Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, disclosed that the government is dedicatedly allocating $3.5 billion each year towards climate adaptation initiatives. However, the actual requirement stands at $9 billion annually for comprehensive adaptation efforts.
Addressing collaboration as pivotal, the minister stressed the importance of partnerships among the government, NGOs, and international development partners to address climate challenges effectively. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering communities, especially women, to combat climate adversities and adapt to evolving conditions.
These remarks were made during the launch ceremony of a national program held at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.
Chowdhury highlighted the significance of preserving critical ecological zones such as the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and Hakaloki Haor, a crucial breeding ground for birds and fish. He emphasized collaborative efforts with surrounding communities to mitigate disruptions to these habitats while providing training in income generation and natural disaster preparedness.
Community training initiatives will focus on eco-friendly technologies, sustainable resource management practices, and the introduction of solutions like saline-tolerant crops, renewable energy, and climate-resilient housing.
The event saw contributions from prominent figures including Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment) of the Ministry of Environment, among others. Representatives from donor agencies, local communities, as well as environmental advocates and staff, were also in attendance, underscoring collective efforts towards safeguarding Bangladesh’s environment.
