Experts emphasize on sustainable fishing practices for improving food security

Posted on October, 17 2024

Thatta/Sujawal, 17 October 2024: WWF-Pakistan celebrated World Food Day 2024 with a community-driven event in Haji Ismail Katyar (Aatharki) village, Taluka Kharochan, District Sujawal, to address the challenges of food security and sustainable fishing practices. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to address food security challenges faced by the local fisherfolk in the Indus Delta.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants and experts, including government officials, NGO representatives, community leaders, academicians, fisherfolk and media to discuss innovative solutions for addressing food security in the Indus Delta. Speakers pointed out that the region is rich in natural resources but faces increasing environmental challenges. They suggested promoting sustainable fishing practices to address food security issues.

Jawad Umer Khan, Manager Marine, WWF-Pakistan, emphasised the significance of conservation efforts in the Indus Delta. “WWF-Pakistan’s conservation initiatives are crucial for ensuring food security and protecting the environment. We are committed to supporting local communities in their struggle against hunger and malnutrition, with a focus on improving the management of natural resources.", he stated.

Government and NGO representatives emphasised the need for stronger community collaboration to protect fisheries and ensure long-term food security. K.B. Behrani, Additional Director of the Social Welfare Department, highlighted the urgency of eliminating harmful fishing practices, such as ghost nets and safeguarding small fish populations to secure resources for future generations. He said, "Collaborative efforts are essential for addressing food security challenges".

The representatives from organisations including the Research and Development Foundation, Penny Appeal, and Muslim Hands expressed their commitment to working alongside WWF-Pakistan and local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and protect natural resources.

Daim Shah, President of Aquaculture, addressed the crucial relationship between fisheries and food security; he added, "Sustainable aquaculture is vital for maintaining the balance between resource use and conservation".

Community members shared their challenges, including the difficulty of catching fish, accessing freshwater, maintaining mangrove forests, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Representatives from community-based organisations, Ghani Katiyar and Ameer Bux Jatt, expressed gratitude for WWF-Pakistan’s impactful interventions. They highlighted key initiatives such as establishing mangrove nurseries in the Indus Delta, cultivating Soan Grass to enhance livestock fodder and increase animal health and milk production, providing access to freshwater reservoirs, implementing aquaculture projects, and promoting social mobilisation for natural resource conservation. They said that these efforts, along with introducing kitchen gardening units to diversify diets, have significantly improved food security and livelihoods in the region.

The event also featured a compelling performance by The Azad Theatre Group, whose thought-provoking stage drama showcased the critical need for sustainable fishing practices, natural resource conservation, and economic empowerment. Their storytelling resonated deeply with the audience, delivering a powerful message about responsible livelihoods and the importance of securing a food-secure future. The performance also highlighted WWF-Pakistan's long-term commitment to nature conservation, food security, and sustainable economic growth, inspiring positive change within the community.

WWF-Pakistan's initiatives in the Indus Delta, particularly through the BMZ Project, continue to focus on conserving the social and natural integrity as well as the ecological integrity of the Indus River Delta while fostering community engagement and partnerships. These efforts aim to build a sustainable future for the communities that depend on the Indus Delta’s resources.
A token of appreciation presented to a student for his performance at the event.
© WWF-Pakistan