Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has stressed the integration of nature-based solutions into the coastal zone management strategies and other relevant policies instrumental to reduce risks and improve the resilience of the coast.

He termed the nature-based solutions as a cost-effective approach that utilises ecosystems and biodiversity services for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, and provides a range of co-benefits like sustainable livelihoods and food, water and energy security.

Dr Momen inaugurated the three-day long IORA Blue Carbon Hub think tank meeting “Nature-based solutions for coastal risk reduction” on Tuesday organised by the governments of Bangladesh and Australia in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and IORA Blue Carbon Hub.

Secretary at Maritime Affairs Unit Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam chaired the opening session. Around a hundred participants joined the opening day of the meeting.

The Foreign Minister talked about the importance of applying nature-based solutions in enhancing resilience to disasters and climate change.

He laid emphasis on crafting specific policy on nature-based solutions that encompass most of the available relevant and appropriate concepts including ecological engineering or catchment systems engineering, green infrastructure, ecosystem approach, ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation, ecosystem service framework, and natural capital.

Minister Momen intimated the participants regarding Bangladesh’s different initiatives in establishing Climate Change Trust Fund under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; hosting the South Asian Office of Global Centre on Adaptation; adopting Planetary Emergency Resolution; establishing green belt along the coast; establishing plantations in homesteads and embankments; and initiating Coastal Development Strategy.

He also highlighted Bangladesh's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan that seek to build a medium-to-long-term programme for enhancing resilience to climate shocks and facilitating low-carbon, sustainable growth, including blue growth as linked to coastal ecosystems such as mangrove conservation and coastal resilience.