Mangrove forests

This refers to the editorial ‘Conserving mangroves’ (June 10). It is indeed encouraging to note that China has agreed to help Pakistan in its conservation efforts for mangroves forests along the Gwadar Port under the umbrella of CPEC. All stakeholders must realise that the participation of local people is essential for the conservation of the coastal mangrove forests.

There was a time when Pakistan had rich natural resources and a healthy mangrove ecosystem along its coastal zones before deforestation set in. It is hoped that with the active support of China, we can once again nurse our ailing and depleting mangrove forests back into robust health.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad