DHAKA, Nov 7, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest, Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the need for united efforts to transform St. Martin's Island into a plastic-free paradise and environmental stewardship.

 "With concerted action, we can transform St. Martin's Island into a model of sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. This effort requires collaboration across all sectors and a commitment from everyone to protect our environment," she said.

The environment Aadvisor made the remarks at a collaborative webinar titled "Introduction to What is Possible for St. Martin's Island: A Plastic-Free Paradise," organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Department of Environment this evening.

The event focused on building a sustainable, plastic-free future for the island, a ministry press release said.

Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment; Raquibul Amin, Head of Programme Management, IUCN Asia; Lynn Sorrentino, Programme Officer for Plastics, IUCN Headquarters; and Stefan Alfred Groenewold, Sector-Coordinator, GIZ, Biodiversity Programme Bangladesh, also spoke at the event, adding valuable perspectives on plastic reduction and sustainable practices.

Experts and stakeholders engaged in lively discussions, exploring strategies to reduce plastic pollution and promoting eco-friendly initiatives to protect St. Martin's unique ecosystem.

 The webinar attracted around 90 participants who shared their enthusiasm and commitment to a cleaner, greener future for the island.

The IUCN and the Department of Environment reaffirmed their dedication to achieving a sustainable, plastic-free St. Martin's Island, furthering the shared vision for positive environmental change.