ISLAMABAD, 3 October 2026: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) and Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), has initiated preparations for a GEF-supported project aimed at strengthening marine biodiversity conservation in Pakistan.
A project kick-off meeting was held at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), chaired by Mr. Mahmood Hassan, Additional Secretary-II and GEF Operational Focal Point for Pakistan. The meeting reviewed the activities, timeline and implementation arrangements for the GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase of the Marine Biodiversity Pakistan Project.
FAO, MoMA, MFD and MoCC&EC officials discussed key project components, institutional arrangements, including the proposed Project Management Unit, and mechanisms for the allocation and utilization of project funds. The meeting also considered the establishment of a Technical Advisory Group to support the PPG process.
The project seeks to strengthen collaboration among relevant government institutions and partners to support the sustainable management and conservation of Pakistan’s marine biodiversity and associated fisheries resources.
FAO’s team included Ms. Emmah Kamau, Head of Operations; Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Senior Technical Specialist and National Coordinator; and Mr. Naveed Babar, Operations Focal Person, with international FAO and GEF experts joining virtually. Representing MoMA/MFD were Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan, Director General, Marine Fisheries Department; Dr. Hafeez ur Rehman, Fisheries Development Commissioner and Mr. Muhammad Farhan Khan, Assistant Fisheries Development Commissioner.
The kick-off marks an important step towards advancing the project preparation process and strengthening coordinated action for marine biodiversity conservation in Pakistan.
