A national research findings dissemination workshop titled “Strengthening Climate Resilience in Coastal Zones: Translating Research into Policy and Action” was held on 1 July 2026 at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
details of the workshop:
https://t.co/vFVZGKGt0u https://t.co/v9xMfljbCU
It is a pleasure to share that we have developed the Climate Loss Index (CLiX) manual, which has been recorded on Cambridge Open Engage by Cambridge University Press (@CambridgeUP).
https://t.co/D0pkEguu5G
CA says MIDA MoU with Sasakawa Foundation to help conserve ocean, protect marine fisheries
Dhaka, January 14, 2026 — The Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s renowned Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) to enhance cooperation in fisheries and marine affairs in support of a sustainable blue economy.
The MoU was signed by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of MIDA, and Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of SPF, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The signing ceremony took place at 4:30 PM on Wednesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The agreement will be formally endorsed by SPF President Dr. Atsushi Sunami in the coming weeks. Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at OPRI, and Commodore Tanzim Faruq, Member of MIDA.
Speaking after witnessing the signing, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of ocean conservation.
“Our ocean is a major asset, yet it is increasingly polluted. Plastic waste has now been detected several thousands meter deep in the sea. This MoU will help us protect and keep our seas clean,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, he added, “We must protect our marine resources. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is globally respected for its marine research. We are delighted to have them involved in our research initiatives. The Marine Science Institute of Chittagong University will remain connected with the foundation, and this research collaboration will expand gradually.”
The Chief Adviser further noted that under the MoU, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will support MIDA in developing three villages in Maheshkhali as model fishing villages in line with Umigyo (marine industry–based community development).
As the Interim Government of Bangladesh’s dedicated agency for coastal development and strategic infrastructure in Maheshkhali and beyond, MIDA will partner with SPF to advance national priorities in fisheries and marine affairs—priorities shaped by more than 20 ministries, departments, and agencies of Bangladesh.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation is one of the world’s largest independent philanthropic institutions, with a longstanding commitment to maritime policy, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive development across the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the MoU, MIDA and SPF will collaborate in several key areas, including feasibility analyses for adopting Japan’s blue economy models in mariculture, fisheries, post-harvest management, seafood processing, and the welfare of fishing communities.
The collaboration will also focus on Umigyo (marine industry–based community development), providing guidance on integrated coastal livelihoods, safety at sea, community-based marine resource management, sustainable local economic development, and establishing two-way communication systems between fishing communities and the Government of Bangladesh.
Baseline studies on fisheries resources and coastal tourism potential will also be conducted. Infrastructure development—such as jetties, automated fish landing facilities, cold-chain and transport logistics, seafood processing facilities, and market-chain development—will form another key pillar of cooperation.
In addition, training programs will be implemented covering deep-sea fishing operations, seafood handling and preservation, mariculture, technology transfer for high-value-added products and by-product utilization, export diversification, investment facilitation, disaster management, safety at sea, quality control, hygiene, working conditions, and labor standards.
Read more: https://t.co/HaUY6P3ADM
SPF Senior Research Fellow Emadul Islam delivered a statement on behalf of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation at the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, held on September 30, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
He reaffirmed SPF’s continued commitment to supporting the Rohingya community, upholding their rights, and working with all stakeholders toward a peaceful, dignified, and sustainable resolution to this long-standing crisis.
#UN #Rohingya #HumanRights #Peacebuilding #SasakawaPeaceFoundation
Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow of OPRI, has published “Japan’s Involvement in Promoting Connectivity and Resilience in Marine Security Island Nations in the Indian Ocean Region,” in the Journal of Indian Ocean Studies (@siosindia9).
https://t.co/8mHmJCAatS
[🔔Announcement📖]
Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at OPRI-SPF, has published "Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Resilience" in the Living Edition of the Encyclopedia of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Spirituality (@SpringerNature).
Read here: https://t.co/uBfuH2kMt6