Govt to assess natural resources for first time

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has established a cell dedicated to collecting environmental statistics. This includes data on climate change, natural resources, biodiversity, disasters, and disaster management.

The initiative also marks the beginning of Bangladesh's journey towards establishing Natural Resource Accounts (NRA), a system already adopted by 92 other countries, including India.

Speaking at a seminar titled "NRA under UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting" organised by the BBS and the Food and Agriculture Organisation on Thursday (18 April), Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury highlighted the importance of data in environmental protection.

"Sustainable development requires protecting the environment alongside economic progress," he said. "Without knowing the value of our natural resources, how can we effectively safeguard them? This is why the NRA is crucial."

Saber acknowledged the need for real-time data collection. "We cannot rely on outdated information for planning in 2024. Live data is essential, and this necessitates capacity building at the local level," he said.

The minister emphasised the need for efficient resource utilisation. "To achieve maximum utilisation, we must understand the extent of our resources," he said.

He also announced plans to launch 11 additional satellites alongside the Bangabandhu-2 satellite. This expanded network will provide valuable data on climate change and environmental issues.

Highlighting the environmental impact of brick kilns, the minister pointed out the unsustainable practice of using 13 crore metric tonnes of agricultural soil annually. He stressed the need for responsible practices, condemning the destruction of mangrove forests for shrimp farming.

"Environmental harm will no longer be tolerated. All actions must prioritise the national interest," he said.

The seminar's keynote presenter, Mohammad Saddam Hossain Khan, who is the focal point for the Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Statistics Cell at BBS, explained the concept of NRA.

"NRA is a method for estimating the economic impact of resource depletion and degradation caused by economic activities," he said. "It establishes a connection between the health of our natural environment and our economic progress."

Saddam Hossain elaborated on the lack of existing data on crucial environmental factors like oxygen consumption and carbon emissions. He expressed confidence that NRA would provide a clear picture of the country's natural resources.

"This initiative will ultimately strengthen our economy," Saddam Hossain said. "By embracing nature-based solutions, we can achieve various goals, including eradicating poverty and hunger."

He added that data will be collected from 46 government organisations to create a comprehensive NRA.