Speakers call for action to put nature at the centre of development

Marking the 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 a high-level discussion today in Dhaka under the global theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development."

The event brought together policymakers, scientists, environmental leaders, and development partners to call for bold, coordinated action to reverse biodiversity loss and integrate Nature into national development planning.

Attending as the Chief Guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor, MoEFCC, 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, Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), 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 properly managing Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs)."

Dr Kamruzzaman, NDC, Director General, DoE, 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."

Dr Sohrab Ali, Director, 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 Professor Dr 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." Dr Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary (Environment), 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.