Speakers have emphasised the urgent need to place nature at the heart of development strategies.
Marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Department of Environment (DoE) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh jointly hosted a high-level discussion on Thursday in Dhaka under the global theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together policymakers, scientists, environmental leaders, and development partners to call for bold, coordinated action to reverse biodiversity loss and integrate nature into national development planning.
Attending as the Chief Guest, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, called for stronger governance.
She said that environmental laws must be implemented, not ignored.
"True environmental leadership comes when all ministries prioritise nature and align policies to protect it,” she added.
Govt formulating plans to prevent further damage to rivers: Adviser Rizwana
Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative (a.i.), UNDP Bangladesh, said nature is not a luxury, it is life.
"From food security to climate resilience, our future depends on how we restore and protect biodiversity. Through initiatives such as BIOFIN, UNDP is proud to help bridge the biodiversity finance gap and scale nature-based solutions in Bangladesh,” she added.
Stressing the importance of cultural and policy shifts, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), said, “We cannot undo decades of degradation overnight. But with long-term strategies and sectoral alignment, we can restore ecosystems and build resilience, starting with proper management of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs).”
Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, DoE said, "Nature gives us air, water, food, and medicine, yet we continue to degrade it. We must adopt sustainable models that align with nature. Protecting biodiversity is essential for our survival. Nature needs our action—now more than ever."
Youth must play active role in environmental protection: Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Director, DoE, noted, “Biodiversity is our frontline defence against natural disasters. As ecosystems come under pressure, we must rethink how we use natural resources and act with greater conservation awareness.”
Renowned ecologist Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan urged structural reform. “We need a central Biodiversity Authority under the Biodiversity Act bringing together forestry, fisheries and environmental stakeholders under one umbrella.” Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary (Environment), MoEFCC echoed the need for a dedicated institution for biodiversity conservation.
The event featured rich discussions on biodiversity policy, financing, and integration with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Participants emphasized the importance of public awareness, sectoral coordination, and integrating biodiversity into economic planning. The day concluded with a shared call to action to reimagine development that places nature at its core.
Rizwana for developing habit of using cloth, jute bags instead of polythene