Concrete jungle threatens mangroves on Pakistan island

This is Bundle Island. It is near Karachi in Pakistan.

Nobody lives on Bundle Island. There only are some camels. It has lots of mangrove trees.

Arif Belgaumi plans new cities. He says the island is important. It keeps storms away from Karachi.

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

Imran Khan is Prime Minister of Pakistan. He wants to build lots of houses on Bundle Island.

Khan says the environment is important. He wants clean energy. But he says the new houses will be OK. They will bring Pakistan jobs and money.

Other people say he is wrong. The houses will bring extra problems for Karachi.

Mahera Omar makes films. Her films are about the environment.

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."

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