By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: Ahead of Earth Day 2026, the Aga Khan University (AKU) convened a media roundtable, bringing together journalists, environmental stakeholders, and experts to address the growing threat of climate change to coastal ecosystems, with a particular focus on the city’s mangrove forests.
The session featured a screening of “A Forest in Peril”, a documentary produced by architect and environmentalist Tariq Alexander Qaiser. The film examines the vulnerability and resilience of mangrove ecosystems on Bundal Island, underscoring their role as a critical natural defense against coastal erosion, rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The documentary is part of Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), a globally renowned three-season series, supported by AKU, that focuses on amplifying climate narratives from fragile ecosystems and bringing global attention to communities most affected by environmental change.
“The loss of mangroves is not just an environmental issue; it is a human one,” said Tariq Alexander Qaiser. These ecosystems protect communities, sustain livelihoods, and maintain ecological balance. Their degradation exposes both nature and people to far greater risks. Mangroves are among the world’s most valuable yet endangered ecosystems. In Pakistan, they act as a vital buffer for coastal communities, while also supporting biodiversity and sustaining local livelihoods. However, increasing pressures, from climate change to unchecked urban expansion, continue to threaten their survival, raising concerns about long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Through a multi-year narrative, the documentary captures ongoing efforts to safeguard these fragile environments, while also highlighting the lived experiences of communities on the frontlines of climate change. The screening was followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, providing media representatives an opportunity to explore the broader implications of environmental change on coastal regions.
“I salute the dedication of Tariq Alexander Qaiser to show the beauty and importance of Karachi’s largely unknown mangrove forests, said Andrew Tkach, Executive Director of VRW and eight-time Emmy Award winner. “His multi year struggle to preserve them is in the finest tradition of the Voices from the Roof of the World documentary series.”
As climate-related challenges intensify globally, initiatives that bring together media and experts are becoming increasingly important in shaping informed public discourse. The event forms part of broader efforts to mark Earth Day by encouraging conversations around environmental sustainability and resilience. It also highlights the growing role of visual storytelling in bridging the gap between science, policy, and public understanding.
Through initiatives like VRW, AKU continues to contribute to advancing climate awareness, fostering dialogue, and promoting knowledge-sharing in response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
VRW is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network agencies, including Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, and the University of Central Asia, and is made possible with the generous donation and support by Ross Beaty, the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family, the Sitka Foundation, Gulshan Kassamali Jiwa Family, and the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.
