Environmental assessment should not be confined only to ecological perspectives, said Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of the interim government.
She emphasised that the livelihoods, identities, and institutional recognition of fishers must also be taken into consideration.
She made these remarks on Saturday while addressing the opening session of the 7th Center for Sustainable Development Conference 2025, held at a hotel in Dhaka.
The event was jointly organised by the Center for Sustainable Development and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).
“Bangladesh is rich in aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, conserving natural fish resources and ensuring the social protection of fishers are equally essential,” the adviser said.
She noted that a major portion of the country’s animal protein comes from fish, eggs, and other livestock products, mostly produced by small-scale farmers, many of whom are women.
“Despite their significant contributions, these women remain underrecognised in policy discussions,” she added.
Bangladesh has 118,813 square kilometers of marine territory, rich in aquatic biodiversity, yet its marine fish resources remain underutilised, she pointed out.
“Moreover, the lack of sufficient culverts in infrastructure and road development projects is disrupting natural water flow, adversely affecting fish movement and breeding systems,” she said.
The adviser further said various initiatives have been undertaken to conserve fish resources, including the declaration of marine protected areas.
However, she stressed that these measures must be implemented in a more integrated and organised manner.
“Although Bangladesh is endowed with abundant freshwater and marine fish diversity, pollution, especially from plastics and industrial waste is posing a growing threat to aquatic life and food security,” she warned.
ULAB Vice Chancellor Professor Imran Rahman delivered the welcome address at the conference.
Among the special guests were Reto Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Syeda Madiha Murshed, member of ULAB’s Board of Trustees; and Professor Sharmind Neelormi of Jahangirnagar University.
