Pakistan's mangroves could generate up to $50m a year in carbon revenue

July 27, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's mangrove forests could generate $20–50 million annually in carbon-market revenue, depending on carbon-credit prices and volumes, according to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

In a statement issued on the eve of World Mangrove Day, the minister said the country is home to the world's largest arid-climate mangrove forest, concentrated in the Indus Delta in Sindh, with smaller patches in Balochistan.

Pakistan currently ranks around seventh globally in mangrove forest area and could move up to fourth or fifth place through sustained restoration efforts, according to the press release.

Mangroves act as a natural shield against shoreline erosion, flooding and storm surges while protecting coastal communities, ports and marine biodiversity, the minister said.

He warned that degradation of these ecosystems threatens food security and the livelihoods of fishing communities, as mangroves serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, shrimp, crabs and other species that support fisheries and emerging aquaculture.

Balochistan's roughly 4,058 hectares of mangroves could also contribute to national carbon-market initiatives, he said, adding that mangroves can sequester roughly four times more carbon than terrestrial forests.

Acknowledging past degradation caused by encroachments, pollution and reduced Indus flows, the minister outlined rehabilitation efforts by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and provincial authorities.

KPT had recovered mangrove areas from squatters, launched afforestation drives along Mai Kolachi Road and nearby coastal areas, and organised weekly clean-ups.

KPT had also appointed environmental activist Almas Kasmani as its ambassador for coastal mangrove restoration. The minister said she had already restored 4,000 mangrove plants and set a target of planting another 100,000.

The minister called for greater public awareness, stricter enforcement against encroachment and increased public-private investment in blue economy initiatives, urging stakeholders to turn commitments into action as Pakistan marks World Mangrove Day.

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