The Untold Story of Baba Island : Sustainable Livelihood: The Revival of Fishing Community andEcology of Baba Island, Karachi

Abstract: Once covered by dense mangrove forest, Baba Island was inclusive of a group of Islands protecting the Kolachi settlement from storms and invasion.  Kolachi Jo Goth (fisherman’s village) transformed into the present-day megacity of Karachi when the British conquered and established it as a harbour for trade. Baba Island was no exception to the change as the British started moving the fishermen from the centre further out to the Islands while establishing their residential colonies.  This displacement of a chunk of the community led to the invasion of mangrove land and hence came about a dependent community - known as Baba Goth (Island). The infrastructure and main fishery including the fish markets were all still inland, apart from this as the city grew development happened inland and the community became forgotten over time. The once pristine waters are polluted, mangroves forests diminishing, fish depletion in the sea, lack of infrastructure and skills, rising sea levels and economic impoverishment have all led to the Baba community's vulnerability.  This thesis recognizes the degrading conditions of the Baba community, especially in the current context of climate change. Through the lens of sustainability, the project understands the practices and economic activities of the residents to derive solutions. It promotes regenerating coastal ecology to prevent land loss from seawater intrusion and storms. Ecofishing, waste and water management are the other main strategic solutions explored in the project. In all, the thesis aims to provide strategies for self-sufficiency and minimize their dependency on the city.