Thursday, 21 November, 2024
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan warned on Friday that 45 per cent of the corals in Saint Martin's Island have already been breached, and the remaining corals could face a similar fate by 2045 unless economic activities, particularly tourism, are controlled.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Environment, Climate, and Politics in New Bangladesh" at Pani Bhaban in the capital, Rizwana stressed that if unchecked, the corals will not only be irreparably damaged but the island itself could eventually sink underwater.
“Corals can still recover if we control economic activities. Otherwise, all corals will be bleached to death, and Saint Martin's Island could eventually go underwater,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
Drawing comparisons with Thailand, Rizwana noted that Thailand had banned tourism this year on 11 coral islands after 10-11 percent of their corals were bleached. “Thailand has many coral islands, but Bangladesh has only one. Thailand has controlled tourism on its popular Krabi Island. We haven’t taken similar steps,” she said, calling for stricter regulations on tourism to preserve the island's unique ecosystem.
Regarding efforts to clear canals in Dhaka, Rizwana explained that a comprehensive plan is being developed to address the encroachment and pollution of the city's canals. The initiative, aimed at creating a "Blue Network" for Dhaka's canals, involves collaboration with agencies such as the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, and local city corporations.
“A working group has been formed to create a primary work plan after conducting a workshop over the next three days, with the final plan to be ready by November 30,” Rizwana said. The plan will focus on dialogue with stakeholders to restore the canals.
On the issue of data collection, she emphasized the need for accurate lists of rivers, canals, haors, and beels. “There was no basic information on these. We have now collected data at the district level, and we will soon upload proper lists on our ministry’s website,” she added.
Rizwana reassured that environmental protection is a top priority for the government in building a "new Bangladesh," with a focus on forest conservation and pollution prevention.
She also urged the youth to take an active role in combating climate change. "The young generation plays a crucial role in protecting the environment," she said.
Jahangirnagar University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Bangladesh Institute of Planners President Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, RDRC Chairman Mohammad Ejaz, and Prothom Alo special correspondent Iftekhar Mahmud also spoke at the seminar.
Youth climate activists called for the disqualification of individuals involved in the illegal grabbing of wetlands and rivers from participating in national elections, citing their harmful impact on the environment.
Over 20 youth organizations working on environmental issues participated in the event, discussing various aspects of environmental and climate challenges.
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Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan warned on Friday that 45 per cent of the corals in Saint Martin's Island have already been breached, and the remaining corals could face a similar fate by 2045 unless economic activities, particularly tourism, are controlled.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Environment, Climate, and Politics in New Bangladesh" at Pani Bhaban in the capital, Rizwana stressed that if unchecked, the corals will not only be irreparably damaged but the island itself could eventually sink underwater.
“Corals can still recover if we control economic activities. Otherwise, all corals will be bleached to death, and Saint Martin's Island could eventually go underwater,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
Drawing comparisons with Thailand, Rizwana noted that Thailand had banned tourism this year on 11 coral islands after 10-11 percent of their corals were bleached. “Thailand has many coral islands, but Bangladesh has only one. Thailand has controlled tourism on its popular Krabi Island. We haven’t taken similar steps,” she said, calling for stricter regulations on tourism to preserve the island's unique ecosystem.
Regarding efforts to clear canals in Dhaka, Rizwana explained that a comprehensive plan is being developed to address the encroachment and pollution of the city's canals. The initiative, aimed at creating a "Blue Network" for Dhaka's canals, involves collaboration with agencies such as the Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Department of Environment, and local city corporations.
“A working group has been formed to create a primary work plan after conducting a workshop over the next three days, with the final plan to be ready by November 30,” Rizwana said. The plan will focus on dialogue with stakeholders to restore the canals.
On the issue of data collection, she emphasized the need for accurate lists of rivers, canals, haors, and beels. “There was no basic information on these. We have now collected data at the district level, and we will soon upload proper lists on our ministry’s website,” she added.
Rizwana reassured that environmental protection is a top priority for the government in building a "new Bangladesh," with a focus on forest conservation and pollution prevention.
She also urged the youth to take an active role in combating climate change. "The young generation plays a crucial role in protecting the environment," she said.
Jahangirnagar University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Bangladesh Institute of Planners President Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, RDRC Chairman Mohammad Ejaz, and Prothom Alo special correspondent Iftekhar Mahmud also spoke at the seminar.
Youth climate activists called for the disqualification of individuals involved in the illegal grabbing of wetlands and rivers from participating in national elections, citing their harmful impact on the environment.
Over 20 youth organizations working on environmental issues participated in the event, discussing various aspects of environmental and climate challenges.
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