The government has begun implementing ecosystem-based climate adaptation programmes in Barendra and Haor areas to tackle the adverse effects of climate change.
Re-excavation of canals, bevels and ponds, and afforestation are being carried out in Hakaluki Haor area of the Sylhet division, according to the environment ministry.
Meanwhile, digging of ponds and canals and afforestation activities are being implemented to harvest rainwater in the Barendra area of Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions,
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin shared the development at Sujanagar of Baralekha Upazila of Moulvibazar while delivering a speech as the chief guest at the inaugural event of re-excavation of Madhabchhara Canal, three Bills and 18 Ponds.
"Training is being provided to increase the capacity of government officials and local people on ecosystem-based adaptation approaches,” he said.
The development work has been taken under the Ecosystem Based Approaches to Adaptation in the Drought Prone Barind Tract and Haor Wetland Area (EBA) project. The Department of Environment is implementing the project.
As part of the adaptation programme, environment and ecosystem-friendly alternative employment arrangements, including medicinal plant cultivation, fish farming, and various types of fruit cultivation, will be taken up for the local people.
The minister said that the effects of climate change would be dealt with by involving people from all walks of life.
Baralekha Upazila Parishad Chairman Shoeb Ahmad, Baralekha Municipality Mayor Abul Imam Md. Kamran Chowdhury, Moulvibazar District Water Development Board Executive Engineer Akhtaruzzaman and EBA Project Director AKM Rafiqul Islam were special guests at the inauguration ceremony.
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