Pakistan secures $3mn GEF funding for marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries

Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Saturday Pakistan had secured $3 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to conserve marine biodiversity and accelerate a shift toward sustainable and regenerative fisheries management.

In a statement, the maritime minister said the project titled ‘Conserving marine biodiversity by accelerating transition to sustainable and regenerative fisheries management practices’ would be executed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

Proposed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, it aligns with national priorities and global environmental commitments, developed in consultation with stakeholders.

“Of the total funding from the GEF Trust Fund, $1.2 million targets biodiversity interventions, while $1.8 million addresses land degradation linked to coastal and marine ecosystems”, the minister satated.

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GEF supports initiatives in biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, chemicals and waste, and sustainable forest management as the financial mechanism for major conventions including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and others.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry highlighted the fisheries sector’s challenges, which contribute about 1% to Pakistan’s GDP. “Our sector faces overfishing, high post-harvest losses, and illicit practices that strain marine environments,” he said.

“With 701 boats in tuna fishing, mostly artisanal with some semi-industrial, unselective methods and poor onboard storage lead to waste and lost market opportunities.”

Pakistan, a key player in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and aligned with G16 like-minded coastal states, struggles with unreliable data, weak regulations, and over 70 unofficial landing sites that hinder monitoring, control, and policy-making.

Junaid Chaudhry said the programme aims to leverage political momentum for growth through data collection, policy reform, infrastructure, capacity building, market access, transparency, and better management.

“It builds on commitments like reducing fishing effort, declaring Marine Protected Areas, and cutting bycatch, while advancing traceability and practices,” Junaid Chaudhry added.

Despite progress, persistent issues like overfishing, losses, and non-compliance demand urgent action.

According to the minsiter, the initiative fills critical gaps, modernises the sector, improves fisherfolk livelihoods, and boosts international effectiveness.

“Addressing these will meet national and global commitments, delivering environmental benefits,” he noted. “This recognises fisheries’ economic role and catalyzes transformation for ecological integrity and socio-economic development, aligned with policy frameworks for maximum impact.”