On April 21, ahead of Earth Day 2026, the Aga Khan University (AKU) organised a media roundtable to highlight the critical challenges posed by climate change to coastal ecosystems, particularly focusing on the mangrove forests in Karachi. This event brought together journalists, environmental experts, and stakeholders to engage in a dialogue about the environmental and socio-economic threats to these vital natural barriers.
The session included the screening of “A Forest in Peril,” a documentary by architect and environmentalist Tariq Alexander Qaiser. The film is part of the acclaimed series “Voices from the Roof of the World” (VRW), supported by AKU, which delves into the impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. “A Forest in Peril” specifically explores the critical role of mangrove forests on Bundal Island in mitigating coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.
During the event, Tariq Alexander Qaiser emphasised the dual nature of the threat to mangroves, stating, “The loss of mangroves is not just an environmental issue; it is a human one.” He highlighted how these ecosystems are essential not only for environmental balance but also for the protection and sustenance of local communities. The film illustrates the ongoing efforts to preserve these ecosystems and the personal stories of those living on the frontlines of climate change.
Following the documentary, a discussion was held with Qaiser, giving media representatives the opportunity to further explore the broader implications of environmental changes on coastal regions. Andrew Tkach, Executive Director of VRW and an eight-time Emmy Award winner, praised Qaiser’s dedication to showcasing and preserving Karachi’s largely unknown mangrove forests.
The event is part of a series of initiatives by AKU to foster discussions around environmental sustainability and resilience, especially significant as the global community faces increasingly severe climate-related challenges. By leveraging the power of visual storytelling, the roundtable aimed to bridge the gap between scientific understanding, policy-making, and public awareness, underscoring the importance of informed discourse in tackling environmental issues.
VRW is a joint initiative involving multiple agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, including Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, and the University of Central Asia. The series has been made possible through contributions from various donors, including Ross Beaty, the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family, the Sitka Foundation, Gulshan Kassamali Jiwa Family, and the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.
