USAID launches $20M project to fight climate challenges
The USAID has launched a five-year project worth $20 million to protect ecologically critical forests and wetlands in Bangladesh, aiming to combat the impacts of climate change.
Planning Minister MA Mannan and USAID Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming Isobel Coleman were present at the launching of the project 'Protibesh' at an event on Tuesday.
The project targets two key areas including the Sundarbans and the forest and freshwater wetland ecosystems of the Sylhet border region.
The project will help communities build long-term climate resilience by adopting climate-smart agriculture approaches, and teach business skills to diversify and increase their incomes, moving away from reliance on natural resources from forests for their livelihoods.
Officials from the fisheries, environment and forest departments joined the event.
In his speech, MA Mannan said it is the duty of the people of the country to protect fishes, plants, and other creatures as well as conserve the environment.
The new Protibesh project builds on a long-standing partnership between USAID, the government, and local community leaders, to protect and sustainably manage the country's biologically rich landscapes and ecosystems.
As a result of Protibesh conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation activities, Bangladesh will be able to combat the effects of climate change, protect the country's critical natural resources and build resilience to climate-induced natural disasters.
Ms Isobel Coleman said that over the past 25 years, the USAID has worked closely with Bangladesh to combat climate change and strengthen environmental conservation.
