Next Sundarbans meet in Dhaka

Bangladesh and India have agreed to step up bilateral cooperation on environmental protection, with the two neighbours deciding to hold their next joint working group (JWG) meeting on the conservation of the Sundarbans in Dhaka. The decision came as the two countries discussed a broader framework for cooperation on shared ecological challenges, including protection of the Sundarbans, conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger, transboundary pollution, climate resilience and biodiversity. The agreement was reached on Monday during a meeting between Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at the minister's office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a PID handout. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam was also present. The JWG, comprising representatives from the environment and forest ministries of the two countries, was established under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2011 for the conservation of the Sundarbans. The two sides also agreed to hold the next follow-up meeting in Dhaka under their bilateral protocol on the conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The next meeting on the conservation of transboundary Asian elephants, however, will be held in India. The discussions reflected an effort by the two countries to broaden practical cooperation on environmental issues that transcend national borders. The agenda included transboundary environmental challenges, carbon credits, emissions reduction and the development of a green economy. Abdul Awal Mintoo said Bangladesh and India had closely interconnected environmental and ecological interests as neighbouring countries. 'Challenges such as climate change, floods, droughts, river and water resource management, air pollution and biodiversity loss are not confined to any single country,' he said. He stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation through mutual trust, information and experience sharing, and effective coordination. 'Bangladesh is keen to advance positive and constructive relations with India based on mutual respect and shared interests,' he said. The minister expressed hope that cooperation in the environment and climate sectors would deepen further to promote the wellbeing of the peoples of both countries and ensure a sustainable future. Shaikh Faridul Islam underscored the importance of joint initiatives to protect the Sundarbans and other ecologically important transboundary areas and shared biodiversity. 'The Sundarbans is a shared natural resource of the two countries and the mangrove forest serves as an important protective shield against climate change and natural disasters,' he said. He said cooperation in research, technology and the exchange of management experience could be expanded to protect the Sundarbans ecosystem and wildlife. The two sides also discussed transboundary air and river pollution, emphasising the importance of scientific data sharing, regular communication among relevant agencies and stronger institutional coordination. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said there was scope to expand cooperation between the two neighbouring countries by prioritising mutual interests and the welfare of their peoples. He said Bangladesh and India had significant potential to work together on environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development. Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Fahmida Khanom was also present at the meeting.