Nature based solution for wastewater treatment on Manora Island, Pakistan

Environmental challenges

• Pollution reduction to restore and increase the protection of marine biodiversity and natural regeneration of mangroves benefitting coastal livelihoods
• Water scarcity Mitigation to decrease risk of water scarcity during drought periods

Social challenges

• Reduction of potential health hazards to decrease the risk of food chain contamination, and water contamination
• Address impaired well-being by increasing the amount of well-maintained green spaces

Economic challenges

• Reduction of impact on fishing industry to ensure healthier fish stocks
• Reduction of impact on tourism to improve aesthetic value 
• Reduction of impact on shipping industry to reduce occurrence of corrosion
• Reduction of costs for irrigation/ watering of green spaces

1) Baseline study and needs assessment

The baseline study consisted of three elements: 1) Situation analysis to analyse the physical environment and the types of pollutants. 2) Review of available secondary literature regarding wastewater treatment techniques. 3) Survey of local stakeholders to assess the suitability of potential wastewater treatment solutions for the needs of the main beneficiaries.  4) Collection of wastewater samples and analysis by a local university.

 Enabling factors:

• consider the country context

• wastewater analysis and identification of pathogens

• discussion with stakeholders, understanding needs to allow ownership, maintenance and operations once the project is completed

Lessons learned:

• The baseline study helped in understanding the gravity of marine pollution issues and its impact on marine life and naval infrastructure costing economic loss of millions of rupees; hence, a key  priority for Pakistan Navy.
• The marine pollution issue appears largely unattended by respective agencies despite the fact that a Marine Pollution Control Board (MPCB) which is chaired by Minister of Port & Shipping does exist.
• Freshwater scarcity was a key issue in coastal islands.

2) Inclusion of non-traditional stakeholders in project design

The Pakistan Navy operates extensively in this area and has committed to contribute to the protection of coastal environment and conservation of natural resources. The engagement with the Pakistan Navy was key to achieve this project.

Enabling factors: 

• The Pakistan Navy is depending on marine and coastal ecosystems for its operation

• The Pakistan navy was looking for concrete actions to demonstrate its coastal engagement

• The Pakistan Navy was seeking solutions to increase the well-being of its employees and families

 Lessons learned:

• MFF engagement with Pakistan Navy generated their interest in addressing other coastal issues such as, mangrove plantation and designation of Astola Island as the first ever marine protected area in Pakistan.

• A great deed of level of trust and confidence was built and strengthened between a non-traditional actor and civil society.

3) Low-cost and natural infrastructure development

The Reedbed system is a constructed/ artificial wetland system that mimics natural wetland ecosystems. The first experiment was conducted by Dr. Kaethe Seidel, a German botanist, who introduced the idea of using plants to treat wastewater. It is more applicable for sewerage water than for industrial wastewater.

The system follows a 4-steps process where first large contaminants are removed, followed by suspended solids and organic matter, biodegradable matter, and lastly specific pollutants. The vegetation types for the different treatment steps include Canna Indica, Canna Edulis, Typha Spp, Phragmites Spp and Water Lily.

Enabling factors:

• Area is prone to water-scarcity

• Large area of land available

• System’s design should consider wastewater types and climate

• System is easy to operate and maintain

• System can be built with local materials

• System does not require an external energy input

Lessons learned:

• The constructed wetland not only provides opportunity to adapt low cost biological wastewater treatment technology for treating wastewater and making it reusable for different purposes.

• Pakistan Navy has adopted and replicated Reedbed system as a good practice to treat wastewater and reuse it for greening purposes across its various locations.

4) Sharing lessons learned for replication

The Reedbed system is a low-cost system that is easy to replicate in other areas. Project results have been documented and disseminated and the lessons shared at various levels and at national and international forums. Exposure visit of media, policymakers and government officials to the Reedbed System site organized. A policy paper on status of marine pollution along the Karachi coast has been prepared for future advocacy on coastal pollution issues.

Enabling factors:

• Strong interest at national level from policy-makers, industries, urban planners and other stakeholders in low-cost solutions to mitigate wastewater pollution

• Government aims to find solutions to water-scarcity

• Low-cost and easy to maintain solution with a high replication potential

• Raised awareness among all ranks of the Pakistan Navy, media and high-government officials

Lessons learned:

• The Reedbed system has a greater scope for treating domestic and industrial wastewater and reusing it for various purposes to address water scarcity issue.

• The project has generated a great deal of interest and awareness among PN ranks for their role in contributing to sustainable coastal environmental management in collaboration with other coastal stakeholders.

• The project result in enhancing greenery on the Manora Island, saving huge quantities of freshwater and costs of its procurement.