State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku spoke at national technical workshop on nature-based interventions for resilient coastal Bangladesh. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today said nature-based solutions are among the most effective and sustainable ways to protect the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities, ensure food security, and strengthen climate resilience.

"Forests, wetlands, coastal vegetation, and integrated agroforestry systems not only help conserve the environment but also increase the availability of livestock feed, improve animal health, and reinforce the integrated 'One Health' concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing the national technical workshop titled Prioritizing Nature-Based Interventions for Resilient Coastal Bangladesh, organised by Friendship and Conservation International at a hotel in the capital.

Tuku said that although Bangladesh has earned global recognition for addressing the impacts of climate change, the country's coastal region remains one of the most vulnerable areas in the world. Cyclones, storm surges, rising sea levels, increasing salinity, and coastal erosion continue to threaten the environment, the economy, food systems, and the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, he added.
He said the fisheries and livestock sectors make significant contributions to the national economy while serving as the primary source of livelihood for millions of people in rural areas. However, both sectors are among the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, he added.

He said the government is committed to strengthening climate resilience through sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, and evidence-based development planning. The national initiative to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years will play an important role in restoring ecosystems and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, he added.

Friendship Founder Runa Khan delivered the welcome address at the event.

Former Secretary Dr Md Faridul Islam, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahjaman Khan, and Conservation International South Asia Managing Director Saurabh Malhotra attended the programme as special guests.