The British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Sarah Mooney, emphasized the importance of blue economy for Pakistan during the World Maritime Day 2024 seminar. As the chief guest at the event, organized by the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publication (DEMP) in collaboration with the Maritime Training Institute, Mooney highlighted how crucial it is for Pakistan to incorporate the blue economy into its national economic framework.
She pointed out that Pakistan’s 1,001 km coastline is rich in marine species, plants, and mineral resources. However, despite this enormous potential, the blue economy has not been fully utilized to its maximum capacity. Mooney noted that the untapped resources from the ocean could generate over $100 billion in revenue if properly managed and developed. This revenue would significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth, creating new job opportunities, and fostering sustainable development.
Pakistan Geographic and Maritime Advantage
Director General of the Press Information Department (PID), Erum Tanveer, addressed the seminar by emphasizing Pakistan’s unique geographic location. With its 1,001 km-long coastline and strategic position between East and West, Pakistan holds a significant role in global maritime affairs. Erum Tanveer highlighted that the blue economy plays a pivotal role in harnessing this geographic advantage, which includes deep-water ports, marine resources, and access to international shipping routes. She also pointed out the pressing environmental challenges that Pakistan faces, particularly climate change, which impacts the coastal areas and maritime ecosystems.
In response, Pakistan has introduced several national policies aimed at promoting the importance of blue economy for Pakistan. These initiatives include sustainable fisheries, marine renewable energy projects, and marine biodiversity conservation. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to safeguard the environment while promoting economic growth, in line with Pakistan’s commitments to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Media’s Role in Advancing the Blue Economy
Erum Tanveer further elaborated on the role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in advancing national efforts related to the blue economy. The Ministry, through the Press Information Department and the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publication, plays a key role in disseminating critical information regarding government policies, achievements, and initiatives related to the blue economy.
These ecosystems act as natural barriers against storms and coastal erosion, playing a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s coastal resilience. The documentary, aligned with the World Maritime Day theme of “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” underscored the twin pillars of maritime safety and sustainability.
By producing documentaries, publications, and media content, the Ministry ensures that the importance of blue economy for Pakistan is communicated effectively, both domestically and internationally. During the seminar, a documentary was presented that highlighted the significance of preserving mangrove ecosystems, which are critical for coastal protection, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
Messages from international maritime figures were also shared during the event, including remarks from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, who emphasized that maritime safety is a fundamental aspect of the global economy, with over 80% of the world’s goods transported by sea annually. Dominguez praised advancements in maritime safety but urged for continuous improvements to address the challenges faced by the industry.
The seminar also featured contributions from maritime professionals, including Capt. John Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Nautical Institute, and Kevin Shakesheff, President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, who both highlighted the significance of embracing innovation to ensure the future security of maritime transport.
In his keynote speech, Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, CEO of Seacare Pakistan and Vice Chairman, underscored the significance of World Maritime Day 2024 in promoting awareness about maritime safety and the importance of the blue economy for countries like Pakistan.
