Balochistan declares Churna Island as Pakistan’s second marine protected area

The government of Balochistan has officially declared Churna Island as Pakistan’s second Marine Protected Area (MPA), a significant move to safeguard the region’s fragile marine ecosystem. 

In a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the decision was approved, following the declaration of Astola Island as the country’s first MPA in June 2017.

Churna Island, located near Karachi, is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, much like Astola Island, and is home to coral habitats that are rare in Pakistan. 

The area is a popular destination for recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, cliff jumping, and jet skiing, while also serving as an essential fishing ground for both Sindh and Balochistan fishermen.

However, the marine ecosystem surrounding Churna Island faces mounting threats from human activities, including the development of power plants, oil refineries, single-point mooring, and extensive recreational usage. 

WWF-Pakistan, in response to the cabinet’s approval, has expressed its support for the declaration, viewing it as a vital step toward protecting the island’s delicate environment.

In a statement, WWF-Pakistan applauded the efforts of the Balochistan government, particularly recognising the contributions of Dostain Jamaldini, Secretary of the Forest and Wildlife Department, and Sharifuddin Baloch, Chief Conservator of Wildlife. 

The environmental organisation highlighted the importance of this designation in preserving marine biodiversity.

Pakistan, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is committed to protecting 30% of its ocean areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The designation of Churna Island as an MPA is a crucial step toward achieving this 30×30 goal.

Rab Nawaz, Senior Director of Biodiversity Programmes at WWF-Pakistan, commended the initiative and urged both the federal and Sindh governments to follow Balochistan’s lead by declaring more MPAs. 

He emphasised that poorly planned development activities and climate change have led to the degradation of marine resources. “This initiative will help reverse the damage caused to marine ecosystems and would protect marine life for future generations,” Nawaz said.

Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor for WWF-Pakistan, further underscored the ecological significance of Churna Island, noting it is home to over 50 species of corals and 250 species of fish, along with various other marine creatures. 

He added that the island’s new status as an MPA would play a critical role in addressing biodiversity loss and protecting threatened species.

The declaration of Churna Island as an MPA is seen as a monumental effort to conserve Pakistan’s marine resources, while also aligning with international biodiversity goals.