Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the government is working committedly for climate adaptation actions by spending 3.5 billion dollars every year. But actually, 9 billion dollar is needed for adaptation activities. He said collaboration among Government, NGOs and international development partners are important in this regard. Government will empower communities, particularly women, to overcome climate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. Environment Minister said these while launching UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s the Nature-Based Adaptation Towards Prosperous & Adept Lives & Livelihoods in Bangladesh (NABAPALLAB) project at a national program held at Hotel Intercontinental, in the Capital.
Minister Chowdhury said two critically important ecological areas, namely the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and Hakaloki Haor, a vital breeding ground for birds and fish, will be worked on to be protected. Surrounding communities will be collaborated with to minimize disruptions to these habitats while providing training in income generation and natural disaster preparedness. Communities will be involved in training in eco-friendly technologies, promoting sustainable resource management practices, introducing solutions like saline-tolerant crops, renewable energy, and climate-resilient housing. Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Additional Secretary (Environment) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Fahmida Khanom; Ramesh Singh, Regional Director of CARE Asia; Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, the Chief Conservator of Forests; Climate Expert Professor Dr. Ainun Nishat and Selina Shelley Khan, Chief of Party, NABAPALLAB also spoke in the occasion. Representatives of donor agencies, representatives of local communities, guests, and staffs working to protect Bangladesh’s environment were also present in the occasion.