World Forest Day: Mangrove plantation drive launched

A large number of senior military and civil officials attended the event

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah inaugurated Pakistan Navy Mangroves Plantation Campaign on Monday. The campaign, in line with the Green Pakistan vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was launched on the World Forest Day and is being observed around the globe on March 21.



A large number of senior military and civil officials, including representatives from the business community, journalists, WWF, and IUCN were present at the ceremony held at Younasabad area of the Karachi’s coast. Admiral Zaka said that the deforestation of mangroves has affected biodiversity of the coastal areas and threatened livelihoods of fishing communities.



Mangroves occur where oceans, freshwater and land meet. They are vital to coastal ecosystem, prevention of sea intrusion and sustainability of marine life.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2016.