Coastal Zone
In any discussion of natural resources, the coastal zone is often an afterthought. In fact, much of the 770 -kilometre-long coastal belt in Balochistan is beyond the pale. With the exception of the shrimp fishery, it is a poorly known and often neglected area. Yet it is one of the most important areas of the province. In  Gwadar  district, the 600-kilomet re coast is characterized by remote bays, beaches, and headlands. These provide   natural harbours around which 35 fishing communities have developed. This coast is also important for many species of wildlife, including turtles and migratory birds. It is a rich, productive, and largely unspoiled area. The Lasbela coastal belt, in close proximity to Karachi, has two fishing villages and a more developed character. There are two industrial estates, a major power plant, and a ship-breaking yard. Adam on the Hab River provides water to Karachi. A refinery is being planned.

The sea is very much a mixed blessing for Balochistan. On the one hand it provides a source of income, but on the other it can be a destructive force.Southwest monsoon winds, submarine topography, and coastal orientation combine to promote the upwellings that result in this coastal zone being one of the most  productive in the world. But the coast is also susceptible to wave attack during this period, and there is a continual process of erosion and deposition along the coast. The coast has other problems, including susceptibility to earthquakes, tsunamis, and oil pollution and the salination of ground water.

The coastal zone is for the most part arid. Rain, when it does come, often results in devastating flash floods. The coastal areas, particularly in the Mekran, remain the least developed part of Pakistan, not withstanding their strategic importance and economic potential. Distances are large, the population small, water in short supply, the climate inhospitable, and road networks poor or non-existent. Electricity is available in small number of coastal settlements and that too for a few hours each day. The federal and provincial governments have responded with a comprehensive development plan. Elements include:

• a deep sea port at Gwadar;

• a coastal highway and national highways including the one to central Asian countries;

• upgraded airports;

• coastal shipping and ferry services;

• new power plants;

• a bulk liquid terminal at Mauza Damb;

• dams on all rivers and streams for drinking water and irrigation;

• a desalination plant at Gadani;

• modern fishing equipment and infrastructure;

• tree plantations;

• introduction of goats and poultry; and

• new beach resorts.

Priority is given to a special development zone for Greater Gwadar City, the deep-sea port, and the coastal road. Private activities under way include offshore exploration for oil and gas, planning for a petrochemical complex in Sonmiani Bay, and a major new residential development and resort near Gwadar.

The key consideration is one of sustainability – how should the coast be developed consistent with the goals and objectives of the BCS? The plan does not deal to any great extent with issues such as coastal erosion, degrading coastal and marine ecosystems, declining water quality and pollution, overexploitation of coastal resources, endangered marine species and the need for institutional capacity and legislation. The intergovernmental and interdepartmental approach to the development of the Mekran package is encouraging. But it falls short of an integrated approach to resource management. There are no mechanisms to manage conflicting uses, to ensure that measures are taken to protect the environment, or to deal with emergencies such as oil spills, flooding, or earthquakes. There have been many development projects on the coast. A review of past experiences – successes and failures – reinforces the need for an integrated approach to the management and development of coastal resources.

The development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) is now a top priority, requiring the participation of all stake holders. Guidelines for the preparation of a plan have been drawn up, and the stake holders identified. Priority is to be given to the management of the Hab, Winder and Gadani industrial areas; the sustainable use of coastal marine resources; the sustainable use of fresh water resources; and conservation of natural capital. The plan can build on earlier scientific and technical work by ESCAP in the 1980s.

The ICZMP will differ from earlier technocratic approaches by fully involving the communities through an extensive participatory planning process. This will ensure that local priorities are identified and addressed. An important first step in the process is thedevelopment of a vision of the coastal zone in the future. The vision has of necessity to be pragmatic. It has to accommodate local needs, national interest, and international realities. Local needs are currently seen in the Mekran in terms of a healthy and expanding fishing industry with some limited agricultural development. In Lasbela,the hope is for a thriving industrial economy in the shadow of Karachi.

The national vision is one of major offshore fisheries development, oil and minerals, major ports, the opening up of the interior, and access to markets from central Asia. From a geopolitical perspective, the area is one small part of a region dependent on the Arabian Sea for fisheries and transportation.

The goal of planning is to promote the sustainable development of resources, and not simply to zone it for various purposes or to limit human use. Addressing issues and trends and developing planning measures means examining various ways of managing human use of the area and evaluating alternative management strategies. The first and foremost concern is addressing poverty. Responses to the issues surrounding coastal development must give this concern top priority. Planning is no substitute for action. Where needs have been identified, interventions will be planned. Perhaps the most pressing issue concerns the fishery. The first step will be to reassess stocks of all economic species of fish and shellfish. The second step will be taking action to improve the present fishery, especially handling and processing the catch. Other priorities may include:

• a pollution monitoring and oil spill response programme;

• emergency response preparedness;

• small-scale desalination plants;

• protection of critical habitats and species, cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and recreational areas;

• alternative sources of energy;

• town planning;

• pollution control;

• a local Agenda 21 for Gwadar City; and

• management plans for Hingol national park and potential Ramsar sites.