Ishfaq Ahmad ¹ Pu Guo ¹ Mei-Xia Zhao ^1* Yu Zhong ¹ Xiao-Yun Zheng ¹ Shu-Qi Zhang ¹ Jian-Wen Qiu ² Qi Shi ¹ Hong-Qiang Yan ¹ Shi-Chen Tao ¹ Li-Jia Xu ³

• ¹ South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
• ² Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR China
• ³ South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

The coral reefs along Pakistan’s coastline are of ecological and economic significance. However, they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic threats and climate change. These vulnerable ecosystems are declining due to factors such as sedimenta-tion, climate change, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and tourism develop-ment. These influences lead to several negative impacts, such as jeopardized coral health, decline in biodiversity, and the simplification of reef structures. In response to these threats, conservation efforts are imperative. This literature review provides an in-depth analysis of anthropogenic threats, climate change and the conservation of coral reefs in Pakistan. This review provides suggestions on how the country could better conserve its coral reef ecosystem. These include (1) initiatives such as establishing ma-rine protected areas (MPAs), (2) encouraging sustainable fishing practices and reduc-ing pollution, (3) developing the country as an ecotourism destination and implement-ing climate change adaptation measures, and (4) community engagement through awareness campaigns and fostering collaboration among, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientists. These comprehensive conser-vation policies address human-caused and other challenges, safeguarding their ecolog-ical, economic, and cultural relevance for future generations.