Abstract:
Being fragile ecosystem, mangroves are under threats throughout the world. Various techniques
and methodologies are under vogue in different countries for conservation of mangroves.
Local communities as an important stakeholder can play effective role in mangroves
observation. As in the case of Pakistan, the Indus delta alone spread over 0.6 million ha and has
mangroves over an area of 0.16 million ha along the coastline. The most significant
characteristic of Indus delta is that it receives an average of only about 250 mm of rainfall per
year, and sometime no rainfall at all. Sonmiani is the only place along the coast of Pakistan
where three species of mangroves (Aviceimia marina, Ceriopstagal and Rhizophoramucronata)
exist naturally. The mangrove forests are used for fuel wood, fodder, buildings or dam's
construction, boats construction etc. Different techniques were developed to restore the
mangrove ecosystem through community participation with the assistance of WWF-Pakistan and
local NGOs. Local communities, specially whose profession is fishing, has planted a
considerable degraded area with mangroves, thus playing their role in protection and
conservation of mangroves for future young Pakistani generations.Being fragile ecosystem, mangroves are under threats throughout the world. Various techniques
and methodologies are under vogue in different countries for conservation of mangroves.
Local communities as an important stakeholder can play effective role in mangroves
observation. As in the case of Pakistan, the Indus delta alone spread over 0.6 million ha and has
mangroves over an area of 0.16 million ha along the coastline. The most significant
characteristic of Indus delta is that it receives an average of only about 250 mm of rainfall per
year, and sometime no rainfall at all. Sonmiani is the only place along the coast of Pakistan
where three species of mangroves (Aviceimia marina, Ceriopstagal and Rhizophoramucronata)
exist naturally. The mangrove forests are used for fuel wood, fodder, buildings or dam's
construction, boats construction etc. Different techniques were developed to restore the
mangrove ecosystem through community participation with the assistance of WWF-Pakistan and
local NGOs. Local communities, specially whose profession is fishing, has planted a
considerable degraded area with mangroves, thus playing their role in protection and
conservation of mangroves for future young Pakistani generations.
