Astola Island Marine Conservation Plan

The plan will be implemented over a five-year period through a phased approach

Shabina Faraz/ Abdul Rahim

In a major stride towards marine biodiversity conservation, Pakistan has finalized and formally endorsed the Astola Island Marine Protected Area (AIMPA) Management Plan for 2024–2029. This landmark achievement, developed by IUCN Pakistan in close collaboration with the Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department (BFWD), provides a comprehensive, inclusive, and science-based roadmap to sustainably manage the country’s first officially designated Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Astola Island, also known locally as Haft Talar, lies approximately 39 kilometers southeast of Pasni in Balochistan. It holds extraordinary ecological significance, supporting endangered green and olive ridley turtles, 25 species of coral reefs, 75 species of coral-associated fish, and a variety of unique coastal flora and fauna. In 2017, recognizing its critical role in marine biodiversity, the Government of Pakistan declared Astola Island a Marine Protected Area. The newly endorsed management plan translates that vision into concrete, actionable strategies aimed at ensuring long-term conservation while fostering sustainable use and community benefit.

The development of the AIMPA Management Plan followed an extensive, collaborative process anchored in stakeholder engagement and technical input. A participatory model was used to ensure that local fisherfolk, coastal communities, government representatives, researchers, and civil society were meaningfully involved at every stage. The planning process began with a stakeholder consultation and stocktaking workshop held in Karachi on April 17–18, 2024, setting the foundation for inclusive dialogue. This was followed by a local consultation workshop in Pasni on June 25, 2024, which brought together representatives from the coastal communities, fisherfolk associations, and local NGOs. The insights gathered from these consultations played a vital role in shaping the direction and priorities of the plan.

Throughout the development process, thematic working groups were established to focus on biodiversity conservation, governance, tourism, fisheries, and community development. During July to September 2024, initial drafts of the management plan were prepared by technical consultants and reviewed internally by IUCN. A validation workshop in Karachi on September 30, 2024, offered an opportunity for technical experts and stakeholders to evaluate the draft plan. Subsequent reviews were carried out by the NCB MPA Sub-committee, and further refinements were made to ensure the plan was evidence-based and locally relevant. The final draft of the plan was submitted to BFWD, all the respective members of National Coordinating Committees (NCB) (29 members’ organizations including the academia, Federal Government agencies, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and private sectors), and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MOCC&EC), IUCN incorporated the necessary revisions. The final version received formal endorsement from the Secretary of the Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department.

The AIMPA Management Plan is intended to serve as a dynamic and adaptive roadmap for the governance and sustainable development of Astola Island and its surrounding marine environment. The plan envisions a future in which the unique biological, ecological, cultural, and socio-economic values of the island are conserved for the long-term benefit of Pakistani society. At its core, the plan focuses on conserving key habitats and species, establishing effective governance mechanisms, promoting sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, and enhancing scientific knowledge and environmental awareness.

Strategically, the plan outlines key goals, including the protection of rare and vulnerable marine species, the establishment of transparent governance structures supported by sustainable financing, and the development of community-based initiatives that align conservation with livelihood generation. It also promotes scientific research, public education, and environmental monitoring to guide ongoing decision-making and adaptive management.

The core objectives of the plan are comprehensive and actionable. These include the establishment of a mainland MPA information center in Pasni and a staffed field station on Astola Island; the identification and zoning of critical conservation areas; the enforcement of existing environmental and fisheries regulations; the control of invasive species; and the encouragement of sustainable marine tourism practices. Additionally, the plan aims to build institutional capacity within local communities, establish robust monitoring systems, and secure long-term financing through partnerships and donor support.

To ensure systematic implementation, the management plan is divided into nine interconnected programmatic areas: conservation and habitat improvement, waste management and pollution control, invasive species monitoring and control, sustainable fisheries management, community support and livelihood diversification, ecotourism development and regulation, environmental education and public awareness, scientific research and innovation, and adaptive monitoring and evaluation.

The plan will be implemented over a five-year period through a phased approach. During the first two years, key infrastructure such as the MPA office in Pasni and the field station on the island will be established. Recruitment and training of rangers, ecologists, and support staff will be prioritized, alongside the initiation of invasive species control programs and public education campaigns. By the third year, the focus will shift to developing community-based fisheries management frameworks, piloting regulated ecotourism activities, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms in collaboration with local authorities. The final two years will emphasize scientific monitoring in partnership with universities and NGOs, mid- and end-term evaluations using adaptive management, the scaling-up of successful community enterprises, and regional knowledge exchange.

The successful execution of the AIMPA Management Plan hinges on strong partnerships and resource mobilization. BFWD will play a central role in implementation, law enforcement, and inter-agency coordination. However, broader institutional support is essential. Coordination with MOCC&EC, the Balochistan Fisheries Department, and local governments will ensure regulatory alignment and effective management. Equally vital is the engagement of local communities, who must be empowered as stewards of conservation through training, education, and economic incentives such as micro-grants and alternative livelihood programs.

International and national donors are invited to contribute financial and technical assistance to support infrastructure development, capacity building, research, and operational costs. Academic institutions will support scientific research, biodiversity monitoring, and data sharing, while NGOs will be key partners in mobilizing communities, advocating policy reforms, and conducting awareness programs.

Astola Island, with its extraordinary marine and cultural heritage, now stands as a beacon of hope for marine conservation in Pakistan. The AIMPA Management Plan not only serves as a policy document but also as a collective pledge to protect one of the country’s most valuable natural assets. Its successful implementation will demonstrate how thoughtful conservation planning, grounded in collaboration and science, can safeguard ecosystems while empowering communities. With committed partners and adequate support, AIMPA has the potential to emerge as a leading example in the region—showing how marine protected areas can deliver meaningful benefits for nature, people, and future generations alike.

Read: Cats, rats, invasive flora imperil Pakistan’s only marine protected island

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