On the occasion of World Tsunami Awareness Day, students from the University of Karachi planted over 2,000 mangrove saplings on Kaderu Island, near the Karachi coast, as part of a special initiative to promote environmental protection and restore the natural coastal defense system.
More than 100 students from the Department of Mass Communication participated in an educational and environmental safari organized by “Mangrove Crew.”
The event combined a plantation drive with sessions on eco-tourism and disaster awareness.
The initiative aims to protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, tidal pressure, and frequent storms.
The depletion of mangrove forests has weakened the region’s natural defense barrier.
Chairman of the Town Municipal Corporation Ibrahim Hyderi, Nazeer Ahmed Bhutto, praised the students’ involvement, stating that the restoration of mangroves across Sindh’s coastal belt has become a national priority.
He emphasized the need for joint efforts by the government and the public to enhance resilience against natural disasters, particularly tsunamis.
Younus Khaskheli, Chairman of Mahigir Samaji Sangat, highlighted the ecological importance of mangroves, describing them as the backbone of marine life and local fisheries. He added that the newly planted 2,000 mangroves will help revive the green coastal belt and protect fishing communities from tidal erosion and wave impact.
Supervisor of Mangrove Crew and faculty member at Karachi University, Samina Qureshi, explained that this student-led initiative was designed to enhance coastal resilience through community participation, experiential learning, and eco-tourism promotion.
Karachi’s coastline faces severe threats from rising sea levels, coastal storms, and wave pressure, and mangroves serve as a natural buffer against these environmental challenges.
Participants described the experience as an opportunity to foster environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility among youth toward both land and marine ecosystems. They called the plantation a “sadaqah jariyah” — a lasting charitable act — beneficial for both humanity and nature.
The campaign aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) — and contributes to global efforts promoting disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.
Every year, November 5 is observed as World Tsunami Awareness Day to raise public awareness about disaster risk reduction and resilience.
