A German parliamentary committee delegation has said Bangladesh, with the Sundarbans, possesses a natural treasure that must be protected.
“Germany has the technical capabilities to help here and should continue to do so in the future. The diversity of flora and fauna in this water-shaped region made a deep impression on the participants,” said Michael Thews, MP, who led the delegation of the Committee on the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection here from April 7 to 12.
Thews said the situation in the flood-prone areas is extremely challenging for the people living there. “The construction of storm-resistant houses, shelters, and a secure drinking water supply must be urgently continued.”
The delegation was overwhelmed by the warm reception in the country, saying they will incorporate the experiences gained into their political work and give Bangladesh greater prominence in the future.
“As a token of gratitude, we spontaneously decided, in our personal capacity, to fund a bicycle for waste collection in the low-income neighbourhood of Greenland Abasan, Khulna,” said Thews, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, noting that overall, the group left the country with many lasting impressions and the desire to continue the fruitful cooperation between the two countries.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rudiger Lotz on Wednesday said the visit is an important step in the fight against climate change.
“It shows Germany’s commitment to combating the climate crisis on a global scale. Bangladesh is not only profoundly affected by climate change, but also a pioneer in adaptation strategies,” he said, adding that sharing knowledge and supporting Bangladesh’s efforts is therefore crucial.
The delegation also included MPs Violetta Bock, Dr Franziska Kersten, Manuel Krauthausen, Julia Scheider and Sascha van Beek.
The programme took them across the country, combining high-level political engagement with field visits to affected communities and ecosystems, giving the parliamentarians insight into Bangladesh’s efforts in the areas of climate adaptation, biodiversity and species conservation, water protection, and environmental pollution.
In Dhaka, the delegation opened the visit with political consultations, including a meeting with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.
Both sides emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation between Germany and Bangladesh and discussed future opportunities for collaboration on environmental issues.
