KARACHI, Oct 6: Scientists have underscored the need for an immediate sensitization of people as well as policy makers regarding economic and ecological significance of mangrove forests for the country.

Speaking at a seminar entitled “Mangrove Resources of Pakistan”, they sought an immediate national management plan to be carried out by a National Mangrove Committee, comprising experts from different disciplines of life and representatives of concerned communities.

The programme, jointly organized by the Institute of Environmental Studies, Karachi University, and WWF-Pakistan here on Saturday, was addressed by Dr S.M. Saifullah (Botany Department, Karachi University), Dr Tahir Qureshi (IUCN), Dr Shahid Ahmed Latifi (Environmental Protection Agency - Sindh), Dr Ejaz Ahmed (WWF-Pakistan) and Dr Altaf Khan.

The speakers were unanimous in their opinion that across the board realization among the masses as how these forests were actually protecting them against the repercussions of the looming global warming threat besides acting as a cost effective source of livelihood for a large majority of locals can efficiently help safeguarding the treasure spread across the 600,000 acres area from Karachi to Sir Creek, near the Indian border.

Prof Ahsanullah, discussing management of Indus delta mangroves, explicitly explained its utilization both in terms of direct and indirect application.

He cited tropical temperatures coupled with fine grain allviun (silt rich in nutrient), large intertidal zone, sheltered coastal area and salt water as basic requirements for the Indus delta mangroves.

With reference to salt water provision, he clarified that while mangroves were basically fresh water plant but those in the Indus delta had retreated itself as salt tolerant plants.

Acknowledging that these forests were threatened by the ever- increasing levels of marine pollution, Dr Saifullah reminded that they were generally tolerant plants. However, oil disposed of by ships, accidentally or otherwise, and release of heavy metal toxic substances released through chemical factories, power plants, steel mill into the sea water were a severe threat for their existence.

He regretted that Pakistan was yet to realise the actual potential of the natural asset and added that these, besides serving as breeding ground for fisheries and main source of animal fodder and fuel for concerned communities, could also be used for promotion of mariculture, procurement of bi-products beneficial for many of the local industries as well as recreational site for the nature lovers.

Director, Mangrove Conservation Project, IUCN, Dr Tahir Qureshi, highlighted the constant decline in the fresh water flow from the Indus river to the sea, exposing the delta mangroves to severe threats.

“Annual discharge of Indus water has decreased from a figure of 100 MAF, a few decades back, to less than 10 MAF (around.72 MAF) till last year.”

He said mangroves which till recently were generally considered wastelands by many were yet to be adequately registered for its significance, particularly on part of policy makers.

Dr Qureshi reminded that the Indus river and the Indus delta were encompassed by a mangrove vegetation which stood 14th in the rank of mangroves forestation around the globe.

Dr Ejaz Ahmed of WWF-Pakistan and Dr Altaf Khan of the Institute of Environmental Studies also spoke.—APP