SUCCESS STORIES
1. Success Story
Mangroves Plantation by Caritas Pakistan Karachi Saving Fisher folk Communities on the Coastal Belt of Karachi
The coastal belt of Karachi, Pakistan, is home to numerous fisher folk communities that rely on the ocean for their livelihood. However, the region has faced severe environmental degradation, including the destruction of mangrove forests, which have protected these communities for centuries. Caritas Pakistan Karachi, planted mangroves in several drives to save the fisherfolk communities and restore the ecosystem.
Karachi’s coastal belt is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as cyclones, storms, and tsunamis. The mangrove forests that once lined the coast provided a natural barrier against these threats, as well as a habitat for marine life and a source of income for fisher folk. However, over the years, the mangroves were cleared for industrial and residential development, leaving the communities exposed.
In 2013, Caritas Pakistan Karachi initiated a mangroves plantation project in Karachi, to 200 hectares of mangrove forests along the coastal belt. The project aimed to:
- Protect fisher folk communities from natural disasters and coastal erosion.
- Enhance biodiversity and marine life.
- Provide income-generating opportunities for local communities.
- Promote sustainable fishing practices.
The Activities involved:
- Community engagement and awareness-raising campaigns.
- Planting of 50,000 mangrove saplings over the years
- Training of local communities in mangrove plantation and management.
- Establishment of community-based committees.
- Collaboration and networking with Sindh Forest Department
- Monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact.
Impact:
The mangroves plantation project has had a significant impact on the fisher-folk communities in Karachi:
- Reduced Vulnerability: Communities are now better protected against natural disasters, reducing the risk of loss of life and property.
- Improved Livelihoods: Income-generating opportunities have been created, improving the overall livelihoods of fisherfolk families.
- Enhanced Ecosystem Services: The restored mangrove forests provide essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat creation.
- Empowered Communities: Local communities are now more engaged in mangrove management and conservation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
The mangroves plantation by Caritas Pakistan Karachi has demonstrated the importance of restoring natural ecosystems to protect vulnerable communities and promote sustainable development.
2. Success Story
The Caritas Pakistan Quetta team has organized a session about the importance of trees in our lives and its impact on our climate. The session started with the prayer after that Mr. Sharafat Masih gave introduction of Caritas Pakistan Quetta he has also explore of the work of Caritas Pakistan Quetta. He has appreciated to the volunteers of Caritas Pakistan for their great effort for humanity especially in these days, when monsoon rain has created flood situations throughout the country. The volunteers of Caritas Pakistan are giving their services in the whole province of Baluchistan.
The main purpose was the session create awareness about trees plantation among the volunteers and local community of village Kurak district Sibi. Sardar Shandar Khan Barozai triable chief of village Kurak and volunteers of Caritas Pakistan Quetta said we are proud to be a volunteer of Caritas Pakistan Quetta.
He has emphasized to the local community to planting trees because it is only solution to control the weather and climate change. After the awareness session Caritas Pakistan Quetta team has been planted and distributed 200 trees with volunteers and staff of Caritas Pakistan Quetta.
3. Success Story
As part of the ‘Green Pakistan’ initiative under the One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign, Iqra University collaborated with Caritas Pakistan Karachi to start a tree plantation drive at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church and Kidney Hill. The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Caritas Pakistan Karachi team, who provided a briefing on the significance of tree plantation for addressing climate challenges and fostering a sustainable ecosystem. Participants actively engaged in planting saplings.
Gratitude is extended to Caritas Pakistan Karachi for organizing the initiative and to the students for their tireless efforts. This impactful activity serves as a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a greener and more sustainable future for Pakistan. Further participation in such initiatives is encouraged to amplify these positive outcomes.
