Dhaka: Bangladesh has been playing an important role at both national and international levels on climate and environment-related issues under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Wednesday. He emphasized the government’s firm commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable management of natural resources.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mintoo made these remarks while addressing the inauguration workshop of the ‘Conservation and Restoration Initiatives in the Sundarbans Region (CRIS) Project’ held at a city hotel. He highlighted the significance of the Sundarbans as a natural protective shield for Bangladesh’s coastal communities, safeguarding them from cyclones, tidal surges, and climate-induced disasters. He also noted the forest’s connection with biodiversity, fisheries resources, livelihoods, tourism, and the cultural identity of coastal people.
However, Mintoo acknowledged the multiple challenges the Sundarbans faces due to climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity degradation, and increased pressure on natural resources. He stressed the importance of research and reliable data for effective environmental management, noting that the biodiversity assessments and environmental research conducted under the CRIS project will play a crucial role in future conservation planning. He advocated for nature-based solutions to address climate risks, protect livelihoods, and strengthen ecosystem services, urging Bangladesh to advance through practical and broad-based initiatives.
The minister underscored the necessity of recognizing local communities as key stakeholders in conservation efforts. He stated that the communities living adjacent to the Sundarbans are vital partners in protecting the forest, with their experience, participation, and responsible role being essential for long-term conservation and resilience.
Mintoo noted that the CRIS project will significantly contribute to implementing Bangladesh’s international commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Bangladesh Forest Department under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the executing agency, while IUCN Bangladesh Country Office is implementing the project.
According to project details presented at the workshop, the initiative aims to improve biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the Sundarbans region, including the Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF), Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ), and Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA), benefiting local communities through restoration practices. The workshop featured a Poter Gaan performance by a local Sundarbans artist and included remarks from several notable figures involved in the project, along with two panel discussions on faunal conservation and ecosystem restoration in the Sundarbans.