Savar: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized that while innovative climate adaptation efforts are essential, they cannot replace the urgent need for global mitigation. Drawing from recent experiences in coastal districts like Noakhali and Feni, she highlighted how rising water levels, compounded by complex river systems and tidal effects, are overwhelming local flood infrastructure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana delivered her keynote address at the session titled "Policy Perspective on Climate Adaptation in Agriculture, Food Security, and Livelihoods" at the Frugal Innovation Forum 2025, held at BRAC CDM, Savar. She questioned the global push for nature-based solutions without sincere commitments to emission reductions, highlighting that nature-based solutions should focus on protecting forests, rivers, and canals rather than merely counting trees to offset carbon while emissions continue unchecked.
Rizwana criticized the trend of monetizing ecosystems without addressing the root cause of fossil fuel dependency. She also touched on agricultural vulnerability, stressing the need to rethink crop patterns, discourage harmful practices like expanding tobacco and cassava cultivation, and invest in regenerative, community-informed farming systems. She emphasized that the goal should be "safe food, not just more food."
The adviser called for inclusive governance, urging that communities and local government institutions be placed in the "driving seat" of climate action. She noted the necessity of two-way communication between policymakers and grassroots communities and stressed that adaptation funding must reach those working on the ground, including civil society and innovative local initiatives.
Rizwana announced government efforts to reform the Climate Change Trust Fund and launch new platforms such as BCDP to improve collaboration and fund distribution. She also shared updates on tree conservation laws, school-based reforestation programs, and land protection initiatives, emphasizing the cultural shift needed to restore and respect nature. Concluding her speech, she warned that the development model must evolve, stating, "Climate resilience isn't just about surviving-it's about rethinking our values."
The event was also attended by Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; SM Munjurul Hannan, Executive Director of Nature Conservation Management; KAM Morshed, Senior Director of BRAC; along with other experts from home and abroad. Rizwana also participated in a question-and-answer session and visited the stalls in the exhibition.