Key Takeaways
- Sindh's coastal residents face multiple threats from natural disasters and climate change.
- 74.8% of surveyed villagers cite sea intrusion as the most significant environmental threat.
- 93% report that cyclones disrupt their livelihoods, highlighting urgent need for action.
Sindh’s coastal communities are among the least protected and least connected populations in Pakistan, facing a combination of natural disasters and climate change impacts. This was highlighted during a panel discussion at the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES), University of Karachi.
Experts from various organizations, including Green Media Initiatives (GMI) and Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), emphasized that these communities are on the front line of environmental challenges. Shabina Faraz, Founder of GMI, noted that 1,361 people in Keti Bandar responded to a survey conducted by her organization, revealing significant socio-economic concerns.
The survey found that sea intrusion was identified as the most significant environmental threat affecting coastal villages, with 74.8% of respondents citing it. Cyclones were reported to have the greatest impact on household income, affecting 74.4% of households. Nearly 99% of coastal people experienced recurring disasters, with high or very high impacts rated by the majority.
Dr Farrukh Nawaz, Director at IES, University of Karachi, stressed the importance of digital mapping in protecting these communities from natural disasters. He highlighted that Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change and future risks such as cyclones and floods are imminent. He called for a collaborative effort between the government, academia, and civil society.
Afia Salam, an environment expert and former IUCN environment expert, pointed out a gap between academia and civil society in addressing natural disasters and environmental issues. She emphasized that academia should be more involved in decision-making processes to bridge this gap.
Dr Asma Ibrahim, a noted archaeologist, highlighted the impact of natural disasters on historical sites across Pakistan. She provided an example of encroachment at Bhanbhor, an important archaeological site, where government support is lacking for removal efforts.
Kashif Ali Sheikh, Executive Director at Transparency International Pakistan, underscored that people in coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. He called for more concrete actions from the government and civil society to address these issues.
The panel discussion concluded with a call for urgent measures to protect Sindh’s coastal communities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies involving all stakeholders.
for many coastal families, the natural disasters and climate change are not a distant scientific concept. It is the gradual disappearance of agricultural land, the erosion of villages, the loss of fishing grounds, the destruction of homes and, increasingly, the difficult decision to migrate.
Panelists
