Analysis of the environmental laws in the context of Gwadar development projects under CPEC and its adjacent marine space

Abstract

Pakistan and China are strengthening their ties with trade-based partnerships, the spotlight of which is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a major infrastructure development project that aims to increase trade between the two countries as well as to enhance connectivity through road and marine routes. Gwadar development projects which hold the driving seat of the CPEC are of significant value, especially with regard to the provision of a marine route through the strait of Hurmuz for the shipment of tons and tons of cargo/ oil as well as the incurring economic benefits. While CPEC offers significant economic benefits, it also poses challenges to marine policies and sustainable management of marine resources in Pakistan, as the heavy infrastructure-building activities take with them the opportunities for economic boosts as well as environmental concerns. This thesis paper aims to scrutinize the activities of Gwadar developmental projects from the lens of assessing their impacts on the adjacent marine space of Pakistan, with the view of highlighting the significance of marine environmental protection in Pakistan. The existing legal documents and the mechanisms will also be evaluated and investigated to find out the grey areas in the legal frameworks and their subsequent betterment through legislation and policy-making by the relevant stakeholders. There are various countries in the world where coastal developmental projects have posed serious threats to the adjacent marine space, while many countries through the use of proper environmental impact assessment mechanisms and strong legal frameworks have minimized the risks of the marine environment’s degradation. This thesis paper also aims to highlight those best practices followed internationally. The ultimate goal of this research effort is to emphasize the legal dimensions of the issue under consideration and highlight the gaps and challenges in the statutory frameworks to assist policymakers in addressing the greater concern of marine environmental protection concerning coastal developmental projects in Pakistan with the special context of Gwadar port development.