In the heart of Karachi, where the busy city meets the expansive coastline, a remarkable event unfolded on October 7, 2023 by MasterPeace Pakistan. It was a gathering of sustainability leaders and school children or as we say COOLeaders from local communities came together for a common cause – to combat climate change through mangrove plantation.
Mangrove forests, often overlooked in the race for urban development, hold a crucial role in preserving the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. The event aimed not only to plant 500 mangrove saplings but also to raise awareness about the vital role these coastal guardians play in the fight against climate change.
"We engage and aware the local community and school children to plant mangroves at least 3 times a year."
MP Pakistan leader Mr. Kelash Sarhadi
The community leaders, driven by a shared commitment to sustainability, recognized the dire state of mangrove forests in Pakistan. Over the past five decades, these natural havens had suffered from over-exploitation and population pressure. Developmental activities near urban areas had led to the merciless clearing of mangroves, further exacerbated by reduced water flow in the river Indus due to upstream dams and barrages.
Undeterred by the challenges, concerned agencies, government departments, and non-governmental organizations had initiated visible efforts to conserve mangroves. New nurseries near Karachi, projects to grow more forests, and community mobilization were steps taken to reverse the damage. The rallying cry was clear: mangroves needed to be managed and conserved for the benefit of both the ecosystem and the hundreds of thousands of people who directly or indirectly depended on it for their livelihoods.
The event on October 7th was a testament to this collective effort. Sixty participants, including local community members and enthusiastic school children, joined hands to plant 500 mangrove saplings. The event organizers engaged and educated the participants about the significance of mangroves, and contributing in achieving SDG 11 and SDG 13 in particular.
“We engage and aware the local community and school children to plant mangroves at least 3 times a year,” MP Pakistan leader Mr. Kelash Sarhardi, says by emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts. The event not only planted trees but also seeds of awareness and responsibility. It sought to instill in the community a sense of guardianship for their mangrove ecosystems, encouraging them to play an active role in their conservation.
The 500 new mangroves stood as a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. The roots of these saplings would slow the water’s flow, protect the coastline, and provide a habitat for countless species. The ripple effect of this event was a step towards healing the mangrove ecosystems and, by extension, combating climate change.
The message was clear by the COOLeaders from Pakistan: To make the world green, sustainable community, one tree at a time.
