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ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed the vital importance of wetlands in safeguarding the Arabian Sea, conserving marine life, and bolstering blue economy.
In his message marking World Wetlands Day, themed “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the minister emphasized that wetlands including mangroves, estuaries, tidal flats, and coastal lagoons, serve as frontline defenses against climate change impacts like flooding, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise.
Pakistan has over 240 significant wetlands, with some studies identifying exactly 225. These ecosystems cover an estimated 10% of the country’s total land area.
“These ecosystems act as natural buffers that protect coastal communities, ports, and infrastructure while maintaining water quality and ecological balance in marine environments,” Junaid Chaudhry stated.
He highlighted coastal wetlands, particularly the Indus Delta mangroves, as essential breeding and nursery grounds for fish and marine species, directly supporting fisheries and food security.
“Healthy wetlands are essential for sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term viability of livelihoods dependent on fishing and aquaculture,” the minister added.
Junaid Chaudhry also underscored the 2026 theme’s focus on traditional and indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts.
“Coastal communities in Sindh and Balochistan have historically practiced sustainable fishing and mangrove protection, contributing to ecosystem resilience,” he noted, calling for the integration of this wisdom into modern environmental policies.
Wetlands, he stressed, form the cornerstone of the blue economy by enabling fisheries, maritime trade, eco-tourism, and climate resilience. They reduce disaster risks and boost natural productivity, providing cost-effective paths to economic growth and environmental protection.
The minister renewed calls for heightened public awareness, robust conservation measures, and greater community involvement to protect wetlands for future generations, securing a healthier marine environment and a more resilient national economy.