Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Communities: Overcoming Community-Based Enforcement Challenges in Pakistan’s Marine Protected Areas

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential tools for conserving marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. In Pakistan, however, enforcing MPA laws faces challenges deeply rooted in community dynamics and socio-economic constraints. Coastal communities, whose generational reliance on traditional fishing practices and marine resource extraction forms the backbone of their socio-economic structure, often view externally imposed conservation measures as direct threats to their livelihoods. This paper critically examines community-based challenges, including resistance to top-down enforcement, socio-economic difficulties, inadequate local participation, and conflicts that arise from the intersection of customary rights and modern regulatory frameworks. Drawing upon local research and case studies, the study proposes a community-centered framework that emphasizes participatory governance, the development of alternative livelihood programs, targeted educational initiatives, and compensation mechanisms. By integrating community rights and indigenous knowledge into MPA management, Pakistan can enhance compliance, improve conservation outcomes, and promote sustainable marine biodiversity conservation.