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The small grants under the project titled “Building Resilience of Coastal, Ecological, and Social Systems of Pakistan” funded by the were awarded to the following four local NGOs actively working in coastal areas:, Society for Rural Development Sindh, Collation for Appropriation of Resources & Development, and . The grant awardees were finalised through a rigorous selection process led by the NCB.��

The meeting made notable progress in advancing the strategic roadmap for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Pakistan. From Astola Island’s designation as an MPA in 2017 under the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) initiative to the recent MPA designation of Churna Island, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� remains focused on developing management plans and engaging with stakeholders to identify other potential MPA sites.

Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan, highlighted that ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan had provided 29 successful grants to local communities in previous years, marking a significant change in streamlining natural resource conservation at the grassroots level. He emphasised that the continuing efforts reflect ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��'s commitment to elevating the coastal communities. He also expressed ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��'s support for these communities in the future, encouraging more NGOs to step forward.

In addition to the grants, Ms Aisha Humera Chaudhary, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in conserving coastal ecosystems. She emphasised that the ministry remains committed to supporting these initiatives and strengthening Pakistan's conservation framework.

Mr Dostain Khan Jamaldini, Secretary of the Balochistan Fisheries and Wildlife Department, noted the growing pressure on coastal resources and underscored the need for proactive measures such as the establishment of MPAs and the promotion of sustainable fisheries management. He emphasised that these actions are essential to safeguarding coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Mr Naveed Soomro, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan’s Coastal Program Manager, remarked that these initiatives not only protect biodiversity but also provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The participation of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination as the chair of the body, Ministry of Defence, Pakistan Navy, National Institute of Oceanography; Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, and Gwadar Port Authority; forest & wildlife departments, fisheries departments, and coastal development authorities of both provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, academia, civil society, and private sector remained pivotal.

The meeting concluded with all participants reaffirming their commitment to continue addressing the increasing challenges affecting Pakistan's coastal and marine ecosystems.

For more information, please contact:
Mr Hammad Saeed
Manager, Communications and Knowledge Management
������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan, Islamabad Country Office
Cell. +92 307 7773801
E-mail: [email protected]
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