By: Shehneela Mazhar
Karachi, also known as mini Pakistan, is a bustling city with a population of over 20 million people located on the Arabian sea coastline. As the sea level continues to rise and climate change poses a threat, the need for natural protection for the residents and marine life of Karachi and other coastal cities is becoming increasingly pressing. Fortunately, Mangroves, also known as “Custodian of the Coast,” provide a natural shield to mitigate the impacts of climate change on these areas.
Shah Mehran, our Access alumnus and a grantee of PUAN’s Alumni Small Grant (ASG) Program, is working to increase awareness among Karachi residents about the importance of protecting Mangroves. His unique project aims to educate Karachiites about Mangrove forests and their vital role in safeguarding the city from various climate-related calamities. Additionally, it highlights how essential the ecosystem is for the city’s economic stability as a sanctuary for marine life.
To make his campaign more impactful and help communities better understand the Mangrove ecosystem, Shah Mehran has developed a small-scale model of the Mangrove ecosystem (a wave tank). The model depicts how Mangroves protect the coasts from cyclones and flooding, providing a visual and tactile way to learn about the ecosystem.
In addition, Shah Mehran is organizing Mangrove Safari rides to provide the community with a unique opportunity to experience and learn about Mangroves in a practical way. These Safari rides will help residents develop an appreciation for the Mangrove ecosystem’s significance and encourage them to take measures to protect it.
Shah Mehran’s efforts to educate and create awareness about the importance of Mangroves in protecting Karachi from climate change are commendable. By raising awareness and involving the community in this critical issue, he is taking a step towards a sustainable future for Karachi and the planet as a whole. We must recognize the importance of Mangroves and support Shah Mehran’s efforts to safeguard this natural protector of Karachi’s coasts.
