DHAKA, Sept 3, 2024 (BSS) - Environmental, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the need for working together in protecting international rivers, forests, and wetlands.

She came up with the observation while speaking at the 8th IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, held with the theme “Reimagining Conservation in Asia: A Nature-Positive Future.”

The IUCN presented its vision and action plan for the next 20 years at the conference, according to a message received here.

Rizwana also stressed ensuring environmental and climate justice, holding countries responsible for climate change and pollution and making them accountable for compensation. 

She advocated for a nature-centric approach to biodiversity conservation, urging discussions on the rights of nature.

The environment adviser said the notion of a conflict between development and the environment is misguided and the realisation of IUCN's vision would prove this.
 
She proposed regular updates to the 20-year vision and emphasised the importance of including youth in all plans.

Adviser Rizwana Hasan is leading a Bangladesh delegation at the three-day conference beginning today.