IUCN Pakistan and Ministry of Maritime Affairs Explore Strategic Collaboration for Marine Conservation and Sustainable Development
Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan, held a high-level meeting today with Mr Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs at the Ministry's Secretariat in Islamabad. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to conserve Pakistan’s marine and coastal biodiversity, while promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector.
Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan presenting knowledge products to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Photo: IUCN Pakistan
Meeting between IUCN Pakistan and Ministry of Maritime Affairs
Photo: IUCN Pakistan
Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan presenting knowledge products to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Photo: IUCN Pakistan
During the discussion, both parties explored the potential for initiating joint efforts to protect marine ecosystems and address growing environmental challenges along Pakistan’s coastline. A key agenda item was the need to mobilise climate finance to support marine biodiversity conservation projects, enabling Pakistan to meet its international environmental commitments and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal areas. The minister solicited IUCN’s technical support for implementation of Astola Island Management Plan and appreciated the input for refinement of the Maritime Policy.
The promotion of sustainable eco-tourism in coastal regions was also identified as a major opportunity for both conservation and community livelihood enhancement. IUCN expressed its readiness to provide technical advisory services on global best practices related to nature-based tourism and marine resource management.
The meeting also highlighted the urgent need for the development of water treatment facilities to address pollution affecting marine habitats. IUCN offered its support in designing and recommending appropriate and environmentally sound technologies for coastal wastewater treatment and disposal systems.
A strong emphasis was placed on the active involvement of local communities in all stages of project planning and implementation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable outcomes. Both sides acknowledged that the National Coordinating Body (NCB) serves as a valuable platform to coordinate and implement integrated marine and coastal development initiatives across Pakistan.
Mr Cheema presented IUCN knowledge products including the latest annual report to the federal minister.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advance collaborative efforts aimed at achieving a healthier and more sustainable maritime environment, with IUCN pledging continued support to the Government of Pakistan in its conservation and blue economy goals.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Hammad Saeed
Manager, Communications and Knowledge Management
IUCN Pakistan, Islamabad Country Office
Cel. +92 307 7773801
E-mail: [email protected]
