MIDA, Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation sign MoU on blue economy

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.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, executive chairman of MIDA, and Professor Mitsutaku Makino, president of the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of SPF, signed the MoU from their respective side at a ceremony at the State Guest House Jamuna this afternoon.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was also present at that time.

The agreement will be formally endorsed by SPF President Atsushi Sunami in the coming weeks.

Emadul Islam, senior research fellow at OPRI, and Commodore Tanzim Faruq, member of MIDA, were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking after the signing event, Chief Adviser Yunus emphasised the importance of ocean conservation.

“Our ocean is a major asset, yet it is increasingly polluted. Plastic waste has now been detected several thousand meters deep in the sea. This MoU will help us protect and keep our sea clean,” he said.

The chief adviser added, “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.”