Day-long workshop on climate change and biodiversity held in Sreemangal

Published : Monday, 21 July, 2025 at 7:29 PM Count : 234

A day-long workshop on climate change and biodiversity was held in Srimangal.

This workshop was held on Sunday (July 20, 2025) at the hall of Hotel Grand Taj in Sreemangal town, organized by BIPNET.

The workshop, moderated by Mithun Kumar Urao, Program Coordinator of KMKS, and chaired by Gidison Pradhan Suchiang (Kordor), President of Khasi Social Council and Head of the Greater Sylhet Region BIPNET Member Division, was attended by Mrinal Kanti Tripura, Executive Director of the Maleya Foundation, as a special guest. Also present at the event were Lawachhara Khasia Punji Mantri (Head man) and BIPNET member Philah Pohthmi, Khasi Social Council General Secretary Anil Joy, Greater Sylhet Tripura Unnayan Parishad President Janak Debbarma, Moulvibazar Tea Community Adivasi Front President Parimal Singh Baraik, Aliachhara Punji Representative Member Ronald T. Amflag, Greater Sylhet Adivasi Forum Secretary General Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Manipuri youth leader and journalist Nirmal S. Palash, Ningumbam Sankar, Adivasi Munda Community President Laksman Munda, Santal youth leader Swapan Murmu and youth representatives of various tea gardens and other indigenous communities. 25 leaders from different upazilas participated in the workshop.

When asked about this, in a response, Comrade Syed Amiruzzaman, a leader of the Workers' Party of Bangladesh, senior journalist, researcher and prominent columnist, said, "There is a deep relationship between climate change and biodiversity and both affect each other. Biodiversity is declining due to climate change, and failing to conserve biodiversity can make climate change worse. What we need to do is take steps to mitigate climate change and at the same time focus on conserving biodiversity."

Regarding the relationship between climate change and biodiversity, he said, "Climate change reduces biodiversity. Due to increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather (e.g. floods, droughts), etc., many plant and animal species are losing their habitats and are at risk of extinction."

Regarding the impact of climate change on biodiversity, he said, "Ecosystems play an important role in climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. For example, forests and wetlands help store carbon. Their destruction increases carbon emissions and can exacerbate climate change."

Regarding food production and the use of natural resources, he said that food production could also be affected by climate change and loss of biodiversity, which makes people's lives more difficult.

And so, he said, regarding what we need to do, take appropriate steps to mitigate climate change, reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy. Stop deforestation and plant trees to reduce carbon emissions. Improve waste management and reduce pollution through recycling. Use appropriate technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industries.

Regarding the steps to be taken to conserve biodiversity, he said, "Creating protected areas and protecting the biodiversity there. Conserving different species and their habitats. Reducing pollution and improving natural resource management. Creating awareness among local communities about the importance of conserving biodiversity."

Regarding food security and sustainable agricultural management, he said, "Inventing climate-tolerant crop varieties and practicing sustainable agriculture. Reducing food waste."

Regarding global cooperation, he said, "Strengthening international cooperation on climate change and biodiversity conservation. Providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is a collective responsibility. By taking action at both the individual and collective levels, we can ensure a sustainable future."

FP/MI