A UNDP-supported workshop in Rajshahi brought experts and officials together to seek urgent, inclusive solutions for biodiversity protection, sustainable financing and community participation aligned with national goals and global commitments.
As ecosystems face unprecedented threats, experts and government officials in Rajshahi (metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh) called for immediate action to safeguard biodiversity at a district-level consultation workshop held at the Grand River View Hotel.
The workshop, titled “Umbrella Programme to Support Development of Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Project,” was organized by UNDP Bangladesh with support from the Arannayk Foundation.
Key speakers included Prof. Asabul Haque of Rajshahi University, Mesbabul Alam and Tasmina Khatun from the Department of Environment, Aminuzzaman and Mita Sarker from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Bulbul Hossain from the Department of Fisheries. UNDP Consultant Golam Sarwar and Arannayk Foundation Team Leader Ashraful Karim led the plenary sessions.
Farhan Haque, project manager at the Arannayk Foundation, explained that the BIOFIN project aims to close Bangladesh’s national biodiversity funding gap through sustainable financing plans. The initiative focuses on mobilizing resources, improving cost-effectiveness and integrating biodiversity into national planning, including through a proposed National Biodiversity Trust Fund.
The project emphasizes socially and gender-inclusive finance to ensure local communities, women and indigenous groups participate in decision-making and benefit sharing. Participants highlighted the need to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, address plastic pollution and promote the Sustainable Development Goals.
During interactive sessions, 36 participants from multiple government departments developed actionable recommendations to address biodiversity challenges collectively, marking a significant step toward aligning Bangladesh’s conservation efforts with global environmental commitments.
