“Sustainable Development Requires Integration of Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Food Security: Rizwana Hasan”
At the “Agricultural Production and Biodiversity Conference” in Dhaka, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted that sustainable development requires the integration of agriculture, biodiversity, and food security. She said that environmental degradation for development is not acceptable and urged the inclusion of environmental concerns in development planning.
Hasan highlighted the need to protect farmers’ interests and conserve the environment to ensure food security. She criticized the prevailing mindset that development must come at the cost of environmental harm and called for changing this perception. She highlighted the contradiction of prioritizing industrial jobs while neglecting the millions who rely on rivers and clean water for their livelihoods.
She is worried about the illegal use of fertile farmland for brick kilns, viewing it as environmental destruction. The government is working on legislation to protect agricultural land, she noted. Hasan also stressed the importance of organic farming and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, urging for a shift toward a self-reliant agricultural model rather than succumbing to multinational pressure.
She urged changes in consumption patterns at both individual and state levels, linking overconsumption—like unnecessary air conditioning—to environmental stress. She also announced the launch of a reforestation project in Madhupur to restore native species.
Other speakers included economist Anu Muhammad and academics and business leaders. The event was attended by agricultural experts, environmentalists, and representatives from various organizations.
