Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a participatory meeting here today unequivocally called for protecting biodiversity from further degradation as survival of all living beings is very vital.

Environment has been facing a serious threat due to various natural and man made catastrophes posing an identical threat to the planet Earth at present. So, all the government, non-government and volunteer organisations should come forward and work together.

Academics and experts made the observations while disseminating their expertise in a district-level consultation workshop at Hotel Grand River View Hotel in the city.

UNDP Bangladesh organized the workshop titled “Umbrella Programme to Support Development of Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) project” supported by Arannayk Foundation.

Prof Asabul Haque from Rajshahi University, Mesbabul Alam and Tasmina Khatun from Department of Environment, Aminuzzaman and Mita Sarker from Department of Agriculture Extension and Bulbul Hossain from Department of Fisheries, among others, addressed the meeting.

UNDP Consultant Golam Sarwar and Arannayk Foundation Team Leader Ashraful Karim conducted the plenary sessions as resource persons.

During his keynote presentation, Arannayk Foundation Project Manager Farhan Haque said the goal of the BIOFIN project is to close the national biodiversity funding gap by developing and implementing sustainable financing plans.

It focuses on mobilizing resources, improving cost-effectiveness, and integrating biodiversity into national planning, specifically through initiatives like a National Biodiversity Trust Fund.

It will also promote a socially and gender-inclusive approach to finance, ensuring that local communities, women, and indigenous groups are involved in decision-making and benefit-sharing. 
 
Besides, bridging the funding gap for biodiversity conservation by identifying and developing innovative finance solutions is the prime objective of the project.

The discussants unanimously said emphasis should be given on providing positive incentives for the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and enhancing biodiversity conservation as well as promoting sustainable development goals of the region.
 
They mentioned that substantial and sustainable reduction of plastic pollution can be the vital means of protecting water bodies and environment as well from further degradation.
 
Currently, plastic pollution is being judged as a major threat to the whole ecosystem. So, creating public awareness on the issue has become indispensable, they said.
 
In three separate group works, 36 participants representing most of the line departments put forward a set of recommendations on how to protect biodiversity through facing the existing challenges collectively.