State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has said nature-based solutions are among the most effective and sustainable methods for protecting the livelihoods, ensuring food security, and increasing the climate resilience of coastal communities.
He noted that forests, wetlands, coastal greenbelts, and integrated agro-forestry systems do more than just conserve the environment. These systems increase the availability of fodder for livestock, improve animal health, and strengthen “One Health” concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The state minister made these remarks at a workshop titled “Prioritizing Nature-Based Interventions for Resilient Coastal Bangladesh” held at a hotel in the capital on Monday. The workshop was organised by Friendship and Conservation International.
Tuku observed that while Bangladesh has earned global recognition for its efforts in tackling the impacts of climate change, the country’s coastal region remains one of the most vulnerable areas in the world.
He highlighted that cyclones, tidal surges, sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and coastal erosion are currently threatening the environment, economy, food systems, and the livelihoods of millions of people.
Tuku emphasised that the fisheries and livestock sectors contribute significantly to the national economy and serve as the primary livelihood for millions in rural areas. However, both sectors are now at extreme risk due to the adverse effects of climate change.
In the coastal regions, millions of families depend on cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, and poultry. According to him, livestock ensures regular income, nutrition, employment, and financial security, often serving as a family’s most critical economic asset during natural disasters.
Tuku mentioned the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience through sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, and evidence-based development planning.
He said a national initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years will play a vital role in restoring ecosystems and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations.
The welcome address at the workshop was delivered by Runa Khan, the founder of Friendship. Special guests included former secretary Md Faridul Islam, Director General of Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, and Saurav Malhotra, the South Asia managing director of Conservation International.
