KARACHI: Speakers at a three-day international conference, which opened at Karachi University (KU) on Monday, underscored the need to protect the country`s marine biodiversity, which they said faced a growing threat from pollution.

The event Marine Biodiversity, SocioEnvironmental Aspects and Technology was organised by KU`s Department of Zoology at the university`s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium.

Speaking at the inaugural session as the chief guest, provincial minister for energy, planning and development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah reaffirmed the government`s commitment to protecting coastal areas and preserving mangrove forests.

He emphasised the importance of tackling plastic pollution, especially in marine environments, while stressing the need for awareness campaigns in coastal regions to promote responsible waste management and reduce plastic use.

`Despite efforts, environmental actions have not been as effective as they should be, leading to various challenges,` the minister regretted, pointing out that a significant part of Karachi lies within the coastal zone and that the government had undertaken major initiatives, including a large-scale mangrove restoration project to protect this critical environment.

`The mangrove project has been successful. It has gained international recognition and funding.

Additionally, we have enforced strict monitoring to check the discharge of industrial waste into the sea,Mr Shah informed the audience.

Dr Khalid Iraqi, vice chancellor of the KU, called for policies to curb the use of plastic bags and to make the environment clean and green, while emphasising the need to invest in research that could help address environmental challenges.

`We need to believe in science and focus on finding solutions. Investment in science can help us overcome our challenges,` he said, adding that scientists should use technology to protect marine diversity and the socio-economic environment.

Director of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs, retired Cdre M. Masud Akram, highlighted the dire state of local fisheries. Poor sanitation practices, he said, had gravely affected the country`s marine resources.

He also shared how a lack of value-addition in businesses and production had adversely impacted the country`s economy, noting that high-quality basmati rice and pink salt were being rebranded and sold internationally under India`s label.

Prof Soleha Rehman, convener of the conference, explained the growing environmental pressures on the global marine ecosystems, which cover 71 per cent of the planet.

`Marine science is not just about studying water. It`s a science of survival. It guides us on how we can ensure sustainable fisheries, mitigate coastal threats, restore mangroves, protect native marine species, and empower local and marginalised communities,` she added.

The event is being co-organised by the National Institute of Oceanography, the Sindh wildlife, forest, livestock and fisheries departments, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Maritime Security Agency and Bahria University Karachi, among others.