Experts on Wednesday expressed concern over the extensive impact of climate change in Bay of Bengal region that has already affected the economic growth and development of the region. They came up with the remarks at the 5th Sub-Regional Workshop on Community Resilience to Climate Change in the Bay of Bengal held at Spectra Convention Centre in the city.
The experts said that the impact of climate change has exposed the vulnerability of millions of people living along the coastline and in the region at large. Underling the needs of urgent action, more focused advocacy efforts are needed in terms of making the policy framework more friendly, they said.
They said policy makers must recognize that in the face of climate change, trends in internal migration is likely to increase, and that they have a responsibility to ensure people’s protection and human rights. The goal to curb climate-induced displacement need to be addressed with the agenda for promoting resilient, experts said.
Some leading environmentalists said that communities in the coastal regions of the Bay are facing the brunt of climate change including saline intrusion, land loss, crop failures and forced migration. The Workshop recommends that more such technological innovations and adaptations strategies should be promoted with complete community participation and ownership.
The experts called for greater interdepartmental coordination among national and provincial agencies in dealing with key issues such as drinking water, irrigation, energy and technology to facilitate availability of policy and resource support for building climate resilience system for the communities.
The experts said, the impact of climate change and recurring disasters have largely eroded the livelihoods of costal population due to the loss of natural resources of the Bay of Bengal region. Actions should be taken to promote adaptation of livelihoods with asset development of small farmers, forest dwellers and fishing communities, especially women, they added.
They also said, effective coordination for promotion of sustainable livelihoods; coordination and collaboration among key livelihoods sectors and agencies should be in place to ensure maximum utilization of available resources. Natural resources in the coastal (mangrove) resources should be conserved and managed in a sustainable way, as poor people living in the coastal areas are highly dependent on the weather and ecosystems, they said.
They suggested prioritizing development agenda programmes targeting issues of women and children change and disaster. A national coastal zone authority established with the leadership of local authorities to enhance the livelihood opportunities. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin said, “We have to be aware in using our natural resource and prevent waste in using natural gas and water. We also have to ensure safe waste management and need a good sewerage system.”
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Shahab Uddin, Dr.A.K.M. Musa country director, concern worldwide, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman, Chairman PKSF and Eminent Economist, Aniruddha Dey, Executive Director, PRSM, India, Sayeed Mahmun Radh, Concern Worldwide, Dr Nilufar Banu, Executive Director and other environmentalists attended the workshop.
