DHAKA, Oct 7, 2021 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said nature-based approach is the most effective way to confront the inter-related challenges of pandemic, biodiversity loss, climate change and achieving sustainable development.

   "Bangladesh has been putting sincere efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals, giving priority to climate, nature and development. Bangladesh has adopted a Green Growth Strategy in its 8th Five Year Plan and Bangladesh Perspective Plan 2021-2041 to harmonize economic growth with better environmental sustainability to create a Climate Resilient Nation," he said.

   The minister came up with the remarks virtually joining the 'Fourth United Nations Environment Program Session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific' held at Suwon in Korea from his official residence in the city.

   Environment and climate change ministers of Asia pacific region delivered speeches on the occasion.

   Shahab Uddin said the government also adopted the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 to achieve a safe, climate-resilient and prosperous delta aiming at ensuring long-term water and food security, economic growth, environmental protection and effectively reducing the risks of climate change.

   To reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, he said, Bangladesh submitted the revised and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCC on August 26 this year, enhancing both unconditional and conditional contributions with ambitious quantifiable mitigation targets.

   Shahab Uddin said Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2030 finalized by Bangladesh has duly recognized the co-benefits of maximizing share of renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, giving importance to climate resilient nature based approaches of development and due consideration on Locally Led Adaptation.

   The country is also working on implementing its sectoral policies and action plans, like Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, Country Investment Plan on Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, Renewable Energy Roadmap and Plastic Waste Management Action Plan, he added.

   The minister sought international funds and technological assistances for enhancing capacity to implement the action plans taken at the national level.