The deteriorating economic situation coupled with the ever-lasting Covid-19 pandemic at the backdrop of a looming climate catastrophe has made it evident that Pakistan seriously needs to turn its attention on sustainable growth. This can only be done by creating a “conducive and enabling environment for equitable, economic and social development in order to encourage international investors”. While there are many possibilities for growth and development in multiple sectors, the irony is that it takes able foreign experts to convince us of the immense untapped potentials in our own country.
Recently, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Representative in Pakistan has indicated that with about 13,000 fish farms established across the country, the fishery and aquaculture industry has much potential of bringing in large investments in the country. This will not only help in creating significant income-generating opportunities but will also contribute to improving food security, nutrition, and poverty reduction. However, such a feat can only be achieved if existing fisheries legislations in Pakistan are revamped in conformity with international standards. Therefore, the FAO in collaboration with the Fisheries Development Board has started working on developing a “National Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Policy and Plan of Action for 2020-30” claiming that there is a dire need for a “holistic sectoral analysis” in order to identify investments gaps and development constraints within the sector in order to promote future growth.
Before moving forward, however, the local authorities as well as the UN need to keep in mind that Pakistan, being one of the worst-affected countries by global warming, is in the midst of an unparalleled climate catastrophe. Therefore, with the marine environment starting to alter, marine life will either begin to adapt or be destroyed. It is vital that authorities are aware of these constant future changes and synonymously restructure their practices and legislations in accordance with it.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ