KARACHI: Speakers at events held in connection with the International Day for Biological Diversity called for urgent measures to protect Sindh’s biodiversity that, they said, was being lost at a rapid pace due to multiple factors.

They attributed the factors to the absence of an efficient waste management system contributing to growing land, and air and marine pollution.

At a programme at the NED University of Engi­neering and Technology, the speakers also looked at current conservation efforts, the important role of universities in research and new ideas, and how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the internet of things (IoT) could help protect nature.

The programme was co-hosted by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) and the university’s physics department.

In his remarks, NED university Vice Chancellor Prof Noman Ahmed underscored the need for urgent measures to address fundamental civil issues. Top of the list among them, he pointed out, was the absence of an efficient waste management system in the province.

“Fifty-two per cent of the province’s people live in cities and one-third in Karachi alone, producing huge quantities of waste. This puts a lot of strain on our limited resources. Improper disposal of waste has gravely affected our sensitive natural areas, including turtle beaches,” he explained, while calling for individual and state measures to address the issue.

Sepa Director General Waqar Hussain Phulpoto gave a detailed overview of Sindh’s rich biodiversity. He highlighted that biodiversity was crucial for healthy ecosystems, human well-being and sustainable growth. He noted that globally, many species were at risk of disappearing due to human actions, with habitat loss and damage happening everywhere.

Phulpoto also spoke about current efforts, challenges, and future plans for biodiversity conservation in Sindh.

“Despite efforts, we face major challenges, including industrial and agricultural pollution, habitat loss, deforestation, illegal hunting, urban expansion, climate change and delta degradation. The way forward involves making environmental laws stronger, expanding protected areas, and setting up systems to monitor biodiversity,” he said.

Deep connection

At another programme held on the same theme at Karachi University (KU), senior botanist Prof Muhammad Qaiser, also former KU vice chancellor, called for collective and individual actions for biodiversity conservation.

“Raising awareness and implementing strict regulations is imperative to protect biodiversity,” he said, adding that there was a general lack of awareness about how deeply human survival was intertwined with the survival of plants and animals.

According to him, human activities have played a critical role in rising temperatures. He urged that urgent steps must be taken to counteract that crisis through policy reforms and proactive measures.

“We need afforestation with native plant species, which will not only lower temperatures but also enhance rainfall patterns, helping to alleviate water shortages.”

KU VC Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi regretted that while urban greenery was being prioritised worldwide, Karachi had been turned into a concrete jungle.

Prof Roohi Bano also spoke.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2025