“Dhaka Calls for Enhanced Global Support to Transform Climate Adaptation Efforts” | Bangladesh Pratidin

At the recent Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum in Bangkok, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser for Bangladesh, emphasized the need for long-term strategies to effectively tackle climate change. She pointed out that transformational adaptation goes beyond short-term fixes; it requires a holistic integration of agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, and coastal management.

Bangladesh has demonstrated resilience despite facing severe vulnerabilities due to climate change. “Adaptation is not just possible; it’s critical,” Rizwana stated, calling for more global cooperation, financial support, and technology transfer to achieve significant changes.

The country has made significant strides in climate adaptation. With frameworks like the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and its National Adaptation Plan, Bangladesh has laid out 113 interventions aimed at addressing various climate challenges. The estimated cost for these initiatives is around USD 230 billion. The Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund is noteworthy as the world’s first country-led adaptation fund, already backing numerous climate projects.

Rizwana highlighted success stories, such as Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Programme, which has enlisted over 78,000 volunteers to construct shelter and provide early warnings in coastal areas. Notably, many volunteers are women, emphasizing community involvement in disaster readiness.

To address food security, farmers have developed rice varieties that can withstand drought, salinity, and flooding. Innovative practices, such as floating agriculture in wetlands, have also gained traction. Restoration projects in regions like the Barind Tract are helping heal degraded landscapes, while coordinated management in Tanguar Haor is enhancing both biodiversity and community resilience.

Rizwana stressed that strong governance and community engagement are essential. The constitutional framework supports environmental policies, while grassroots initiatives showcase the power of local leadership and innovation.

Financial mechanisms, like the Climate Fiscal Framework and various international funds (GEF, GCF, LDCF, and the Adaptation Fund), play a vital role in scaling up climate action.

Experts agree on the importance of collaborative efforts in adaptation strategies. As John Warburton from the British High Commission noted, “Global cooperation and local actions must go hand in hand.”

As climate impacts grow, the demand for effective adaptation continues to rise. Insights from Bangladesh illustrate that with the right commitment and resources, communities can not only endure climate challenges but thrive in the face of them.

For more in-depth information on climate finance initiatives, you can refer to the UN Climate Change Adaptation Fund.

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Rizwana ,ransformational climate adaptation