Pakistan's Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, highlighted the critical role of mangroves in protecting the Arabian Sea coastline, sustaining fisheries, and building climate resilience. Speaking on World Mangrove Day, he noted Pakistan has the world's largest arid-climate mangrove forest in the Indus Delta and ranks seventh globally in mangrove area. He warned that degradation threatens food security and fishing livelihoods. The minister estimated Pakistan's mangrove carbon market could generate $20 to $50 million annually depending on carbon credit prices and volumes. He called for restoration efforts that could move Pakistan to fourth or fifth place globally in mangrove forest area. Balochistan's 4,058 hectares of mangroves were also noted as a potential contributor to national carbon goals.
