Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in size (approximately 350,000 sq. km) but smallest in population (7 million). The vegetation represents two phyto geographical regions namely Irano- Turanian and Saharo-Sindian. Zoo geographically Balochistan has affinities with Palearctic, Oriental as well as Ethopian realm. Balochistan contains a rich diversity of habitats as well as species. The importance of the province can be assessed by the fact that out of ten critically threatened ecosystems identified by the Biodiversity Action Plan, five occur in this province. Besides possessing the world renowned and largest remaining Juniper forests the province also has Chagai, an important desert habitat in the west which is centre of endemism for reptiles as well as small mammals. The rivers of the province are also important possessing endemic freshwater fish species.

The coastal areas of Pakistan are unique in its characteristics. About 80%o f the country coastal line is in Balochistan. Since International Waters are under the GEF priority sectors therefore, it is extremely important to highlight the issues and potentials of this sector. At the same time these areas have been neglected by development programmes in the past.

The workshop will be held in two parts one in Gawadar and another in Quetta. Launching of UNDP GEF/SGP will be done at Quetta workshop which will also aim at identification of the issues related to the biodiversity of the province, to identify and prioritize the conservation needs, and look for opportunities of enhancing local income based on sustainable use of the natural resources. A draft strategy for UNDP GEF/SGP funding in the field of biodiversity conservation in Balochistan will be prepared and refined with the involvement of all the stakeholders.

The workshop in Gawadar will be held on 25-26 September and focus on the issues and opportunities in the coastal areas of Balochistan. The workshop at Quetta will be held in October (date will be agreed upon later). A video presentation will be prepared. This will cover the issues related to international waters, biodiversity, habitat, socio-environmental problems, fisheries, fishing communities and development projects in the area. This video will be used at the launching workshop at Quetta.

Objective of the Gawadar Workshop:
To identify and prioritise the issues relating to environment in coastal areas in consultation with stakeholders and experts prepare broad guidelines for a provincial GEF/SGP strategy for coastal areas of Balochistan.

To promote collaboration among CBOs, government agencies intermediary NGOs and beneficiaries communities in terms of institutional support, innovation for low cost solutions, cost sharing and financial sustainability.