LAHORE: The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Ministry of Defence and WWF-Pakistan signed a framework of cooperation (FoC) at World Wide Fund for Nature’s Lahore office on Monday to work together to control illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing; tackle illegal wildlife trade; address illegal or accidental discharge, dumping of waste and chemical or biological pollution and to implement rules and regulations in the marine protected areas.

Both parties also agreed to collaborate for research and development of innovative projects to address environmental risks and the impact of climate change and repair and restore critical components of the ocean system.

Speaking at the occasion, Rear Admiral Foad Amin Baig, director general of the PMSA, said, “We are working on a unified goal, but in silos. Through this understanding, we hope to work in synergy to bridge the gap between regulatory policy and implementation”.

Hammad Naqi Khan, the director general WWF-Pakistan, said, “Economic activity and unsustainable practices along the coast are damaging the ecosystem and diminishing our fishing resources. The Indus Delta is also the second biggest source of plastic pollution in the world. Along with the government, regulatory bodies, non-profit organisations and coastal communities, we must shift towards a blue economy and utilise our maritime resources in a sustainable manner”.

It was also decided that an Ocean Climate Trust/Alliance would be established along with relevant stakeholders, including academia, to explore and support intellectual and financial investments in ocean restoration.

The framework also recognizes that both parties will launch sapling planting campaigns to enhance tree cover and improve climate resilience of coastal communities. WWF-Pakistan will also facilitate the installation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing boats for effective monitoring, control and surveillance measures in order to support the Pakistani fisheries.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2022