Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar said that considering only the ecological perspective in environmental assessment is not enough; the livelihood, identity and institutional recognition of fishermen’s labor should also be included in the assessment. She said that Bangladesh is very rich in aquatic biodiversity—so it is very important to conserve natural fisheries resources and ensure social security of fishermen.

She said these things in her keynote speech at the inaugural ceremony of the 7th Center for Sustainable Development Conference 2025 held at the Six Seasons Hotel this morning. The conference was jointly organized by the Center for Sustainable Development and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

The Fisheries and Livestock Advisor said that a large part of the country’s animal protein comes from fish, eggs and other animal products, which are mainly produced by small farmers, most of whom are women. But their contribution is not yet receiving due importance at the policy-making level.

The Advisor said that Bangladesh has 118,813 square kilometers of marine waters and although we are very rich in aquatic biodiversity, our marine fisheries are still not being properly utilized. In addition, due to the lack of adequate culverts in infrastructural development and road construction, water flow is being obstructed in many places, which is negatively affecting the movement of fish and natural production systems.

He said that various plans have been taken to conserve fisheries and initiatives to conserve fish are also underway through the declaration of Marine Protected Areas. However, it is important to implement these initiatives in a more coordinated and well-organized manner. He also said that although Bangladesh is very rich in natural and marine fish diversity, fish life and food security are increasingly under threat due to pollution, especially plastic and industrial waste.

ULAB Vice-Chancellor Professor Imran Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the conference. Swiss Ambassador Mr. Reto Renggli was present as a special guest and ULAB Board of Trustees member Saida Madiha Murshed spoke as an honored guest. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Sharmind Nilormi of Jahangirnagar University.

Various policymakers, development partners and students from various universities participated in the seminar.