Dhaka: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emphasized the necessity of bolstering global and regional partnerships to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. These ecosystems are crucial to the ecological and economic resilience of the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey made this appeal while addressing several high-level sessions during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held from October 9 to 15 in Abu Dhabi. The Congress is acknowledged as the world's leading conservation event, bringing together governments, scientists, development partners, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss biodiversity conservation, climate change, and nature-based solutions for sustainable development.
Pandey engaged in numerous high-level dialogues, including a session titled "Harnessing Rivers for Peace and Prosperity: Cooperative Approaches to Resource Governance." He also delivered opening remarks at "Glaciers for the Future: Global Partnership for Glacier and Post-Glacier Ecosystem Resilience," and closing remarks at "The Freshwater Challenge: Accelerating Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration."
In his discussions, the Secretary General highlighted the challenges faced by BIMSTEC member states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and recurring natural disasters. He outlined the organization's ongoing efforts in promoting regional cooperation in environmental protection, mountain economy, disaster management, and renewable energy.
The Secretary General expressed BIMSTEC's willingness to deepen cooperation with IUCN, the Green Climate Fund, UNEP, ADB, and other global partners to support sustainable and inclusive development in the Bay of Bengal region. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It pursues regional cooperation in sectors such as Agriculture and Food Security, Connectivity, Environment and Climate Change, People-to-People Contact, Science, Technology and Innovation, Security, and Trade, Investment and Development. The cooperation also covers sub-sectors like Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Human Resource Development.