Bimstec stresses partnerships to protect ecosystems in Himalayas, Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) has stressed the importance of strengthening global and regional partnerships to safeguard the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, which are vital to the region's ecological and economic resilience.

Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey made the call while addressing multiple high-level sessions during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held from 9 to 15 October in Abu Dhabi, according to a Bimstec press release issued in Dhaka today (20 October).

Panday stressed the importance of partnerships with Bimstec to safeguard the ecosystems in the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. 

The Congress, regarded as the world's premier conservation event, brought together governments, scientists, development partners, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders worldwide to deliberate on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and nature-based solutions for sustainable development.

Pandey participated in several high-level dialogues, including a session titled "Harnessing Rivers for Peace and Prosperity: Cooperative Approaches to Resource Governance." 

He also delivered opening remarks at "Glaciers for the Future: Global Partnership for Glacier and Post-Glacier Ecosystem Resilience," and closing remarks at "The Freshwater Challenge: Accelerating Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration."

In his interventions, the Secretary General highlighted the challenges faced by Bimstec member states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and recurring natural disasters. 

He outlined the organisation's ongoing efforts in promoting regional cooperation in environmental protection, mountain economy, disaster management, and renewable energy.

The Secretary General expressed Bimstec's readiness to deepen cooperation with IUCN, the Green Climate Fund, UNEP, ADB, and other global partners to support sustainable and inclusive development in the Bay of Bengal region.

Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 

It pursues regional cooperation in 7 broad sectors: Agriculture & Food Security, Connectivity, Environment & Climate Change, People-to-People Contact, Science, Technology & Innovation, Security and Trade, Investment & Development. 

The cooperation also covers 8 sub-sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries & Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Human Resource Development.