Staff Reporter:
Policymakers, scientists, environmental leaders, and development partners have called for bold and coordinated action to reverse biodiversity loss and integrate nature into national development planning.
They came up with the call at a high-level discussion held in Dhaka on Thursday, read a press release.
Marking 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 the discussion under the global theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
Attending as the chief guest, MoEFCC Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan called for stronger governance. “Environmental laws must be implemented, not ignored. True environmental leadership comes when all ministries prioritise nature and align policies to protect it.”
Sonali Dayaratne, resident representative (a.i.), UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the urgency of investing in ecosystems.
“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.”
Stressing the importance of cultural and policy shifts, MoEFCC Secretary Farhina Ahmed 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).”
DoE Director General Md Kamruzzaman 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.”
Md Sohrab Ali, director of the 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 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.”
Fahmida Khanam, additional secretary (environment) of the 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 emphasised 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.
