Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today emphasized the necessity of involving local communities in the conservation and restoration efforts of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. “Conservation efforts cannot succeed without involving local people,” he stated at a workshop held at a city hotel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop was organized jointly by the Bangladesh Forest Department, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Agence Fran§aise de D©veloppement (AFD) to discuss the “Conservation and Restoration Initiatives in the Sundarbans Region (CRIS)” project. Mintoo, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the crucial role of communities living near the Sundarbans in safeguarding the mangrove forest. He noted that their experience, participation, and responsible involvement are vital for sustainable conservation.
Mintoo pointed out that the Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site that acts as a natural shield for coastal communities in Bangladesh, protecting them from cyclones, tidal surges, and other climate-related threats. He also stressed the forest’s connection to biodiversity, livelihoods, tourism, and the cultural identity of coastal inhabitants. However, he warned that the Sundarbans is currently facing challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and pressure on natural resources.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, Mintoo stated that mangrove ecosystems are a natural defense, and restoring these ecosystems is a critical investment in long-term social and economic stability. He affirmed the government’s commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and natural resource management, emphasizing that coordinated and long-term efforts are essential for environmental and biodiversity conservation. He further stressed that partnerships are vital as no single entity can tackle these challenges alone.
Regarding the CRIS project, the minister mentioned that the biodiversity assessments and environmental research conducted under the project would significantly contribute to future conservation planning. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, speaking as a special guest, underscored the importance of preventing activities such as poison fishing, wildlife poaching, and other criminal acts in the Sundarbans to protect the mangrove forest effectively.
The event, chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, featured speeches from various dignitaries, including IUCB Bangladesh country representative Bipasha S Hossain, AFD Deputy Country Director for Bangladesh C©cilia Cortese, and Conservator of Forest Imran Ahmed. ABM Sarowar Alam of IUCN Bangladesh delivered a power-point presentation on the CRIS project. The project is being implemented by IUCN, with the Bangladesh Forest Department as the executing agency, supported financially by AFD.