Preserving nature's legacy, healing Kech River and restoring ecosystem balance
Kech River
Bioremediation
The Kech River holds historical significance, serving as a lifeline for Balochistan for centuries. It has sustained agriculture, supported local economies, and provided a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the river is now facing pollution issues due to agricultural runoff and untreated domestic wastewater, jeopardizing its ecological integrity and the well-being of surrounding communities.
The Kech river bioremediation project is a vital response to this ecological crisis. By implementing bioremediation technology, we contribute to the river health and to safeguard its historical significance. This also creates benefits for local communities dependent on the Kech River for agriculture and livelihoods, ensuring a better water quality source. Moreover, the project aligns with broader sustainability goals, contributing to global efforts in reduce pollution, capturing atmospheric carbon, and mitigating climate change.
The team driving the Kech River Project is led by Dr. Haneef Ur Rehman, who serves as a Professor in the Department of Natural and Basic Sciences at Turbat University. Working alongside him is Adnan, who contributes as Field Researcher while Muhammed and Feroz are laboratory interns. They are united in their mission to create a greener and more sustainable future for the Kech River and beyond.
Liquid Trees rigorously evaluates every project listed on our marketplace to ensure that we're surfacing only the highest quality projects. Our Evaluation Criteria includes a series of checks that every project must pass as well as a number of informative insights on project quality. You can see a preview of these checks below.
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Every river project listed on the Liquid Trees Marketplace must align with our Evaluation Criteria to ensure project quality. To monitor a river bioremediation project, Liquid Trees uses remote sensing and geographic information systems along with field measurements to monitor and assess microalgae biomass and nutrient evolution along the target river.
This animation shows the expected spread of native diatoms during the Kech River bioremediation.
Amidst the serene landscapes of Kech district, the Kech River embarked on a transformative journey. Enduring years of pollution, this lifeline faced significant challenges. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we took upon ourselves the responsibility of revitalizing the river and nurturing its potential.
Through biological river bioremediation and water quality monitoring, we aim to improve water quality. The remediation of the river's ecosystem not only ensures clean water for the resilient community of Dasht but also heralds a beacon of hope for the broader region. By nurturing the potential of the Kech River, we strive to set an example of harmonious coexistence between nature and human endeavors.
The bioremediation of the river's ecosystem ensures better water quality for the resilient community of Dasht and also heralds a beacon of hope for the broader region.
Balochistan, the home of the Kech River bioremediation project, is a province situated between Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. This region has a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources including mineral and hydrocarbon deposits. Despite its resource potential, Balochistan has lagged behind other provinces in terms of economic development. The province's economy mainly relies on agriculture and mining. Balochistan ranks low on the human development index, with significant challenges in access to safe drinking water, electricity, and education. With around 70% of the province's population residing in rural areas, the rural nature of Balochistan further contributes to the economic challenges faced by the region.
The Kech River bioremediation project aims to support the local economy by recovering river water quality and employing local talent. Thus, this project plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, social progress, and a better future for Balochistan.
The coastal regions of Balochistan are facing significant challenges in maintaining their fish population due to domestic, agricultural, and sewage pollution. The adverse effects of climate change, combined with inadequate waste management practices, have further intensified these challenges, impacting local fishermen to sustain their living. Urgent measures are needed to reverse the water qialuty and security concerns along with the decreasing fish populations.
The Kech River project aims to address these environmental challenges. By leveraging the unique properties of diatoms, we eliminate pollutants from water and create local employment opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership among the people of Balochistan towards the Kech River project.
With the aim of trash and solid waste removal from the Kech River, we plan to install interceptors along the river for their effective collection and removal. This proactive approach contributes to protecting the river ecosystem, creating a cleaner environment for both the local community and the aquatic life that depends on the river. By undertaking these initiatives and engaging the local community, we aim to provide a better future for Balochistan and its people.
In alignment with Liquid Trees' commitment to environmental stewardship, this river bioremediation project support the achievement of these SDGs
This project expands the contiguous habitat of the neighboring national park eastward to the Seruyan River, which local communities rely heavily on for drinking, transportation, and fish stocks. This land preservation provides countless flora and fauna with a natural, undisturbed habitat where they can thrive. Central Kalimantan Peatlands protects the populations of five critically endangered, 12 endangered, and 37 vulnerable species (including 5% of the world’s total population of Orangutans). Other mammals in the area include the Asian Sun Bear, Sunda Pangolin, Clouded Leopard, Proboscis Monkey, Hairy-Nosed Otter and many species of bats.
Among the largest near-surface reserves of terrestrial organic carbon, peatlands are made up of organic matter from partially decomposed remains of trees that accumulate to a thickness of 10m+. These forests are also home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
Regular daily patrols cover large expanses of this remote peat swamp on foot and by motorized canoe to prevent illegal activity and conduct a range of biological, resource and social surveys. Working together with project communities has strengthened local ties and support for the project.
The only great ape outside of Africa, whose populations have declined 95% in the last century, is critically endangered due to human activities. Tanjung Puting National Park (adjacent to the project area) houses one of the largest protected populations.
Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) collaborates with the project on the implementation of forest monitoring, reporting and protection activities on the ground.
