June
8, 2004
WWF - Pakistan
Celebrates World Oceans Day 2004
Integrated and joint
efforts are needed for sustainable
coastal resource management, was
the opinion expressed by various
stakeholders at a panel discussion
on "Challenges and opportunities
for sustainable management of coastal
resources", organised by WWF
- Pakistan, to mark the World Oceans
Day celebrated on 8th June globally.
Mr. Naseer Memon, Manager Conservation
Sindh, WWF - Pakistan, shared findings
of a recently conducted Knowledge,
Attitude and Practices study (KAP
Study,) in collaboration with the
Centre for Information and Research,
SZABIST.
Mr. Baz Mohammad
Junejo, Director General Fisheries,
Government of Sindh, chaired the
session and suggested that a Coastal
Development Committee should be
formed, consisting of relevant Government
departments, NGOs and community
representatives, to develop an action
plan for coastal development and
to act as a surveillance agency
as well. He also informed the audience
that the Federal Government was
considering a request from the Sindh
Government, to extend its fishing
area coastline from up to 25 nautical
miles, instead of the present 12
nautical miles.
Mr. Ahsan Leghari,
Coordinator Oxfam Sindh Program,
highlighted the problems of basic
amenities in rural Sindh, which
are partly due to poor political
representation. He also suggested
that the management plan for Indus
delta and the coastal areas should
be linked.
Mr. Ghulam Rasool
Channa, Chief Conservator, Sindh
Wildlife Department, represented
the Secretary of Wildlife and Forest,
and stressed on creating awareness
amongst the masses as well as the
local communities, to use the natural
resources wisely. He also acknowledged
the efforts of WWF - Pakistan in
mangroves conservation.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad,Deputy
Director General WWF - P, highlighted
the importance of the Oceans Day
and emphasised on engaging the local
communities in nature conservation
activities.
Representatives from
City District Government Karachi
(CDGK), SZABIST, University of Karachi,
Secretariat of the Governor of Sindh,
line departments, SPO, EPA - Sindh,
Pakistan Fisherfolks Forum (PFF)
and the local community leaders
were also present at the occassion.
For further information:
Shameer Ali Prasla
Environmental Education & Communication
Officer
WWF - Pakistan
Regional Conservation Office
Room 606-607, Fortune Centre
Floor 6, Block 6, PECHS
Shahrae Faisal
Karachi
Ph: 92-21-4544 791/92
Fax: 92-21-4544790
shameerwwf@yahoo.com
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