YouthNet and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Bangladesh Delegation collaborated on a visit on Tuesdayto the Manta community in Barishal, amplifying the unheard voices of those affected by climate change.
The Manta community, a steadfast fishing community in Bangladesh's Laharhat, Barishal region, has faced the brunt of climate change impacts. Traditionally reliant on fishing, the community's livelihood has been imperiled by erratic rainfall and heightened salinity.
"We must ensure that the Loss and Damage Fund is people-centered, human rights-based, and responsive to gender dynamics," emphasized Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice. The committee aims to facilitate meaningful engagement from civil society and frontline communities throughout the negotiation and implementation phases.
"All disbursements from the Loss and Damage Fund should manifest as grants, not loans," reiterated Sohanur Rahman, reflecting the imperative to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable nations.
As climate-related disasters wreak havoc globally, Shakila Islam, National Coordinator of YouthNet, stressed the need for rapid access to funds for impacted communities.
"The Loss and Damage Fund must release funds within 24-48 hours of a climate disaster," Shakila emphasized, urging expedited support to grassroots organizations.
Prof Saleemul Huq, COP28 President's Adviser and Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, echoed the urgency for immediate action. "Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund by COP28, not COP33, should be our priority," Huq insisted, pressing for an accelerated response to the global climate crisis.
"Fostering resilience and equity in the face of climate change requires collective action and innovative solutions. As we stand in solidarity with communities like Manta in Bangladesh, the establishment of a comprehensive Loss and Damage Fund becomes an imperative step towards safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring justice." - Felix Kolbitz, Resident Representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Bangladesh.
In the face of escalating climate change impacts, exemplified by the challenges faced by communities like Manta in Bangladesh, the urgency for action is undeniable. The resounding call for a locally-driven, swift, and responsive Loss and Damage Fund underscores the need to prioritize the most vulnerable among us. As the Transitional Committee #TC3 convenes and COP28 approaches, the international community is presented with a vital opportunity to make a meaningful difference. By establishing a fund that aligns with principles of justice, human rights, and gender sensitivity, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The experiences of the Manta community serve as a poignant reminder that climate change is not just a distant threat, but an immediate crisis affecting real lives. With unwavering determination, YouthNet and its partners stand united in their commitment to advocate for change, ensuring that the Loss and Damage Fund becomes a beacon of hope for those in need. As the world's eyes turn to COP28, the stage is set for transformative action that can bring relief, support, and resilience to the forefront.
