Pakistan Navy on Saturday observed World Environment Day with an aim to raise awareness about the significance of a healthy, green environment and to promote environmental measures for improving the quality of life, especially for our future generations.

The theme adopted by United Nations this year for World Environment Day is 'Ecosystem Restoration'; a major concern for mankind. Ecosystem restoration means bringing back plants and animals from the brink of extinction, from the peaks of the mountains to the depths of the seas.

There is no denying the fact that 'Ecosystem Restoration' is a global undertaking requiring response at a massive scale.

Pakistan Navy celebrates World Environment Day regularly to highlight the significance of the environment and to promote awareness amongst personnel in proactively pursuing measures focusing on the marine environment. Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, activities involving mass gatherings were not held this year.

However, in order to show firm resolve, effective use of media is being made to raise awareness about the environment. Harbour cleaning activity was conducted by PN personnel and banners and posters were displayed and leaflets about steps to restore ecosystem were distributed in PN units and residential areas.

A webinar under the auspices of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs was also organised to highlight the significance of the preservation and restoration of the Marine Ecosystem. In addition to the awareness campaign, practical steps like mangroves and tree plantation campaigns are already underway. In this regard, over 7 M mangroves along the coast and over 2 M trees in different parts of the country have been planted to date in line with Govt's Vision of 'Plant for Pakistan'.

Pakistan Navy always endeavours to secure marine environment for safer and cleaner oceans. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi in his message of the day reaffirmed PN resolve and commitment to make every effort for the betterment of the environment, especially the marine environment and directed men under command to continue dedicated efforts in this direction.