The Balochistan government has garnered praise from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan for officially declaring Churna Island as the country’s second Marine Protected Area (MPA). This decision was approved by the provincial cabinet, marking a significant step in marine conservation efforts.
Previously, Balochistan declared Astola Island as its first MPA in June 2017. Churna Island, like Astola, stands out as a biodiversity hotspot, with thriving coral habitats, according to WWF-Pakistan. It has gained popularity for recreational activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing, while also serving as a key fishing ground for fishermen from both Sindh and Balochistan.
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However, Churna Island’s unique marine ecosystem is at risk due to human activities, including nearby industrial developments and recreational usage. WWF-Pakistan views the declaration of the island as a critical move to safeguard its fragile ecosystem.
The conservation organization commended the efforts of the Balochistan government, particularly the Secretary of the Forest and Wildlife Department, Dostain Jamaldini, and Chief Conservator Wildlife, Sharifuddin Baloch.
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Pakistan, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, has committed to designating 30% of its ocean as protected by 2030, known as the “30×30” target. This declaration of Churna Island as an MPA contributes toward this global goal.
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WWF-Pakistan’s Senior Director, Rab Nawaz, emphasized the importance of expanding Marine Protected Areas and urged both the federal and Sindh governments to take similar steps in marine conservation. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, WWF’s Technical Adviser, highlighted the island’s biodiversity, home to over 50 species of coral and 250 species of fish, stressing the need for protection against biodiversity loss.
