Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the need for involving local communities in dolphin conservation efforts.
“The presence of freshwater dolphins in our rivers and waterbodies is an indicator of the health of our environment. To protect dolphins, it is essential to prevent water pollution and ensure the natural flow of rivers and wetlands,” she said.
In order to safeguard dolphins, she urged greater public awareness and the efficient execution of government programs.
Speaking as the main guest during a debate on International Freshwater Dolphin Day 2024 at the Forest Department here, Rizwana made these statements.
She urged forest officials to act bravely and quickly to conserve forests during her speech at the gathering.She reassured the officials that she is always available to help and requested them to bring up any concerns with their superiors.
The adviser also mentioned that an initiative would be taken to introduce risk allowances for the forest officials.
Highlighting that planting native tree species is the primary responsibility of the Forest Department and instructed forest guards to take timely action against illegal logging.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; and Md. Zillur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Fisheries; spoke at the meeting as special guests with Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, in the chair.
Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests for Wildlife and Nature Conservation; Govinda Roy, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests and Project Director of SUFAL; and Dr. M. Monirul H. Khan, Professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University, were among the other speakers.
The specialists talked about current issues and ideas for dolphin conservation in the future.
Rizwana Hasan, an environmental adviser, formally unveiled the website for the CITES Certification Process’ digitisation during the ceremony.
She also revealed the findings of a dolphin survey that showed there were 1,352 Ganges river dolphins, or roughly 636 groups. The event also featured a documentary and dolphin exhibit.
