MARITIME security is currently a buzzword in international relations. The maritime industry is undeniably evolving. And with more and more operations being automated and technology improving, security will inevitably change too. Pakistan being vulnerable to a range of climate hazards is among the countries facing every now and then the minor and traumatic natural disasters that leave management in confusion to wonder where they went wrong. There is need to co-create new knowledge with coastal communities in calamities hit areas that on how ecosystem-based processes help address climate risk and support equitable and effective nature-based solutions. Climate Change is the common enemy to blame whether are deadly floods, Lahore poisonous smog, land sliding in mountains area, freaking heat waves or any of other weather conditions.
Naval engagements and the accompanying public contact and media coverage have been instrumental in shaping public perception and policy directives. One significant lesson learned is the necessity for accuracy and timeliness. Additionally, there is a critical need for comprehensive workshop for public regarding interactions with the forces. From conventional combat to humanitarian aid and counter-piracy efforts, modern naval operations encompass intricate, multidimensional missions. A two of weeks’ duration exercise ‘MARSEW 7’ was conceived by Navy War College, Lahore that to beside initiation of academic dimensions of substantive issues, course module also encompass a structured exposure of the participants to methodological aspects of policy formulation and honoring their skills in policy reviews during crisis scenarios under simulated environment.
In addition to addressing marine irregular concerns and undersea weapons ideas, the MARSEW 7 program given participants (representatives from media, entrepreneurs, policy makers, educationists and politicians) a thorough understanding of important operational issues and introduced them to a range of tools for tackling a challenging military problem space. In order to ensure accurate missions depictions and lessen the impact of hostile narratives, military personnel are actively interacting with the public, policy makers and media outlets as a result of a greater attention on public sentiment. In this situation, media coverage and naval encounters become entangled, with MARSEW illustrating a special link that influences the dynamics of modern warfare.
Throughout history, naval encounters have been crucial in determining the nature of military tactics and international relations. The complex relationship between these maritime conflicts and public engagement highlights the significant influence that information sharing has on public opinion and policy formulation. According to MARSEW, naval engagements are conflict situations involving naval forces that take place at sea. These engagements can range from small-scale skirmishes to major battles, which frequently determine naval dominance and have an impact on larger military campaigns.
The attendees learned about naval engagements, which have shaped the path of empires and nations and involve both offensive and defensive actions aimed at accomplishing strategic goals. Through a variety of strategies, MARSEW influenced participants’ perceptions of naval engagements. It mainly set context and highlighted particular narratives that affect the public’s perception of war. Participants’ attitudes and policy discussions regarding naval operations were changed by this disparate emphasis.
The coastal challenges facing Pakistan, including risks, hazards, the effects of climate change, and adaptation measures, are complex problems that require careful consideration and coordinated action. The nation must conserve and preserve the delicate ecosystems and communities that live along its coastlines while it develops and enjoys their natural beauty. Pakistan can guarantee peaceful cohabitation with its coastlines for future generations by implementing sustainable practices and embracing adaptive techniques. Both the prosperity of the country and the preservation of its natural heritage depend on this delicate balance.
Series of recommendation were discussed during the workshop and it was emphasized that designing robust infrastructure is crucial for Pakistan’s coastal adaption. Climate change must be taken into consideration while designing infrastructure and buildings, which frequently calls for elevation to survive rising sea levels and stricter building requirements to withstand storms that get worse. In order to fight climate change, secure food and livelihoods, and shield coastal people from flooding, storms, and increasing sea levels, Pakistan’s blue carbon ecosystems are essential. It is essential to preserve and improve these ecosystems in order to meet the Paris Agreement’s mitigation goals. A plan for safeguarding Pakistan’s blue carbon ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations is outlined in the fast evaluation.
This workshop highlighted more comprehensive strategy that takes into account the preservation and restoration of natural coastal features must be adopted rather than depending just on physical infrastructure, such as seawalls and flood barriers. This involves protecting wetlands, mangroves, and dunes—all of which act as organic barriers against erosion and storm surges.
—The writer is an entrepreneur, lawyer and freelance writer, based in Karachi.
