KARACHI: Environmental stakeholders on Tuesday discussed how coastal ecosystems, especially the city’s mangrove forests, were increasingly being affected by the growing threat of climate change and the efforts being taken for their conservation.

A media roundtable was organised at the Aga Khan University (AKU) on the eve of Earth Day, being observed on Wednesday (today) across the world with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”. The initiative aimed to bring together journalists and experts to shape informed public discourse as climate-related challenges intensify globally.

It featured the screening of A Forest in Peril — a documentary produced by architect and environmentalist Tariq Alexander Qaiser.

The film examines the vulnerability and resilience of mangrove ecosystems on Bundal Island, underscoring their role as a critical natural defence against coastal erosion, rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Karachi mangroves in focus at moot on eve of Earth Day

Mangroves are among the world’s most valuable yet endangered ecosystems. In Pakistan, they act as a vital buffer for coastal communities, while also supporting biodiversity and sustaining local livelihoods.

However, increasing pressures, ranging from climate change to unchecked urban expansion, continue to threaten their survival, raising concerns about long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts.

Through a multi-year narrative, the documentary captures the ongoing efforts to safeguard these fragile environments, while also highlighting the lived experiences of communities on the frontlines of climate change.

“The loss of mangroves is not just an environmental issue; it is a human one. These ecosystems protect communities, sustain livelihoods and maintain ecological balance,” said Mr Qaiser, stressing that their degradation exposed both nature and people to greater risks.

The documentary is part of Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), a three-season series that focuses on amplifying climate narratives from fragile ecosystems and bringing global attention to communities most affected by environmental change.

A discussion with the filmmaker followed the screening, allowing media representatives to explore the broader implications of environmental change for coastal regions.

“I salute the dedication of Tariq Alexander Qaiser to show the beauty and importance of Karachi’s largely unknown mangrove forests”, said Andrew Tkach, Executive Director of VRW and an eight-time Emmy Award winner. “His long struggle to preserve them is in the finest tradition of the Voices from the Roof of the World documentary series.”

VRW is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network agencies, including AKU, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, and the University of Central Asia, and is made possible with the support of multiple donors.

The event formed part of broader efforts to mark Earth Day by encouraging conversations around environmental sustainability and resilience.

It also highlighted the growing role of visual storytelling in bridging the gap between science, policy and public understanding.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026