'1bn mangrove trees will be planted in coastal areas'.

ISLAMABAD -- An initiative has been planned to boost mangrove plantation under Prime Minister Imran Khan's Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said.

Talking to media here on Friday, he said: 'An elaborate plan has been finalised in consultation with various national and international stakeholders to enhance mangroves forest cover in Balochistan and Sindh where coastal areas and coastal communities are facing growing risks of climate change-caused risks, particularly cyclones, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and consequent intrusion of inland areas.'

He said tackling existing challenges that affect man-made infrastructure and coastal ecosystems such as shoreline erosion, coastal flooding and water pollution, has already become a serious concern.

Addressing the additional stress of climate change may require new approaches to managing land, water, waste and ecosystems, Mr Aslam said.

'One billion mangrove trees will be planted in the coastal areas of both the provinces,' he announced.

According to a study conducted by World Wildlife Fund - Pakistan, country's mangroves cover spreads over 1463.59 km2, which would be increased manifold under the new initiative, he remarked.

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