Bangladesh continues to be one of the most vulnerable nations to the escalating impacts of climate change. To that end, while we must continue to put pressure on the developed world to pay for causing the climate crisis in the first place, our own need for biodiversity conservation has never been more urgent.
To that end, recent discussions have highlighted a universal truth: Climate resilience and biodiversity protection cannot be achieved through policy documents alone. What is needed now is tangible, on-the-ground action that translates ambition into reality.
Too often, conservation is treated as a matter for committees and conferences, with well-meaning frameworks that rarely make their way into the field.
To say the climate crisis demands more, especially for vulnerable nations such as ours, would be an understatement. From restoring degraded ecosystems to protecting natural habitats to supporting the communities who depend on them, these are all crucial and only through such concrete measures can we begin having hope.
By allowing natural systems to recover and thrive, we not only preserve species but also harness the power of nature to build climate resilience. However, for these actions to become reality, they must be prioritized, which means funding and scaling up -- not left as footnotes in policy reports.
Equally important is the need to foster a culture of conservation that spans generations. The stories of those living closest to nature, and the lessons they offer, must be amplified and passed on. Climate action is not just a technical challenge, but a societal one -- education, engagement, and long-term commitment all play an equally important role.
Tackling the climate crisis means moving beyond rhetoric and ensuring that words and promises are matched by measurable, meaningful action. Anything else means we will fall short.
