Strengthening the Defenders of the Coast

Objectives

To ensure that Pakistan Navy personnel and its units and institutions are fully aware of the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems including mangroves.

Background

Pakistan Navy (PN) operates extensively along the coastal areas of Pakistan. As such, naval forces are at the forefront of facing the impacts of environmental degradation in coastal areas. The pollution in harbor areas induces potentially higher costs to naval operations in the coastal areas, resulting from higher maintenance costs and reduced life of machinery. The mangrove forests along the coast are also a strategically important resource from the standpoint of Pakistan Navy. Therefore, the project was aimed at creating environmental awareness among PN personnel who are directly or indirectly linked to coastal resources and ecosystems.

Target beneficiaries

Personnel in all training and educational institutions of the Pakistan Navy at Karachi.

Outputs

1. Raise environmental consciousness amongst the Pakistan Navy and reduce environmentally unfriendly practices in coastal areas.

2. Encourage conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in naval operations.

Accomplishments and challenges

1. Lectures/seminars were held at Pakistan Navy units and its schools and colleges to raise awareness on the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems.

2. Beach cleaning campaigns were organized to clean the coast and to promote environmental protection awareness amongst the cadets and coastal communities.

3. Quiz and painting competitions were held within PN unit, schools and colleges.

4. Articles were published in PN newsletters/magazines.

5. Pakistan Navy marines operating in the creek areas adopted environmentally sound practices to ensure protection and conservation of mangroves.

6. Video clips/documentaries and presentations highlighting coastal issues were used as tools to create awareness on coastal environment, climate change and alternate energy resources.

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

Communications:

Articles on importance of coastal and marine ecosystem were published in periodical magazines such as Navy News.

Gender equality:

Both women officers and cadets were engaged in beach cleaning, quiz competition and awareness raising activities. School children were part of poster competition and other awareness activities organized navy operated schools and colleges.

Climate change:

Guest lectures highlighting the contemporary issues of climate change and alternate energy options were organized in various units.

Lessons Learned

1. The project has been a novel experience for naval forces, and sensitized them towards the management of coastal natural resources.

2. The engagement of naval staff in such a conservation work has helped develop their skills for similar future interventions.