Karachi, November 15, 2024 – Hutchison Ports Pakistan has launched the fourth year of its “Go Green” tree plantation initiative, aiming to plant 100,000 mangrove saplings in Sonmiani. This campaign, which began in 2021 in partnership with WWF-Pakistan, is set to reach a significant milestone by planting 500,000 mangroves across 250 hectares by 2025. The project underscores Hutchison Ports Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on environmental sustainability.
CS Kim, General Manager and Head of Business Unit at Hutchison Ports Pakistan, shared, “Our Tree Plantation campaign demonstrates our commitment to advancing the United Nations SDGs by contributing to climate change mitigation, restoring coastal ecosystems, enhancing marine biodiversity, protecting critical habitats, and conserving vital natural resources.”
The Go Green initiative focuses on planting a variety of mangrove species including Avicennia, Ceriops, Rhizophora, and Aegiceras along Pakistan’s coastal regions. These species are well-suited to the coastal environment and have a proven track record of thriving in the area. Over the past three years, the project has achieved an impressive 90% survival rate of planted mangroves, showcasing the effectiveness of the initiative and its ongoing environmental impact.
In addition to its ecological benefits, the project is contributing to the local economy by creating jobs for nearby communities. Local workers are involved in various aspects of the campaign, from planting saplings to the ongoing care and monitoring of the mangrove forests. These jobs are vital for the economic well-being of local communities and provide them with sustainable employment opportunities.
Mangrove forests play a crucial role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks. They are particularly important in the face of climate change, as they help mitigate the impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Through its ongoing efforts, Hutchison Ports Pakistan is helping restore these vital ecosystems and contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.
With this fourth year of the Go Green campaign, Hutchison Ports Pakistan remains committed to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and supporting local communities. As the project moves forward, the company hopes to inspire other organizations to take action towards preserving Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems and achieving long-term environmental goals.
