Bangladesh, Maldives to collaborate on climate diplomacy

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has stated that Bangladesh and Maldives will work together on climate diplomacy and proposed joint eco-tourism programs combining Bangladesh's beaches and Maldives' islands.

On Wednesday, during a side meeting at the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) conference in Thimphu, Bhutan, the environment minister made remarks on these issues.

At the time, he was holding a discussion with Maldives' Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology Thoriq Ibrahim.

Saber also called for expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Maldives and ensuring their welfare.

Maldives' Minister Thoriq Ibrahim sought cooperation from Bangladesh in importing fruit, forest, and medicinal tree saplings and establishing nurseries. He also mentioned that the labour market in Maldives, which had been closed for a long time, has recently reopened for Bangladeshis, leading to an expected increase in the number of Bangladeshi workers. Furthermore, discussions were held on using Bangladesh's geo-satellite to monitor sea level changes.

This collaborative effort between the two countries will play a crucial role in addressing climate change and expanding eco-tourism.