Environment Advisor Seeks Nordic Assistance to Establish Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary and Prioritize River Cleaning Initiatives.

Dhaka, December 17, 2024:
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, has called for Nordic support—both financial and technical—in establishing a wildlife sanctuary for elephants, which are already extinct in the region. She also emphasized that cleaning up rivers across Bangladesh remains a top priority for the Ministry, urging Nordic countries to contribute their expertise and cooperation in these critical areas.

The Advisor made these remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, Nicolas Weeks; the Ambassador of Norway, Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; and the Deputy Head of Mission of Denmark, Anders Karlsen, held Tuesday at the Ministry's office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions, Syeda Rizwana Hasan invited Nordic countries to share their experiences in tackling plastic pollution. She stressed MoEFCC's focus on youth engagement in managing plastic and noise pollution and sought Nordic support in facilitating awareness campaigns to strengthen these initiatives.

The Nordic Ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in biodiversity conservation, river pollution prevention, and renewable energy development.

Deputy Head of Mission Anders Karlsen expressed Denmark's interest in a $1.2 billion investment for establishing an offshore wind farm in Cox’s Bazar, which would generate 500 MW of electricity. Meanwhile, Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen shared Norway’s readiness to support the implementation of a "Marine Litter Prevention Project" aimed at promoting sustainable plastic use and reducing marine litter across Bangladesh.

The Environment Advisor graciously accepted an invitation to attend the Nordic Day celebration on February 6, 2024, as the Chief Guest, underscoring the growing partnership between Bangladesh and the Nordic countries in addressing environmental challenges.

Environment Secretary, Water Resources Secretary and High officials from the Ministry and Embassies also present in the occasion.

Regards:
Dipankar Bar,
Public Relations Office
Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, Mobile: 01710929596