Staff correspondent :

Environmental, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser
Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the need for integrating environmental
policies into agri-food systems during her address at the 8th IUCN Regional
Conservation Forum.

The forum, held in Bangkok today, brought together experts from across Asia
to discuss pressing environmental issues, according to a press release.

She called for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including
organic food production and reduced use of pesticides and chemical
fertilizers and support of local farming, and traditional farming by forest-
dependent Indigenous communities.

Speaking at a session titled “Transforming Agri-Food Systems: Integration of
Environmental Policies into Agri-Food Systems – Challenges and
Opportunities,” Rizwana highlighted the critical importance of aligning
agricultural practices with environmental sustainability.

She pointed out that the current agri-food systems are one of the major
contributors to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil
depletion, and water scarcity.

“Integrating environmental policies into our agri-food systems is not just a
necessity but a responsibility we must embrace,” she said.

The challenges are significant, but the opportunities for creating a
sustainable future are even greater, Rizwana stated.

Environment Adviser also discussed the specific challenges faced by countries
like Bangladesh, where agricultural practices are deeply intertwined with the
livelihoods of millions.

She called for innovative policy solutions and greater regional cooperation
to address these issues effectively.

The adviser, in a separate meeting with the DG, IUCN requested support in
developing a progressive legal regime in Bangladesh on forest protection and
conservation, setting up a sanctuary for orphan elephants, and restoring the
ecological integrity of the Saint Martin Island.

The DG assured of technical support in this regard alongside helping to find
resources.

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