Agrilife24.com:Experts and policymakers from South Asia have called for stronger regional cooperation and community-led initiatives to build climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture, as climate change increasingly threatens aquatic ecosystems and rural livelihoods across the region. The call came at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day regional workshop titled ‘Community-based Climate Resilient Aquaculture Development in South Asia’, organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with Shikkha Shastha Unnayan Karzakram (SHISUK) at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) in Cumilla, Bangladesh on Saturday (17 October 2026). The workshop brought together almost 50 participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to discuss strategies to address climate-related challenges, including floods, droughts, sea level rise and salinity intrusion.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Md. Abdul Wahab, Professor at Bangladesh Maritime University, highlighted the potential for regional cooperation to advance climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, technologies and experiences among South Asian countries to address common climate challenges.
Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) at SAC, welcomed the participants and outlined the workshop's objectives. He stressed the need to exchange country experiences and promote community-based approaches to climate adaptation in fisheries and aquaculture.
Sakiul Millat Morshed, Executive Director of SHISUK, emphasized community participation and farmer empowerment in promoting sustainable, climate-resilient aquaculture.
Dr. Md. Latiful Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), highlighted the role of fisheries research and innovation in helping farmers adapt to climate change.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) at the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu representing the SAARC Secretary-General, stressed regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing to address common climate challenges across South Asia.
Sabnam Shivakoti, Chair of the SAC Governing Board, underscored the importance of regional collaboration and institutional partnerships in strengthening climate resilience in fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr. Md. Golam Mahboob, Director of SAC, emphasized the need for regional collaboration, knowledge sharing and community participation to strengthen climate-resilient aquaculture and safeguard livelihoods across South Asia. He also stressed the importance of joint efforts among researchers, policymakers and local communities to develop sustainable aquaculture practices and enhance climate resilience across the region.
During the three-day workshop, participants will discuss climate risks, share climate-smart aquaculture practices and develop action plans for resilient fisheries. The workshop will conclude with a field visit to Bangladesh’s ‘Daudkandi-Cumilla Floodplain Model’ to learn about sustainable aquaculture and floodplain resource management.
