Pakistan Creates Second Marine Protected Area to Save Unique Coral Ecosystem
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📰 The quick summary: Pakistan has designated Churna Island and its surrounding waters as the country’s second marine protected area, marking a small but significant step toward protecting its rich marine biodiversity including coral communities.
📈 One key stat: With just two marine protected areas covering less than 0.2% of Pakistan’s total coastal and marine area, the country remains far from the UN target of protecting 30% of ocean by 2030.
💬 One key quote: “Given the growing anthropogenic and environmental threats to the biodiversity hotspots, it was inevitable to declare these areas marine protected areas,” Naeem Javid Muhammad Hassani, a wildlife conservator with the forest department of Balochistan province, told Mongabay.
1️⃣ The big picture: Pakistan has recently established Churna Island as its second marine protected area, protecting a vital biodiversity hotspot known for its 15 coral species including a rare patch reef formation. The 98-square-kilometer area follows the 2017 designation of Astola Island, marking initial steps in Pakistan’s marine conservation efforts. Despite having joined the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, Pakistan’s protected marine areas cover less than 0.2% of its 240,000 square kilometers of coastal and marine territory. The country now faces the challenge of reaching the UN target of protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030, while its coral ecosystems face rising threats from climate change, industrial pollution, and destructive fishing practices.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This designation grants protection to one of Pakistan’s few coral communities, which serves as a critical nursery for fish populations supporting local fishers. The area harbors unique biodiversity including 15 coral species and the only documented reef formation in Pakistan’s waters. By establishing Churna Island as an MPA, Pakistan has taken a concrete step toward fulfilling its international conservation commitments after years of delay. Conservation infrastructure is gradually developing, with the government recently endorsing a management plan for Astola Island MPA after an eight-year wait, paving the way for potential faster implementation at Churna Island.
3️⃣ What’s next: Implementation of a comprehensive management plan for Churna Island MPA is urgently needed but faces challenges including staffing shortages and funding issues. The Balochistan provincial government must accelerate efforts to formalize protection measures and begin enforcement actions against trawling and other prohibited activities. Two additional sites are under consideration for MPA status as Pakistan works toward meeting its 2030 marine protection commitments.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – With coral-rich Churna Island now an MPA, Pakistan takes baby steps on ocean protection
