Pakistan's freshwater and marine ecosystems are of great significance as they serve as critical breeding, rearing, staging and wintering grounds for a number of globally important species. During the migration season, over one million waterfowl from 108 species use the extensive deltas, shallows and other wetlands. As Pakistan is a predominantly arid and semi-arid country, these ecosystems have a significant economic value, as people, livestock and wildlife are dependent on them for their livelihood and survival.

With global warming on the rise, these essential wetlands are drying up. Every year less freshwater reaches the Indus delta; freshwater that is essential for the survival of the mangrove ecosystem, which in turn is vital to the continued existence of countless human communities, their livestock and the wild animals, including birds, who live around the mangroves.

WWF - Pakistan works to ensure the active participation of all stakeholders in making decisions on the protection and management of marine and wetland ecosystems. Partners in conservation include local communities, line departments and other NGOs.