KU students plant 2,000 mangroves at Kaderu Island
Plantation drive highlights role of mangroves in protecting Karachi’s vulnerable coastline
The
initiative aimed to restore the city’s natural coastal defences and raise
awareness about rising sea levels, tidal surges, and the crucial role of
mangroves in protecting vulnerable shorelines.
The
plantation drive, organised by the student-led Mangrove Crew, blended hands-on
learning, eco-tourism, and disaster-education sessions. For the students, it
was more than just planting trees—it was an opportunity to connect with the
coastal ecosystem and witness firsthand the protective power of mangroves.
“Mangroves
revival along the coastline of Sindh demands emergency synergetic efforts from
government and citizens alike for enhancing resilience against natural
disasters like tsunamis,” said Nazeer Ahmed Bhutto, Chairman of the Town
Municipal Corporation of Ibrahim Hyderi, praising the students’ dedication.
Highlighting
the ecological and economic importance of mangroves, Younus Khaskhily, Chairman
of the local NGO Mahigeer Samaji Sangat, said: “These 2,000 saplings will help
restore native green buffers, reduce wave force, and protect coastal
communities, while sustaining fishing livelihoods.”
The
Mangrove Crew initiative, guided by KU faculty member Samina Qureshi from the
Mass Communication Department, seeks to promote community-based coastal
protection through mangrove plantation, experiential learning, and eco-tourism.
“Karachi’s coastline faces growing threats from cyclones, tidal surges, and
rising sea levels -- the challenges made worse by the loss of mangrove forests
that serve as natural barriers,” she noted.
A student
volunteer described the plantation as a form of Sadqa-e-Jariyah, an
ongoing act of giving that benefits both to the people and the planet. “Field
experiences like these help us understand our responsibility towards the
environment and the communities living along the coast,” he said. Another
student added, “Seeing the saplings take root today gives hope that even small
actions by youth can make a tangible difference for the future of our city.”
The
initiative also aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG
13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by
restoring mangrove corridors that act as Karachi’s first line of defence
against natural disasters. As the students returned from Kaderu Island, the
newly planted saplings stood as a living testament to youth-led environmental
stewardship—small trees with the potential to shield generations to come.
--ST Desk
Originally published in Social Track, Karachi. Photos courtesy: KU
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