SATKHIRA, Dec 15: Agro-ecology has been emphasised as an effective solution to counter the adverse impacts of climate change. This was the central theme of the South Asian People's Dialogue titled 'From Himalayas to Sundarbans: Agro-ecology as Climate Solution'.
The dialogue was organised by the Green Coalition Satkhira at the Kalagachhia Forest Station in the Sundarbans on Monday.
Participants included representatives from the Nepal Institute of Social Work, leaders of the Green Coalition, journalists, government officials, civil society members, representatives from the research organisation BARCIK, youth volunteers, and local farmers.
Professor Pabhitra Mohan Das, adviser to Green Coalition Satkhira, presided over the event. The welcome address was delivered by BARCIK Coordinator Md. Jahangir Alam.
Notable attendees included Nepal Social Work Institute's Agro-ecology Coordinator Ashish Thani, Project Coordinator Bhakta Bahadur Khati, Chairperson of Srijanasil Permaculture Center Dilmaya Gurung, Green Coalition Advisor Ashek-e-Elahi, and BARCIK Regional Coordinator Ramakrishna Joardar.
Discussions highlighted the climate crisis in the coastal regions of Nepal and Bangladesh, noting both similarities and differences in its impacts. The importance of local knowledge, community-based agricultural systems, and food sovereignty in tackling these crises was underscored.
Further emphasis was placed on strengthening agro-ecology-based initiatives. These are vital for protecting communities in coastal and hilly regions from landslides, excessive rainfall, salinity, and other natural disasters.
The dialogue concluded with key recommendations. These include enhancing regional cooperation to address the climate crisis, expanding farmer-led agro-ecology practices, and implementing effective policy-level actions.
