Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised the urgent need for national and regional cooperation to protect Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems, vital stopovers for hundreds of migratory bird species that sustain biodiversity and local livelihoods.
In his message marking World Migratory Bird Day, observed globally on October 10 and 11, the minister highlighted that Pakistan’s coastline forms part of the Indus Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory routes connecting Central Asia and Siberia with the Arabian Sea. He said thousands of birds rely on Pakistan’s wetlands, mangrove forests, and estuaries for food and rest each year.
Quoting research by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Bank of Punjab, Chaudhry noted that coastal tourism contributes around $300 million annually, about 0.1% of the GDP. “We aim to link eco-tourism with wetland conservation to strengthen both our economy and environment,” he said.
He warned that unchecked coastal development, pollution, and habitat degradation threaten these fragile ecosystems. Calling for sustainable management, he stressed that preserving migratory bird habitats is not just an environmental need but an economic one, supporting fisheries, tourism, and community livelihoods.
Pakistan’s participation in World Migratory Bird Day, themed “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” reflects its commitment to global conservation efforts under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Migratory Species.
Chaudhry also identified key habitats across the Indus Delta and Balochistan coast, including Thatta, Keti Bandar, Korangi Creek, and Miani Hor, as critical sanctuaries for flamingos, herons, ducks, and other migratory birds. He emphasised that strengthening wetland protection, restoring mangroves, and enabling community-driven conservation will ensure Pakistan’s coasts remain both ecologically rich and economically resilient.
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