Speaking at the UNESCAP Ministerial Roundtable in Bangkok, Abdul Awal Mintoo highlighted Bangladesh's climate resilience, renewable energy initiatives and sustainable bioeconomy roadmap.
Environment Minister Calls for Stronger Asia-Pacific Cooperation on Green Economy and Bioeconomy
- Bangladesh lost an estimated $1.78 billion to extreme heat in 2024.
- Jute innovation, biogas and solar home systems showcased.
- Government plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.
Bangladesh's Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for stronger regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific to build a climate-resilient green economy and accelerate the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Speaking at the Ministerial Roundtable of the 9th session of the Committee on Environment and Development, held on 1 July on Wednessday, organized by UNESCAP in Bangkok, the minister shared Bangladesh's experience in promoting climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Responding to a question from UNESCAP Deputy Executive Secretary Lin Yang, he said the global bioeconomy market is currently valued at around US$4 trillion and is projected to reach US$7.7 trillion by 2030. He stressed that future growth must remain environmentally sustainable and inclusive, ensuring benefits for farmers, fishers, women and climate-vulnerable communities.
The minister noted that Bangladesh, as a delta nation, faces recurring floods, cyclones, salinity intrusion and extreme heat. Citing World Bank data, he said the country suffered economic losses of around US$1.78 billion in 2024 due to severe heatwaves, resulting in nearly 25 million lost workdays. He described sustainable bioeconomy as a key bridge between environmental protection and economic development.
At another discussion held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh, ESCAP, FAO, ADPC and UNEP, the minister highlighted Bangladesh's green innovations.
He said the country's traditional golden fibre, jute, is being transformed into high-value sustainable products, including the eco-friendly Sonali Bag as an alternative to plastic.
Mintoo also highlighted Bangladesh's progress in rural biogas and improved cookstove programmes, as well as the installation of more than 4.13 million Solar Home Systems, providing renewable electricity to nearly 18 million people, particularly in remote coastal areas.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the world's largest single mangrove forest recognized by UNESCO, while promoting blue bioeconomy and mangrove restoration to strengthen coastal resilience.
The minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, MP, the government plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years, expand green jobs, promote waste-to-energy projects and strengthen integrated waste management through the 3R approach and the Circular Future model.
//DBTech/TH/EK//
