DU starts coastal monitoring project with China

 
A day-long seminar was held at Dhaka University on Tuesday to mark the inauguration of modern ocean monitoring and environmental modelling activities in Bangladesh’s coastal waters under a joint initiative of the Dhaka University International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG-DU) and China’s First Institute of Oceanography (FIO).

The seminar was organised under the HEAT ATF Sub-Project 13025 and inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, Dr Obaidul Islam highlighted the importance of international cooperation in oceanography, coastal environment monitoring and climate resilience. He said ongoing scientific collaboration between Bangladesh and China has opened new opportunities in marine resource management, coastal risk reduction and sustainable development.

He added that Bangladesh’s economy�"closely linked to the Bay of Bengal�"along with coastal livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, depends heavily on the sustainable management of marine resources.

Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Environmental Sciences Professor Dr Md Humayun Kabir, HEAT Project International Expert Dr Tonia Astrid Capuano and FIO scientist Dr Shumin Jiang also spoke at the seminar. 

The welcome address was delivered by ICOG Director Professor Dr K M Azam Chowdhury.

Teachers, researchers and students from different universities across the country attended the seminar. 

Representatives from key national institutions, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO), also took part.

Scientists from China’s First Institute of Oceanography were also present at the programme.

During the event, ICOG-DU and FIO exchanged crests as a symbol of mutual cooperation and partnership.

Organisers said the joint research initiative is expected to strengthen scientific collaboration between Bangladesh and China and contribute to improved ocean observation, environmental monitoring and sustainable management of marine resources.

The closing session of the seminar was scheduled to be attended by Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam as chief guest.