Karachi: Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi students and faculty members celebrated the UNESCO’s International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem. On this occasion activities at ISHU, University of Karachi, aimed at raising national awareness about the importance of this unique ecosystem.
The proceedings started with recitation from the Holy Quran.
Dr. Bilquees Gul, Director of the ISHU, University of Karachi read out a message by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director General, UNESCO to the audience following the lecture which emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to support sustainable conservation of mangroves through various platforms all over the globe.
Audrey Azoulay emphasized on the need of mangroves and its role for a better environment stating that mangroves provide protection from storms, tsunamis and rising sea levels. They prevent shoreline erosion, regulate coastal water quality, maintain fishing areas and contribute to improving food security for many coastal communities. They also provide a habitat for endangered marine species. In addition, their natural mechanisms for storing atmospheric carbon, known as “blue carbon sinks”, help mitigate the effects of climate disruption along coasts.
It was mentioned that yet today, the mangrove ecosystem is seriously threatened. It is estimated that global coverage of mangroves has been halved in 40 years, largely as a result of coastal development.
Through its biosphere reserves and geoparks, which include mangrove forests in various parts of the world, such as the Sundarbans between India and Bangladesh, one of the planet’s largest mangrove forests, UNESCO is actively working to add to knowledge about this unique ecosystem, and improve its management and preservation.
This commitment is also intended to further the sustainable development of indigenous communities and to promote the role of women, who are at the heart of the local economy.
“This International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is an invitation to renew our efforts to support the preservation of an ecosystem that is vital for our planet and its inhabitants,” Dr. Gul added.
ISHU also organized a series of online lectures by world renowned scientists. During the seminar local and foreign mangrove experts delivered online lectures to create awareness about the importance of mangroves. The speakers highlighted the importance of mangrove ecosystem that is vital for our planet and inhabitants. In this connection, Poster competition as well as Field trip/Site visits will also be organized for students in the coming week.