Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has called for international collaboration to protect Pakistan’s vulnerable marine ecosystems and address growing environmental threats along its coast. During a meeting with Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the minister stressed the urgency of forming alliances with global bodies.

They explored strengthening joint efforts for marine and coastal biodiversity preservation, alongside promoting responsible growth in the maritime sector. The minister highlighted climate change”s escalating impact on coastal regions and the crucial need for climate funding to bolster biodiversity programs. He emphasized that such actions are essential for fulfilling Pakistan”s environmental commitments and safeguarding coastal populations from climate change effects.

Minister Chaudhry also requested IUCN”s technical support for the Astola Island Management Plan and acknowledged IUCN’s role in refining Pakistan’s Maritime Policy. He mentioned eco-tourism’s potential for environmental safeguarding and community development.

Cheema confirmed IUCN’s dedication to assisting Pakistan”s ecological objectives, offering expertise to align the nation’s tourism and marine resource approaches with worldwide standards for nature-based tourism and responsible management.

Pollution and untreated wastewater discharge were recognized as serious dangers to marine life. The minister emphasized the requirement for advanced water treatment facilities, and the IUCN promised assistance in developing ecologically sound wastewater management systems for coastal regions.

Minister Chaudhry concluded by stressing the importance of community involvement in conservation initiatives to guarantee inclusive and sustainable results. Cheema presented IUCN’s current annual report and reiterated the organization”s ongoing assistance for Pakistan’s blue economy strategies.