UNDP assures help to fight climate change
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative Robert Juhkam yesterday said the UN's development network is with Bangladesh in its efforts to combat climate change and environmental issues.
“It is a well known fact that Bangladesh is not to blame for climate change and yet, it is the most vulnerable country, and also a vocal advocate of other vulnerable countries.
“A lot needs to be done in the issue,” he said.
He was addressing a seminar jointly organised by environment ministry; Department of Environment (DoE); UNDP Bangladesh; and British Council, Bangladesh in the city's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre observing World Environment Day 2011.
Speakers there urged the government to take effective steps in cleaning rivers around Dhaka and strengthening water transportation infrastructure in and around the city to ease traffic jams.
They also stressed on the need to attract more tourists to visit the Sundarbans and alternative employment opportunities for people living in forest regions.
“The (environment) ministry took initiatives to provide diverse employment opportunities for communities living in the forest region,” said Dr Hasan Mahmud, state minister for environment, while speaking as the chief guest.
He hoped to see results in this regard within the next year or two.
Two papers “Forests: Global Snapshot International Initiatives to Conserve Forest Ecosystems” and “The Role of Forest Ecosystem in Our Life” were presented at the seminar.
Over five percent of national GDP comes from the forest sector while some two percent of the population is employed in activities related to forests, said speakers.
With greater development and preservation activities, the country's forests may become even a bigger economic, social and environmental force, they added.
Many organisations across the country also organised a host of programmes to observe the day.
DoE, Chittagong organised a rally from MA Ajij stadium's gymnasium premises to Muslim Institute in Chittagong. Speakers there said environmental science should be included in primary school syllabus as a subject.
Ramna Park Federation of Workers Association also brought out another rally in the city led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua.
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