000-acre mangrove conservation success story in Balochistan, achieved through community-driven initiatives led by IUCN Pakistan.
During the workshop, the participants engaged with environmental experts, media trainers, and members of the coastal community. They also participated in an exposure visit to the Miani Horr mangroves, where they learned about migratory birds along the coastal belt, part of the Indus Flyway. This visit emphasized the ecological importance of the mangrove ecosystem and the challenges faced by coastal communities.
The project Building Resilience in Coastal Ecological and Social Systems of Pakistan, funded by the Prince Albert II Foundation, is another conservation program by IUCN that aims community-driven conservation efforts. The project focuses on growing and restoring biodiversity through the protection of mangroves and the establishment of marine protected areas, among other initiatives.
Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan, commenced the two-day workshop by stating, the engagement with the journalist community serves as the backbone of the conservation efforts of IUCN Pakistan, and the promotion of environmental journalism.
Afia Salam, a renowned environmental expert, engaged closely with the journalists, empowering them with the importance of climate change and its opportunities for environmental journalism. She actively reflected on IUCN’s conservation efforts both during the workshop and on-site, explaining how the Miani mangrove conservation, which is also a Ramsar site, serves as a global example of an effective community-driven initiative.
Shabina Faraz, a media trainer, encouraged participants to find unique stories in their surroundings, noting, “There are stories everywhere, and it is our job as journalists to uncover and share them. Even the Karachi Zoo has interesting narratives about wildlife conservation that can inspire change.”
Asif Sandeelo, a PhD scholar, shared insights on effective storytelling, stating, “By focusing on coastal communities and their interactions with the environment, we can bring attention to the issues they face and highlight their resilience.”
Mr. Naveed Soomro, Manager Programme Sindh, IUCN Pakistan highlighted the significance of Miani Horr and other efforts by IUCN, such as the designation of Charna Island and Astola Island as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through rigorous IUCN conservation efforts. He stated, “IUCN is committed to the 30×30 target for protecting biodiversity, and this mission cannot be achieved without the support of the journalist community. Your role in raising awareness and promoting these initiatives is crucial for our success.
This workshop not only strengthened the collaboration between IUCN Pakistan and the journalist community but also highlighted the critical role of effective storytelling in promoting environmental conservation and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our coastal ecosystems.
