DHAKA, Dec 25, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged all to contribute to nature conservation to ensure a liveable planet for future generations.

She made the call while addressing the 'Prokriti O Jibon Foundation - Channel i Nature Conservation Award 2023' distribution ceremony on the Channel i premises here this evening.

Speaking as the chief guest, Rizwana said the government is working with commoners to protect the country's nature and environment.

Initiatives have been taken to transform institutions like the Department of Environment, Forest Department, and Water Development Board into people-oriented entities, she said.

 The environment adviser said everyone must consider environmental conservation as a national priority and act accordingly.

She said efforts are underway to bridge the gap between the government and the general people by addressing their concerns and ensuring their voices are heard.

 Rizwana further said conservation efforts must be driven by compassion for nature.

 She highlighted the irreversible loss of species once they disappear and stressed the importance of recognising environmental warriors.

The adviser said efforts have been begun to resolve long-standing environmental issues in the country.

 Priority is being given to recovering canals and check pollution, she said, adding that initiatives are also being taken to protect all rivers.

The event was presided over by Prokriti O Jibon Foundation Chairman Mukit Majumder Babu.

Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment; Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; and Nayoka Martinez Beckstrom, First Secretary for Environment and Climate Change at the Embassy of Sweden, also spoke.

This year’s award was presented to Dr. Md. Manoorul Kibria, Professor of Zoology at the University of Chittagong, for his significant contributions to conserving Bangladesh's nature and biodiversity.

Referring to Dr Kibria's work, the adviser remarked that the Halda River and Prof Kibria are inseparable.

The event was attended by environmental experts, representatives from non-governmental organisations, members of the media, and other distinguished guests.