Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan should prioritise joint action on energy, agriculture, forestry: Rizwana at COP29
She proposed mechanisms to address challenges related to price-sensitive crops and geopolitical barriers hindering resource sharing
Bangladesh and its neighbours - Nepal and Bhutan- should prioritise taking joint actions on energy, agriculture, forestry, and potentially rivers, Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (21 November).
She made the remarks at a meeting at the Bangladesh Pavilion during the ongoing World Climate Conference (COP-29) with the environment secretaries of Nepal and Bhutan, reads a press statement.
During the discussion, Adviser Rizwana highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate challenges. She emphasized the need for actionable joint initiatives in key areas such as energy, agriculture, forestry, and rivers, stating:
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"Let's work together to outline steps for effective collaboration and progress. To identify areas for meaningful joint action, we should focus on energy, agriculture, forestry, and potentially rivers. These sectors are interconnected with climate resilience and provide significant opportunities for collaboration and shared learning," she said.
The adviser, however, cautioned against the adoption of false solutions promoted by agro-giants and called for prioritising sustainable practices that genuinely support farmers and communities.
Sharing experiences on forest conservation and its role in achieving climate goals and protecting vulnerable populations was another key area she underscored.
On energy, Rizwana stressed the importance of regional cooperation and investment in renewable energy to meet growing demands while reducing emissions.
She urged countries to share strategies to accelerate transitions to sustainable energy, enhancing both national and regional resilience.
Rivers, as a critical resource for climate adaptation and agriculture, were also identified as a potential focus for collaboration.
She proposed mechanisms to address challenges related to price-sensitive crops and geopolitical barriers hindering resource sharing.
Rizwana further emphasised the need for innovative solutions such as community seed banks and resilient crop varieties. She remarked:
By establishing mechanisms to share innovations, such as community seed banks or resilient crop varieties, we can amplify benefits with minimal investment. These areas are practical and actionable, requiring fewer political hurdles, making them ideal for joint action.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the participating countries to collaborate on sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways.
