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Desert island under threat - 27 November 2020

Bundle island lies just a short boat ride from Pakistan’s most populous city, Karachi.

Uninhabited, this wilderness is home to camels, fish and the many species its mangroves support.

Architect and urban planner Arif Belgaumi argues Bundle island is of vital importance for the city.

Belgaumi: "These islands form a barrier against storm surges and tsunamis. And their preservation is vital for the preservation of Karachi."

Despite this, the country’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is proposing a $50 billion scheme on the island. It’s intended to ease pressure on Karachi, home to 20 million people.

Khan has previously spoken out about the perils of climate change and backed renewable energy projects. Nevertheless, projections indicate that the development of Bundle Island would generate employment for thousands and boost tax revenues, improving Pakistan's cash strapped public finances.

Opposition to the move cautions it would lead to worse problems than the ones it solved.

Environmental filmmaker Mahera Omar explains:

Omar: "It's the mangroves that protect us from these storms and cyclones. And the ecosystem here is essential for the livelihood of the fishermen who come here. So, this is why we, like, really need to protect it. It's, it’s only if nature thrives here, that it's good for the entire city of Karachi."