Saber: Govt is spending 3.5bn dollars per year for climate adaptation

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the government is working committedly for climate adaptation actions by spending 3.5 billion dollars every year. 

But actually, 9 billion dollars is needed for adaptation activities. 

He said collaboration among the government, NGOs and international development partners is important in this regard.  He said the government will empower communities, particularly women, to overcome climate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

The environment minister said these a launching ceremony at the national program held at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.

The minister said two critically important ecological areas, namely the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and Hakaloki Haor, a vital breeding ground for birds and fish, will be worked on to be protected.  Surrounding communities will be collaborated with to minimize disruptions to these habitats while providing training in income generation and natural disaster preparedness.

Communities will train in eco-friendly technologies, promote sustainable resource management practices, and introduce solutions like saline-tolerant crops, renewable energy, and climate-resilient housing.

Sarah Cooke, the British high commissioner to Bangladesh; Dr Fahmida Khanom, additional secretary (Environment) of the Ministry of Environment, among others, also spoke on the occasion. 

Representatives of donor agencies, representatives of local communities, guests, and staff working to protect Bangladesh's environment were also present at the occasion.

Source: UNB