Islamabad, 2-Feb-2026 (PPI): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that the long-term viability of Pakistan's blue economy and the safety of its coastal communities are fundamentally dependent on the health of the nation's wetland ecosystems, which act as a critical buffer against climate change.
In a message commemorating World Wetlands Day, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the minister asserted that these vital ecosystems are the cornerstone of national economic and environmental security.
Pakistan possesses a vast network of wetlands, with studies identifying between 225 and 240 significant sites that collectively cover an estimated 10 per cent of the country's total land area.
Chaudhry emphasised that natural habitats—including mangroves, estuaries, and coastal lagoons—provide a frontline defence against severe climate impacts like flooding, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels, thereby protecting crucial infrastructure, ports, and coastal populations.
He specifically pointed to the Indus Delta mangroves as indispensable breeding and nursery grounds for numerous marine species, directly underpinning the nation's fisheries, food security, and the livelihoods of those reliant on fishing and aquaculture.
"Healthy wetlands are essential for sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term viability of livelihoods dependent on fishing and aquaculture," the minister added.
Highlighting the 2026 theme, Chaudhry also underscored the value of traditional knowledge in conservation, noting that coastal communities in Sindh and Balochistan have long-standing practices of sustainable resource management that contribute to ecosystem resilience. He called for this indigenous wisdom to be integrated into contemporary environmental policies.
These ecosystems, he stressed, enable key sectors such as maritime trade and eco-tourism while reducing disaster-related risks and enhancing natural productivity, offering cost-effective solutions for sustainable growth.
The minister concluded with a renewed appeal for increased public awareness, robust conservation initiatives, and greater community participation to safeguard these vital natural assets for the prosperity of future generations and a more resilient national economy.