KARACHI: For the first time a Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been declared in Pakistan, the Government of Balochistan issued a notification on 15th June 2017 declaring Astola Island as the first dedicated marine protected area in the country.
Covering an area of about 400 square kilometres, Astola Island is located about 39 kilometres east of Pasni, Balochistan and is considered the largest island along the coast of Pakistan. WWF-Pakistan congratulated the Secretary, Forest and Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan for taking proactive action in declaring the Astola Island Marine Protected Area (AIMPA).
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which Pakistan is a signatory, requires nations under Article 2 to designate, regulate and manage geographically defined areas (marine protected areas) to achieve the specific conservation objectives. By declaring the Astola Island Marine Protected Area, Pakistan has started complying to the Aichi Target 11, which requires that by 2020 at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas are conserved.
According to Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor (Marine Fisheries), Astola Island is a biodiversity hotspot as many species of marine and terrestrial animals and plants are known to be found on this island. The sub-species, Russel’s viper (Echis carinatus astolae), is an endemic species and is a highly poisonous snake which is reported only from this Island.
The island is also a nesting area for many sea birds, especially the greater crested tern (Thalasseus bergii) which has thousands of nest on the island.
The sandy beaches of Astola Island are also known for the nesting of green turtles. The ocean around the island is also rich in marine biodiversity, 25 species of coral are known from Astola Island. The Arabian humpback whale, which is considered to be one of the rarest marine mammals, is also occasionally reported from the surrounding area.
While, Rab Nawaz, Senior Director Programmes, WWF-Pakistan appreciated the efforts of the Secretary, Forest and Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan; Minister and Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan in the declaration of Astola Island Marine Protected Area.—PR
