Noorulain Shaikh graduated with an LLB (Hons.) degree from the University of London. She is keen on geographical, sociopolitical, and legal aspects of world affairs. She is a published author of articles concerning international law and regional policy affairs.

In a bid to preserve another biodiversity spot, the Balochistan government declared Churna Island a marine protected area (MPA). There are limited marine areas in Pakistan; hence, their preservation is crucial. Aside from Churna Island, the only other MPA in Pakistan is Astola Island. Astola Island was declared as the first MPA in June 2017.

It is located in the Arabian Sea, near Mubarak Goth, Kiamari town, some 40 kilometres from Karachi’s commercial hub. Churna Island is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in coral habitat, mudflat, and oyster reefs. The island is a feeding spot for baleen whales, whale sharks, mobulidae, and sunfish.

However, the island’s coral habitat has suffered in the past few years due to increasing unregulated anthropogenic activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and emissions from coal power plants, notwithstanding the 500m oil spill hitting the island’s coral habitat in 2018. The final nail in the coffin was the evidence of coral bleaching in the waters in 2022. Thus, declaring the island an MPA is a commendable move for marine conservation.

However, while marine conservation is vital to combat climate change and preserve the environment, the sustainability aspect of the move must also be considered.........

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