Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urged the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including organic food production and reduced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. He also called for support of local farming, and traditional farming by forest-dependent Indigenous communities.

Environment Advisor emphasized the need for integrating environmental policies into agri-food systems during her address at the 8th IUCN Regional Conservation Forum. The forum, held in Bangkok, brought together experts from across Asia to discuss pressing environmental issues.

Speaking at a session titled “Transforming Agri-Food Systems: Integration of Environmental Policies into Agri-Food Systems – Challenges and Opportunities,” Hasan highlighted the critical importance of aligning agricultural practices with environmental sustainability. She pointed out that the current agri-food systems are one of the major contributors to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil depletion, and water scarcity.

Integrating environmental policies into our agri-food systems is not just a necessity but a responsibility we must embrace. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities for creating a sustainable future are even greater, Rizawana stated.

Environment Advisor also discussed the specific challenges faced by countries like Bangladesh, where agricultural practices are deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of millions. She called for innovative policy solutions and greater regional cooperation to address these issues effectively.

The advisor, in a separate meeting with the DG, IUCN requested support in developing a progressive legal regime in Bangladesh on forest protection and conservation, setting up a sanctuary for orphan elephants, and restoring the ecological integrity of the Saint Martin Island. The DG assured of technical support and also support in finding resources.