At an insightful event celebrating World One Health Day 2024, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, delivered an inspiring keynote address on the vital connection between environmental protection and public health. “Protecting nature, wildlife, and the environment safeguards public health and prevents infectious diseases,” she stated, aligning perfectly with Smart Build’s vision to foster sustainable, eco-friendly development.
The One Health Approach: A Holistic Framework for Health and Environment
The event, held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, centred on the One Health concept—a holistic approach that recognises the essential link between human, animal, and environmental health. According to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, protecting our forests and wildlife not only conserves biodiversity but also serves as a shield against infectious diseases, highlighting why Smart Build remains committed to creating projects that respect and protect the natural environment.
Smart Build’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At Smart Build, we believe sustainable development is intrinsically tied to protecting the ecosystems around us. Our initiatives are driven by a holistic perspective that aligns with the One Health approach, integrating ecological health, community well-being, and innovative infrastructure to build resilient and sustainable spaces.
Embracing the One Health Model in Sustainable Development
The One Health model calls for a multi-sectoral effort to develop healthier, more resilient communities. At the event, Farida Akhter, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, emphasised the importance of involving diverse sectors—from agriculture to health and environmental protection. She stressed that only by adopting a collaborative approach can we ensure safe food production, protect wildlife, and enhance public health.
Smart Build is deeply committed to this collaborative ethos. We actively partner with innovators across various sectors, from local agriculture to international conservation groups, to deliver sustainable solutions. Whether developing eco-friendly construction materials or renewable energy systems, Smart Build integrates environmental protection into every stage of our projects.
Building Resilient Spaces with Environmental Health in Mind
Experts like M.A. Akmall Hossain Azad, Senior Secretary of the Health Services Division, and Dr. Rajesh Narwal, Acting WHO Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted that protecting human health is intrinsically linked to preserving nature and reducing our environmental footprint. This aligns with Smart Build’s mission to create smart, resilient infrastructure that meets current needs while conserving resources for future generations.
Our latest projects focus on building eco-friendly housing in flood-prone regions, supporting agricultural communities with sustainable power solutions, and enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable areas. By using sustainable materials and integrating renewable energy into our designs, we are reducing pollution, conserving resources, and fostering communities that thrive in harmony with nature.
Protecting Nature and Sustainable Tourism Together
During the event, Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan addressed concerns regarding the preservation of St. Martin’s Island while supporting the tourism industry. She reassured attendees that responsible conservation and tourism development can coexist. This commitment mirrors Smart Build’s approach to sustainable tourism, focusing on creating eco-conscious infrastructure that both celebrates and safeguards Bangladesh’s natural beauty.
Smart Build’s Efforts in Eco-Conscious Tourism
By integrating green design principles into tourism infrastructure, Smart Build ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural environment while preserving it for future generations. This approach includes using locally sourced, sustainable materials, renewable energy solutions, and smart water conservation systems to minimise environmental impact.
Recognising Achievements in Sustainable Health and Development
At the event’s conclusion, awards were presented to winners of the One Health competitions for 2023 and 2024, acknowledging contributions to the One Health mission. Smart Build draws inspiration from these achievements and is determined to continue championing eco-friendly, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure across all projects.
Conclusion: Smart Build’s Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Harmony
Smart Build is more than just an infrastructure company; we are part of a movement to reshape how we interact with our environment. By prioritising the protection of nature, wildlife, and ecological balance in our projects, we are creating a healthier, more sustainable world for all. Our goal is to drive positive change, ensuring that development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the One Health concept?
The One Health concept recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting a collaborative approach to enhance public health and ecological balance.
How does Smart Build integrate environmental protection into its projects?
Smart Build uses sustainable materials, renewable energy, and eco-friendly designs to minimise environmental impact while promoting resilience in infrastructure projects.
What is Smart Build’s approach to sustainable tourism?
Smart Build focuses on developing eco-conscious tourism infrastructure, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions to protect natural sites like St. Martin’s Island.
How does protecting nature improve public health?
By conserving forests and wildlife, we reduce the risk of infectious diseases, enhance air and water quality, and promote overall community well-being.
What kind of projects does Smart Build prioritise?
Smart Build prioritises projects that align with sustainability goals, such as flood-resilient housing, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly urban infrastructure.
How can sectors collaborate to achieve the One Health mission?
Collaboration across sectors, including agriculture, health, and environmental protection, is essential to effectively implement the One Health approach for sustainable community health.