Joint collaboration crucial to mitigate adverse impact of climate change

Fostering joint collaborations between government, civil society, international donors and the private sector can be the crucial means of mitigating the adverse impact of climate change, in the region, particularly the vast Barind tract.

During the last couple of years, the adverse impact of climate change has gradually been triggering a serious threat to the living and livelihood condition of the people, specially the marginalised and ethnic minority communities.

So, there is no way but to support scalable and sustainable climate solutions through mitigating the adverse impact of climate change.

Importance should also be given to encouraging partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.

Government officials and development activists made the observation while sharing their views at a district level seminar titled “Fostering Gender-Sensitive Climate Solutions for Marginalized Communities” at Chapainawabganj today.

On behalf of its ‘Combating the Impacts of Climate Change in Severely Affected Areas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin in South Asia (TECSAI) Project’, DASCOH Foundation organized the seminar at Conference Hall of Islamic Foundation supported by BMZ and NETZ Bangladesh.

The meeting was told that there is a need to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate all sectors of society about the impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.

Highlighting the importance of gender equality and inclusive governance in fostering resilience is also needed.

Deputy Commissioner Abdus Samad addressed the seminar as the chief guest with Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Foundation Akramul Haque in the chair.

District Livestock officer Dr Golam Mustafa, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Service Umma kulsum, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Dr Polash Sarker, and Deputy Director of Islamic Foundation Golam Mostofa, among others, also spoke.

During their keynote and concept paper presentations, Programme Manager of NETZ Bangladesh Sheikh Zakir Hossain and Deputy Director of DASCOH Foundation Jahangir Alam Khan gave illustrations of the project along with its aims, objectives and implementation strategies.

The speakers told the meeting that climate change is happening faster and more extensively than previously predicted in the drought-prone region.

In his remarks, Akramul Haque opined that climate change impacts are intensifying, posing grave threats to livelihoods, food security, and social equality, particularly in the face of the limited resources available to these communities.

Deputy Commissioner Abdus Samad said it is imperative to undertake concerted efforts consisting of both immediate action and long-term strategic planning to promote resilience and justice in the face of climate change. (BSS)