Bangladesh Government has taken two new projects that aim to conserve wetland biodiversity
The Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, and Global Enveronment Fasility (GEF) are working together on two projects to conserve the country’s vital wetland biodiversity. UNDP and Bangladesh Government signed two project implementation agreements titled
‘Community-Based Management of Tanguare Haur Tanguar Haor Wetland in Bangladesh’ and ‘Ecosystem-Based Management (EMB) in Ecologically Critical Area(ECA) in Bangladesh’. The Global Environment Facility is helping finance both projects.
Stefan Lilar, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh and Md Shahriar Quader Siddiqui, Secretary of the Department of Economic Relations, Bangladesh were present for the agreement signing.
These two projects will work to raise awareness among local communities on the sustainable use of wetland resources to address pressing environmental challenges for Bangladesh. Through which important biodiversity will be conserved, and the environment will be enriched as a whole.
Shahriar Quader Siddiqui, Secretary of the Economic Relations Department, stated at the contract signing ceremony that more international support is needed for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in Bangladesh.
Involving local communities in managing ecosystems is crucial, and conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity should be a key factor in any infrastructure project.
Farhina Ahmed said, ‘We need to reform our land management for sustainable wetlands. We should engage local communities in managing natural resources instead of using traditional lease systems. We also need to be more responsible in terms of tourism, so that endangered ecosystems are not further endangered.’
She stated that in addition to focusing on climate change, we must also prioritize biodiversity conservation and environment management. This is also at least important for us.’
Stefan Liller stated that while Bangladesh has made progress in climate adaptation and ecosystem conservation, we must continue to collaborate on environmental challenges.
The UN Development Program (UNDP) has been collaborating with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
He noted that they have gathered approximately $362 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support Bangladesh’s sustainable development priorities.
The event was attended by senior government officials of the country and representatives of UNDP, Bangladesh. This joint initiative of Bangladesh Government and UNDP is expected to accelerate biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
