World Oceans Day. ISLAMABAD – As the world marks World Oceans Day 2026 under the theme, “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean, ” the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) has called for urgent national action to protect Pakistan’s marine ecosystems from escalating threats posed by climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Iran, Israel halt attacks after Trump pressure Highlighting the critical role oceans play in regulating the global climate, producing oxygen, supporting biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods, the ministry warned that the degradation of marine ecosystems poses growing risks not only to coastal communities but also to national food security, economic stability and climate resilience. According to United Nations assessments, the ocean generates at least 50 per cent of the oxygen humans breathe, absorbs nearly a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions and regulates weather systems worldwide. Yet, rising ocean temperatures, acidification, plastic pollution and overexploitation are pushing marine ecosystems beyond their limits. Globally, around 90pc of large fish populations have been depleted, while nearly half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost. Pakistan’s 1, 050-kilometre coastline and rich marine ecosystems, including mangrove forests, fisheries and coastal wetlands, are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise, marine pollution, coastal erosion, extreme weather events and warming seas. These threats directly affect the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on fisheries, coastal resources and maritime trade. FIA chief defends travellers offloading at airports amid public outcry “World Oceans Day is a reminder that oceans are not distant ecosystems; they are the foundation of human survival, climate stability and economic prosperity, ” said Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and climate policy advocacy expert. “For too long, humanity has treated the ocean as an inexhaustible resource. Today, we are being called upon to reimagine our relationship with the ocean—from passive beneficiaries of its generosity to active guardians of its future, ” he said. Mr Shaikh stressed that Pakistan remained committed to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity and was actively contributing to international efforts through the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). IAEA chief dismisses Iran’s criticism of his handling of its nuclear file as ‘political reaction’ “From the mangrove forests of the Indus Delta to the waters of the Arabian Sea, healthy oceans are essential for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, food security and a thriving blue economy. Protecting them requires science-based policies, stronger enforcement, community stewardship and partnerships across all sectors of society, ” he added. The ministry urged citizens, industries, educational institutions, fishermen, coastal communities and local governments to reduce plastic pollution, support conservation initiatives, participate in clean-up campaigns and adopt sustainable practices to safeguard marine resources for future generations. PTI rejects Gilgit-Baltistan election results, announces protests “Lines may exist on maps, but marine life moves freely across our one shared ocean. Protecting it is a shared responsibility and a national imperative, ” Mr Shaikh said. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global ocean conservation efforts, the ministry called for greater public awareness, scientific research and collective action to ensure that the country’s marine ecosystems remain healthy, productive and resilient in the face of accelerating climate change.
Pakistan calls for national action as climate crisis threatens oceans
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