THE MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVES ECOSYSTEM IN COASTAL AREAS OF PAKISTAN

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.