In a significant move for marine conservation, the Balochistan government has officially declared Churna Island as the second marine protected area (MPA) in Pakistan. This decision, announced during a provincial cabinet meeting on Wednesday, marks a crucial step in the protection of Pakistan’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Churna Island, located near Karachi, follows Astola Island, which was designated as Pakistan’s first MPA in June 2017. Both islands are vital marine habitats, renowned for their coral ecosystems and biodiversity. WWF-Pakistan has praised the Balochistan government for this important step, highlighting the need to safeguard these unique environments from various threats.
Churna Island is known for its rich biodiversity, including over 50 species of corals and 250 species of fish, along with numerous invertebrates and vertebrates. However, the island faces significant threats from human activities. These include recreational pursuits like scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and jet skiing, as well as industrial developments such as power plants, single-point mooring, and an oil refinery in its vicinity. The area is also a crucial fishing ground for local fishermen from Sindh and Balochistan.
The declaration of Churna Island as an MPA is expected to help mitigate these threats by providing a protected status to its marine ecosystems. WWF-Pakistan has expressed appreciation for the efforts of key figures in securing this designation, including Secretary of Forest and Wildlife Department Dostain Jamaldini and Chief Conservator of Wildlife Sharifuddin Baloch.
Pakistan, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is committed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to designate 30% of the ocean area as protected by 2030—a target known as “30 x 30.” The inclusion of Churna Island as an MPA represents a meaningful stride toward achieving this goal.
Rab Nawaz, Senior Director of WWF-Pakistan’s Biodiversity Programmes, called for further action from the federal and Sindh governments to expand the network of marine protected areas in Pakistan. Nawaz emphasized the importance of protecting marine life amid the challenges posed by poorly planned development activities and climate change.
Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser at WWF-Pakistan, noted that Churna Island’s designation will address critical issues related to biodiversity loss and help conserve the threatened species in the area. He pointed out that the protection of such habitats is essential for reversing the damage inflicted on marine ecosystems and ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The declaration of Churna Island as an MPA is a commendable step towards conserving Pakistan’s marine biodiversity and aligns with global efforts to protect marine environments. It underscores the role of local and provincial governments in advancing conservation goals and safeguarding natural heritage.
