Removing misgivings about the development of Islands
Lately, there has been criticism of the Pakistan Government’s decision to develop the islands and the formation of an independent authority “PIDA” to manage these barren lands. From environmental catastrophe to fishermen’s livelihood, much has been said about this development and how it would affect the flora and fauna of these islands.
What not has been discussed is that Coastal areas are frontiers along roughly 356,000 km of global coastline and the ocean and its coasts are expected to create new economic opportunities and substantial growth in the marine and maritime sector in both developed and developing countries (European Environment Agency 2013).
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 outcome document “The Future We Want “acknowledges the critical role of ‘‘oceans, seas and coastal areas’’ in sustaining the ‘‘Earth’s ecosystem’’, and emphasizes the need for ‘‘conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas and of their resources.
Coastal development projects have defensive structures which are rapidly colonized by marine fauna and can develop diverse and abundant marine communities over time, serving as large-scale artificial reef habitats Research in the Gulf has shown that diverse marine communities begin to develop on coastal infrastructure within months of construction, and this infrastructure also attracts mobile organisms from surrounding habitats. Development of Islands is in fact, restoration, up-gradation, and protection of the ecosystem through a robust and efficient engineering management system.
Whereas critics of the development have not taken into context the fact this is the current situation of these islands, coastal shoreline and environmental challenges and need for mitigation measures to address these issues.
The growing population of Karachi, with 47% living in water stress areas in Pakistan and there is a substantial shortfall of power resources. Island development project will be equipped with a desalination plant that will convert seawater into potable water along with state-of-the-art renewable energy and waste management systems to support the needs of Karachi City. Singapore’s mangrove forests, coral reefs, and sand/mudflats disappeared between the 1920s and 1990s.
Mangrove forests have increased due to restoration efforts and ecological engineering is used to help conserve biodiversity. Likewise, what the Country and Sindh really need is migrating to green and futuristic cities that not just protect the environment and ecosystem but provide untapped sources of energy and water for generations to come. PIDA is Mandated to be the first Corporate Social Responsible Authority with Preservation and expansion of mangroves through organized nurseries and Green and eco-sustainable development has attracted major renewable technology partners to Pakistan with equity partnerships.
As a first step, PIDA has initiated complete environmental studies including comprehensive interaction with the local community, so that all mitigation measures become planning & development phases of the project.
Nevertheless, attracting foreign and local companies that shall not only invest in a green sustainable future but generate employment opportunities for Sindh and other provinces.
As for the corporate social responsibility, environmental and fishermen fund have been formed with major corporates and banks in a consortium for livelihood programs and easy loans for fishermen with no major documentation or requirements. The Harbor fish market, enhancement of fisheries sector and Programs related to environmental protection, preservation of mangrove areas are key objectives of the authority.
With plans of progress ready, PIDA is all set to place the first green city of Pakistan on the canvas.
