Envir Adviser Urges Sustainable Agriculture at IUCN Forum

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has called for the integration of sustainable agricultural practices, including organic food production and the reduced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. She also emphasized the importance of supporting local and traditional farming methods, particularly those used by forest-dependent communities.

Speaking at the 8th IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in Bangkok, Rizwana highlighted the need to embed environmental policies into agri-food systems. The forum brought together experts from across Asia to discuss critical environmental challenges.

During her address at the session titled “Transforming Agri-Food Systems: Integration of Environmental Policies into Agri-Food Systems—Challenges and Opportunities,” she stressed that current agri-food systems significantly contribute to environmental degradation, such as deforestation, soil depletion, and water scarcity.

"Integrating environmental policies into agri-food systems is not just necessary—it’s our responsibility," Rizwana stated. She acknowledged the challenges but underscored the vast opportunities for building a sustainable future.

Rizwana also discussed the unique challenges faced by countries like Bangladesh, where agriculture is a vital part of millions of livelihoods. She called for innovative policy solutions and enhanced regional cooperation to tackle these issues effectively.

In a separate meeting with the Director General of IUCN, Rizwana requested support for developing a progressive legal framework in Bangladesh focused on forest protection and conservation, establishing a sanctuary for orphaned elephants, and restoring the ecological integrity of Saint Martin’s Island. The DG assured her of technical assistance and help in securing resources for these initiatives.