The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Cargill, in partnership with the Mangrove Biodiversity Park, Karachi, held a mangrove plantation event on Wednesday at the Mangrove Biodiversity Park, Korangi Creek.

The event included the planting of 5,000 mangrove saplings, including three native species selected for their resilience: Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove), Rhizophora mucronata (Red Mangrove), and Ceriops tagal (Spurred Mangrove).

Over time, mangroves can store carbon and support coastal protection. Their dense root systems help stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and slow water flow, which can reduce the impact of storm surges and coastal flooding

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director, SDPI, emphasized the importance of mangroves as one of the most cost-effective solutions available to combat climate change while generating sustainable income for coastal communities. This initiative demonstrates how strategic public-private-civil society partnerships can support environmental protection, economic opportunity, and carbon finance, contributing to resilient coastal community development. Moreover, he stated that mangrove forests are Pakistan’s first line of defence against climate change and sea level rise.

Today’s plantation is not just about planting trees; it is about securing livelihoods, restoring biodiversity, and supporting the role of coastal ecosystems in storing carbon and strengthening resilience.

Shah Murad Aliani, chairman of Advisory Board, Mangrove Biodiversity Park, welcomed the initiative. This park is now becoming a living laboratory for mangrove restoration. Mangroves are a foundation of Pakistan’s coastal health, acting as a buffer against erosion, serving as nurseries for marine life, and sequestering carbon at relatively high rates compared to many terrestrial ecosystems. The 5,000 saplings planted today will grow into a maturing ecosystem that helps protect our coast and provide habitat for marine life and migratory birds.

Mehran Ali Shah, chairman of the Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum, emphasized the ecological urgency and noted that Pakistan has seen significant mangrove growth over the past three decades, but degradation still persists. Targeted, community-led restoration supported by research and community backing is exactly what we need to preserve the remaining healthy forests and recover what has been lost.

Muhammad Salman, director and general manager of Cargill Pakistan, highlighted Cargill’s work to support biodiversity and address climate change through partnerships. He noted that mangroves play an important role in supporting coastal ecosystems, including biodiversity, shoreline stability, and local livelihoods. We are pleased to partner with SDPI and the Government of Pakistan to support these restoration efforts in the Indus Delta, he said.

The partners called on national and international stakeholders to scale up investment in mangrove restoration, describing it as an important nature-based approach for Pakistan to meet its climate commitments while protecting its coastal communities.

Reference:-
https://www.thenews.pk/print/1411627-5-000-mangroves-planted-to-support-coastal-resilience

KARACHI: City Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Friday inaugurated the Mangrove Biodiversity Park at Korangi Creek — a project that marks the establishment of the country’s first floating park dedicated to mangroves. Developed in collaboration with the Sindh Forest Department, the park aims to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the mayor termed the project a “significant step” towards the preservation of mangrove forests and raising public awareness on environmental sustainability. He praised the involvement of private stakeholders, particularly from the real estate sector, in environmental initiatives, describing it as a positive sign for future generations.

“I brought my son here today so he can learn the importance of mangroves and environmental protection from a young age,” said the mayor, urging civil society and the business community to extend their support in ensuring the park’s long-term success.

Mayor Wahab announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would soon establish another mangrove park near the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) building. Applauding the Sindh Forest Department’s achievement of setting a Guinness World Record for planting the highest number of mangrove trees, he called upon other authorities, including Port Qasim, Malir Development Authority, and KPT, to replicate such initiatives within their jurisdictions.

“Whenever we try to take steps for Karachi’s betterment, obstacles are deliberately created. But we will not back down from our mission,” the mayor said and invited civil society, media, and the corporate sector to share ideas and collaborate for a greener, more modern Karachi.

Referring to Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim — one of the city’s largest public parks — the mayor lamented its underutilisation. “It spans 130 acres but receives barely 130 visitors a day. Why do citizens prefer private clubs over public parks?” he questioned, stressing the need to enhance recreational facilities in public spaces to attract families and youth.

He stressed the importance of collective responsibility, stating, “We must go beyond criticism and focus on practical steps to improve our city. KMC stands ready to lead the way in environmental protection and urban development.”

Reference:-
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2569347/karachi-welcomes-countrys-first-floating-mangrove-biodiversity-park-1

https://www.dawn.com/news/1945083

https://propakistani.pk/2025/09/27/pakistans-first-mangrove-biodiversity-park-opens-in-karachi/

Karachi: Recognising the importance of mangroves as a vital coastal ecosystem that protects shorelines, supports biodiversity and plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, the Sindh Forest Department has taken a landmark environmental initiative by establishing the Mangrove Biodiversity Park in partnership with TPL REIT Management Company.

The park is located in the heart of Korangi Creek, Karachi and is aimed at preserving and restoring the invaluable habitats, fostering public engagement with nature and enhancing coastal resilience. The Mangrove Biodiversity Park is described as a pioneering initiative targeted at setting a new standard for environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration. As part of the ongoing commitment, an independent advisory board has been formed comprising leading experts from diverse fields to help guide the future development and progress of the project.

The board includes Sindh Forest Department Chief Conservator Riaz Waghan, University of Karachi Professor of Zoology (Wildlife) Dr Zaheer Khan, Canvas Gallery Founder/Curator Sameera Raja, Karachi Port Trust ex-chairman Tariq Huda, State Life Insurance Corporation Chairman Sulaiman Mehdi and PM’s Climate Change Committee member Shah Murad Aliani. The newly formed advisory board for the Mangrove Biodiversity Park will play a pivotal role in providing expert advice on the park’s operations, environmental policies and strategic direction.

It will be responsible for ensuring that the park’s activities are in line with both national and international sustainability standards. It will also help shape efforts to enhance the park’s infrastructure, boost community engagement and raise awareness about the importance of mangrove conservation.

For Reference:
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40343273

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2520742/sindh-forms-board-for-biodiversity-park