KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar titled “Awaken New Depths” stressed the need of celebrating the importance of oceans and to better understand how to interact with them in a sustainable manner.
The seminar was jointly hosted by NIMA and Bahria University Karachi to mark World Oceans Day 2024.
“We have to ignite a deeper connection with nature to protect Earth’s vital ecosystems to benefit human, sea and our country’s economy,” said National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) president retired Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed.
Underlining the importance of sea in Karachi, he said: “Mere statistics won’t spark the movement, we need to mobilise communities. We have to ignite a deeper connection with nature to protect Earth’s vital ecosystems to benefit human, sea and our country’s economy.”
The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, maritime community members, academia, industrialists, students, etc. from various maritime sectors.
Distinguish experts, professionals and activist from the National Institute of Oceanography, FAO of the United Nations, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Marine Conservation Pakistan, etc. suggested the steps to pave way for a sustainable utilisation of marine resources.
Additionally, international expert Dr Paul Liu, director from North Carolina State University, USA, provided valuable insights of ocean conservation and preservation challenges and opportunities.
The event also included engaging activities for students. Hundreds of students participated in a “pledge wall” initiative, showcasing their commitment to ocean preservation.
An online essay competition was also arranged and prize among winners were distributed during the event by the guest of honor, vice chancellor of Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Prof Dr Dost Muhammad Baloch.
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui graced the occasion as chief guest. During his closing address, he emphasised on the social dimension of sea pollution i.e., the responsibility of an individual towards preservation of Mother Earth.
Elaborating that Pakistan had multilayered policies but it lacked in governance and enforcement mechanisms, he held out assurance to collaborate for any recommendation leading to eradicating pollution and conservation of oceans.
At the end, he distributed souvenirs among the guest speakers and the guest of honour. The NIMA president presented souvenirs to Mayor Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui.
Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2024
