Mangroves are vital coastal forests found in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. In Pakistan, they are primarily located in the Indus Delta of Sindh, home to one of the largest arid climate mangrove ecosystems in the world, with additional rich mangrove sites along the Balochistan coastline. As the world observes World Mangroves Day 2025 under the theme Protect Wetlands for our Future, the focus is on the critical importance of conserving and restoring these unique ecosystems.
Mangroves play a key ecological and socio-economic role. They serve as nursery grounds for marine life, shield coastal communities from erosion and storm surges, and support the livelihoods of thousands of people, especially those in fisheries and small-scale coastal enterprises. Their ability to store carbon at levels far exceeding many terrestrial forests makes them essential for climate mitigation and resilience.
Sustainable mangrove management opens up opportunities for generating carbon credits, attracting international climate finance, and creating green jobs. By promoting nature-based enterprises, mangrove conservation supports both environmental and economic objectives in coastal areas.
IUCN Pakistan has been actively engaged in mangrove restoration and protection through partnerships with the Sindh Forest Department and other stakeholders. Their work includes community-led restoration projects, capacity building, and technical support based on Nature-based Solutions.
To further mangrove governance, IUCN Pakistan helped establish the National Coordinating Body (NCB), which includes 27 member organizations such as the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial departments, and civil society groups. This platform enables collective efforts for scaling up conservation actions.
Recently, IUCN Pakistan conducted a nationwide assessment of mangrove forests as part of the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme. The study offers updated data on mangrove distribution, conditions, and threats, identifying challenges like freshwater scarcity, pollution, and land-use changes. The report emphasizes the role of institutions in conservation and highlights the urgency of protecting mangroves amid increasing climate impacts.
The message also honors the late Mr. Tahir Qureshi—widely known as the “Mangrove Man”—for his lifelong dedication to mangrove restoration, leaving a lasting legacy on Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems.
On World Mangroves Day 2025, IUCN Pakistan calls for unified action from government bodies, local communities, civil society, the private sector, and media to safeguard mangroves. These forests are more than vegetation—they are critical natural infrastructure that supports biodiversity, enhances climate resilience, and contributes to national development goals.
Through shared knowledge, commitment, and concrete action, the future of Pakistan’s mangrove ecosystems can be secured for generations to come.
