Practical relevance to guide tech adoption: Adviser

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said on Thursday when there is frequent discussion on smart climate technologies and eco-friendly innovations, it is crucial to assess whether these are practically suitable for Bangladesh’s fisherfolk and coastal communities, reports BSS.

For that reason, she stressed the need for evaluating the real-world relevance of technology use as it is extremely important.

The adviser made this remarks while addressing a workshop titled “Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Technology Suitability for Bangladesh, Value Chain Study of IMTA Species, Rapid Assessment of Coastal and Marine Sectors, and Environmental and Climate Impact Evaluation” as the chief guest in the city, said a ministry press release.

She dispelled the misconceptions about coastal people and fisherfolk being technologically unaware, saying “It is incorrect to assume that they do not use science-based technologies, rather their traditional knowledge contains many elements that we must learn from them.”

Farida further noted that climate change and pollution have created significant challenges, and that is why ensuring improvement of livelihoods in coastal regions, especially for women, is imperative.

She cited the Asia-Africa Bluetech Superhighway Initiative as a promising avenue, where WorldFish Bangladesh and the UK Government’s Blue Planet Fund can play a pivotal role.

“IMTA technology is a new concept in Bangladesh,” she explained, saying its implementation requires careful attention.

Alongside WorldFish, organizations such as the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries, and various universities are involved in this initiative. “This coordinated effort can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the technology,” she opined.

Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Anuradha Bhakta and Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr S M Rezaul Karim attended as special guests.

Dr Asaduzzaman and other researchers presented key findings at the workshop. WorldFish Bangladesh Country Representative Dr Faruq-ul Islam delivered the address of welcome.