In a significant stride towards bolstering biodiversity conservation, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has pledged its support to Bangladesh for the establishment of a crucial Wildlife Trust Fund.
This commitment, along with broader support for the nation’s biodiversity preservation endeavors, was announced today by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources.
The announcement followed a productive meeting between Environment Advisor and Nayoka Martinez Bäckström, the First Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) and Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, held at Pani Bhaban, Dhaka.
During their insightful discussion, both luminaries underscored the imperative of adhering to well-defined timelines, complete with meticulously outlined project components, to ensure streamlined decision-making processes while placing paramount importance on the inclusive engagement of all relevant stakeholders.
A central theme of their dialogue revolved around the critical need to integrate marginalized communities into the very fabric of conservation initiatives, thereby guaranteeing a holistic and equitable approach to environmental protection.
Looking ahead, key initiatives are on the horizon, including the scheduled July 2025 launch of the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership(BCDP), a pivotal tool designed to enhance coordination across various organizations engaged in climate action.
Furthermore, a comprehensive workshop will address disability-inclusive climate action, and efforts are underway to finalize crucial financial commitments from esteemed development partners. The immediate next steps involve the formulation of draft recommendations, the establishment of dynamic working groups comprising youth advocates, seasoned technical experts, and engaged civil society representatives, and the formalization of partnership agreements with the Embassy of Sweden.
This burgeoning collaboration signifies a transformative moment in Bangladesh’s overarching climate resilience strategy, seamlessly blending Sweden’s renowned technical expertise with invaluable local insights to forge a path towards sustainable and impactful biodiversity conservation.
In a concurrent engagement at Pani Bhaban, Dhaka, earlier in the day, Ms. Hasan also held an engaging exchange of views with the celebrated British wildlife TV presenter, naturalist, conservationist, author, television producer, and filmmaker Nigel Alan Marven. Their discussion centered on the potential for a compelling film project showcasing the rich tapestry of Bangladesh’s unique wildlife.