Karachi: To mitigate the impact of climate change and increase tree cover, WWF-Pakistan and JS Bank launched adrive to plant 100,000 mangrove saplings along the coastal belt of Balochistan. This campaign aims to mitigate climate change, regulate water cycles and increasegreen cover across the country. During the launch event, saplings were planted at MianiHor which is a hotspot of mangroves, marine dolphins and various species of coastal birds.
BasirShamsie, President & CEO JS Bank stated, “JS Bank has long had a strong focus on environmental protection and conservation. By partnering with renowned organizations, we have successfully worked to mitigate decreasing tree cover, strengthen communities dependent on natural resources and improve the food security chain.” He went on to add that JS Bank had also implemented the WWF Green Office protocol at its head office to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Babar Khan, Regional Head Sindh and Balochistan WWF-Pakistan said that Pakistan is recognized as having the 7th largest mangrove forest in the world. These forests are one of the primary features of coastal ecosystems and are widely spread across the coast of Pakistan. He said that MianiHor covers a large area which comprise of dense mangrove forests. This is the only area in Pakistan where three species of mangroves, such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriopstagal occur naturally. These mangroves provide an ideal habitat for growth of marine plants and animals. He also shared that mangroves are the first line of defence against cyclones, strong surges, tsunami and other natural calamities impacting the coastal areas of Pakistan.
This plantation campaign is a joint initiative of WWF-Pakistan and JS Bank with the aim to increase mangroves forest cover with active participation of different stakeholders mainly local communities and passionate individuals.
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About JS Bank:
JS Bank is one of the fastest growing banks in Pakistan, with 345 branches in 172 cities including one international branch. The Bank is a leader in the digital banking space and distribution of insurance solutions. JS Bank has received the prestigious Asiamoney Award for ‘Best Bank for SMEs’ as well as the award for Best Environmental and Social Governance Bank at the Pakistan Banking Awards. The Bank is part of JS Group, one of Pakistan’s most diversified and progressive financial services groups. For more information, please visit http://www.jsbl.com.
About WWF-Pakistan: WWF-Pakistan was formed in 1970 to address the growing environmental and conservation issues in Pakistan that not only affected the flora and fauna, but were also affecting the human population. WWF-Pakistan is a non-profit organization, working to preserve, conserve and save our environment and natural resources. Today, WWF -Pakistan works through 26 offices with a team of almost 250 dedicated staff members. With its head office in Lahore, and five regional offices in major cities of Pakistan, it has project offices wherever there is a need and the potential to make a difference.