Nature-Based Solutions Key to Ensuring Sustainable Livelihoods for Coastal Communities: Fisheries Minister

Nature-based solutions are an effective and sustainable way to protect the livelihoods of coastal communities, ensure food security, and strengthen climate resilience, said State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a national technical workshop titled “Prioritizing Nature-Based Interventions for Resilient Coastal Bangladesh” held at Hotel Westin in Dhaka on Monday. The workshop was organized by Friendship and Conservation International.

The minister said forests, wetlands, coastal vegetation, and integrated agroforestry systems not only help protect the environment but also improve livestock feed availability, animal health, and strengthen the “One Health” approach connecting human, animal, and environmental health.

He said climate change impacts, including cyclones, storm surges, rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, and coastal erosion, are threatening the environment, economy, food systems, and livelihoods of millions of people in coastal areas.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said the fisheries and livestock sectors play a vital role in the national economy and support the livelihoods of millions in rural areas. However, these sectors are among the most vulnerable to climate change.

He added that sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, and evidence-based development planning are essential to increasing climate resilience. The government’s initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years will also contribute to ecosystem recovery and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.