Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh, emphasized the crucial role of women in achieving sustainable land management and preserving ecosystems during a speech at the UNCCD COP16 on December 4, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the "High-Level Interactive Dialogue of the Gender Caucus: HerLand: Women's Leadership on Sustainable Land Management" session, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the importance of women’s leadership and participation in addressing desertification and building climate resilience.
She stated, “Women’s leadership is essential to achieve sustainable land management and ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems." Dr. Ahmed stressed that women’s involvement in land management is vital for combating environmental challenges and fostering equitable development, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions. She also pointed to Bangladesh’s commitment to empowering women through innovative policies and grassroots initiatives, which are driving success in climate and land management efforts.
The Secretary further emphasized the need for gender-inclusive policies in land management, explaining that integrating women’s perspectives into decision-making processes ensures more effective, community-based solutions to environmental issues. Dr. Ahmed showcased Bangladesh’s achievements in land management, including increased forest coverage and the restoration of degraded land, much of which is driven by women-led community projects.
Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15, Dr. Ahmed outlined the government's efforts to strengthen women’s leadership across decision-making levels. She also shared inspiring success stories, such as women-led afforestation initiatives in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, which have not only improved local livelihoods but also enhanced ecosystem health.
The session brought together policymakers, experts, and activists from across the globe to explore strategies for empowering women in addressing land degradation and desertification.
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
