Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the Bangladesh government will establish a state-of-the-art mangrove research center in the country.
He said projects will be undertaken on mangrove forest protection, conservation and restoration in the coastal areas of Bangladesh.
He also said the government will sign an MoU for collaboration with UAE state-owned organization DP World in this regard.
The environment minister made the comments during a meeting with officials from the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Mangrove Restoration Project at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The environment minister said collaborative endeavors with esteemed partners like the UAE are paramount for mangrove ecosystem restoration.
This strategic alliance seeks to leverage collective knowledge, resources, and innovative solutions to ensure the preservation and revitalization of mangrove habitats. Young people will be sensitized against plastic pollution and mangrove restoration. Priorities will be given for nature-based solutions, he added.
Ayla Bajwa, senior vice president of DP World, said his organization will work for enhancing, restoring, and protecting mangroves, fostering capacity building for science and innovation, and empowering communities connected to mangrove ecosystems.
During the deliberations, Minister Saber Chowdhury and the UAE delegates explored avenues for mutual cooperation, spanning technological advancements, research initiatives, and sustainable practices.
Secretary of the Ministry Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Admin) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Environment) Dr Fahmida Khanom, Chief Conservator of Forest Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury; Deputy Secretary Dharitri Kumar Sarkar and Jimena Rodriguez, Group Senior Manager - Oceans and Biodiversity, Group Sustainability, DP were present in the occasion.
