In a landmark decision for marine conservation in Pakistan, the Government of Balochistan has officially declared Miani Hor as the country’s third Marine Protected Area (MPA), drawing national and international praise from environmental stakeholders.
WWF-Pakistan commended the provincial cabinet’s decision, which was approved during a meeting on July 29, marking a crucial step in safeguarding one of the nation’s most biodiverse and ecologically vital marine zones.
Biodiversity hotspot secures protection
Located in Lasbela District along the Balochistan coast, Miani Hor is the largest lagoon in Pakistan and a crucial habitat for marine and bird life. The area is home to 200 species of fish, 90 species of birds, and three dolphin species, as well as many other invertebrates and vertebrates. It is the only site in Pakistan with natural stands of three mangrove species.
“Miani Hor is a biodiversity hotspot known for its diversified marine life,” said Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor at WWF-Pakistan. He emphasized the ecological importance of the site for both resident and migratory birds, including the great white pelican, greater flamingo, Dalmatian pelican, Demoiselle and common cranes, great egret, great black-headed gull, shikra, osprey, peregrine falcon and Egyptian vulture.
Khan appreciated the contribution of the coastal community, IUCN and other stakeholders in their contribution to the declaration of a Marine Protected Area at Miani Hor.
In recognition of its environmental significance, Miani Hor was declared a Ramsar Site in May 2001, identifying it as a wetland of international importance. Its mangrove forests were also designated as a Protected Forest by the Government of Balochistan in 2022.
Addressing Environmental threats and Biodiversity loss
The area’s ecosystem has come under increasing pressure from unchecked fishing, bird hunting, and the impact of climate change. WWF-Pakistan noted that the declaration of Miani Hor as a Marine Protected Area is an essential move to address these growing threats.
“This initiative will help reverse the damage caused to the marine ecosystem and will protect the marine life for future generations,” said Rab Nawaz, Senior Director at WWF-Pakistan. He urged the federal and provincial governments to follow Balochistan’s lead to meet Pakistan’s biodiversity commitments.
Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity and is bound by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which mandates that 30% of ocean areas be designated as protected by 2030—a goal referred to as “30×30.” Miani Hor now joins Astola Island (declared MPA in 2017) and Churna Island (2024) as part of Pakistan’s efforts to meet this global target.
Boost for ecotourism and local livelihoods
Beyond conservation, the MPA designation is expected to support sustainable economic development through ecotourism. Activities like dolphin watching, bird watching, sand dune safaris, and sport fishing have gained popularity in the Miani Hor area, offering alternative income streams to the local fishing communities.
Ecotourism programs in the area were initiated by WWF-Pakistan over two decades ago and have steadily evolved. “The declaration of the Miani Hor as MPA will further help in the promotion of ecotourism in the area, which will help in improving the socio-economic condition of coastal communities living around Miani Hor,” Khan stated.