- By: Aitemad Ahmad Khan
Oceans and seas are nature’s greatest gift, serving as a significant natural resource and economic powerhouse. Globally, the ocean economy boasts an estimated annual turnover of $3 to $6 trillion, encompassing diverse sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, and energy.
In this vast expanse, Pakistan, with its 1,000-kilometer coastline and a 240,000 square kilometer economic zone, holds tremendous but largely untapped potential.
The term “Blue Economy” was coined by Gunter Pauli in 2010. It refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Pauli’s vision emphasized shifting from scarcity to abundance through innovative utilization of marine resources. The World Bank defines the Blue Economy as the sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
Pakistan’s maritime resources include fisheries, shipping, tourism, oil and gas reserves, and underwater minerals. However, the country’s current focus remains predominantly on fish exports, contributing around $450 million to the economy. In stark contrast, the potential of Pakistan’s Blue Economy is estimated at over $100 billion. Neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh are significantly ahead, leveraging their maritime resources to earn billions annually.
- Challenges to the Blue Economy in Pakistan
- Infrastructure and Governance: Pakistan suffers from “maritime blindness,” with poor infrastructure and governance hindering the development of its Blue Economy.
Key challenges include untreated sewage spilling into the Arabian Sea, lack of technological advancements, and insufficient infrastructure to manage sedimentation and other by-products. - Inter-Provincial Differences: The 18th Amendment in 2010, which enhanced provincial autonomy, has led to inter-provincial disputes, particularly between Sindh and Balochistan over fishing rights. This discord hampers the formulation and implementation of a cohesive national maritime policy.
- Environmental and Security Concerns: Pollution, illegal fishing practices, and lack of awareness about marine conservation threaten the ecological balance. Additionally, maritime security threats such as piracy, illegal immigration, and regional tensions further complicate the scenario.
Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s Blue Economy holds immense promise.
The coastline offers opportunities in various sectors:
- Ports and Shipping: Development of port infrastructure, including Karachi Port, Bin Qasim Port, and Gwadar Port, can significantly boost trade and employment. Enhancing the capacity of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and increasing the number of national flag carriers can further augment economic activities.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: Improving fishery practices, enhancing market infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable fishing can elevate Pakistan’s position in the global seafood market.
- Maritime Tourism: With attractions like Hingol National Park, Mud Volcanoes, and coastal beaches, Pakistan can tap into marine tourism, fostering public-private partnerships to develop necessary infrastructure.
- Energy and Minerals: Exploring offshore oil and gas reserves, along with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power from coastal areas, can diversify energy sources and contribute to economic stability.
- The Way Forward
To harness the full potential of its Blue Economy, Pakistan must prioritize policy formulation and implementation. Key recommendations include:
- Developing a Comprehensive Blue Economic Policy: This would guide sector-specific strategies and facilitate coordinated efforts across provinces.
- Enhancing Port Infrastructure: Strengthening rail and road networks to support port operations can improve cargo handling and trade efficiency.
- Promoting Maritime Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about marine resources and sustainable practices among the populace can drive community engagement and conservation efforts.
- Learning from Global Best Practices: Adopting successful policies from countries like India and Bangladesh can provide valuable insights for developing Pakistan’s Blue Economy.
By addressing these challenges and leveraging its maritime assets, Pakistan can unlock a wealth of opportunities, fostering sustainable economic growth and securing a prosperous future through its Blue Economy.
- The writer is a MS scholar at IM Sciences Peshawar.
- He can be reached at: aitemadahmad10@gmail.com