Fragile Mangroves and Increasing Susceptibility to Coastal Hazards in Pakistan

Abstract

This chapter deals with the spatiotemporal distribution and trends of mangroves along the Pakistan coastline, with a special emphasis on the actors and drivers of changes. In the country, mangrove along the coastal belt of Sindh province is comparatively dense and more productive than the Balochistan coastal zone. In Pakistan, the chronological analysis of the extent of mangrove forest reveals the grave scenario. Sparse distribution of mangrove forest cover and gradual diminishing of this natural asset have posed a challenge for Pakistan to prompt respond and devise sustainable strategies for its conservation. It was found that area under mangrove cover decreased from 122,000 ha in 1992 to 73,000 ha in the year 2000, indicating a 50,000 ha decline in mere 8 years. The analysis reveals that mangrove forest cover has been degraded due to rapid human intervention, overexploitation, and lack of attention toward regeneration and expansion. However, with the government and private sector intervention, increase in regeneration and rehabilitation of mangrove cover has been registered. The chapter further identifies several persistent stressors such as rapid human intervention, overexploitation, lack of freshwater flow, and discharge of untreated industrial effluent as key factors endangering mangrove sustainability in the future. In conclusion, the chapter recommends some key strategies for mangrove sustainability, of which, effective implementation of existing environmental legislations and ensuring freshwater supply for the coastal ecosystems remain imperative.