climate change national focal points to develop proposals...

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Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP) Page | 1

Report on

Consultation Meeting with

Climate Change National Focal Points to Develop

Proposals Targeting for Climate Funding

Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP)

BRAC Centre Inn, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Saturday, 13 December 2014

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Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP)

Report on

Consultation Meeting With

Climate Change National Focal Points to

Develop Proposals Targeting for Climate Funding

A National consultation meeting was held with Climate Change National Focal Points to

Develop Proposals Targeting for Climate Funding. The meeting was arranged by Bangladesh

Water Partnership (BWP) and was held in BRAC Centre Inn (75 Mohakhali, Dhaka,

Bangladesh) on 13 December 2014. The daylong meeting was formed of an Inaugural

Session, 2 Technical Sessions and a Wrap up Session (for details of the sessions, please see

Annex-1). The meeting was attended by climate change focal points of various public and

private agencies, researchers, engineers, economist, environmentalists, university faculty

members, government officials, development workers, civil society actors, non government

organizations (NGO), community based organizations (CBO), youth and media personnel

and representatives from BARC, BRRI, BWP, BWWN, CEGIS, DoF, FD, ICDDRB, IWM,

MoL (Annex-2, Album-1). Eminent Environmentalist and Economists and Chairperson of

Palli Karma Shahayan Foundation (PKSF) and Institute of Microfinance (InM) Dr. Qazi

Kholikuzzaman Ahmad attended the meeting as the Chief Guest of the Inaugural Session of

the meeting.

Inaugural Session

After Registration, the Inaugural Session started with recitation from the Holy Quran with

Mr. Md. Shahidul Hasan, President of BWP in chair. A welcome address was presented by

Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary General of BWP. Dr. K. Azharul Haq, Vice President,

BWP presented an overview of the consulting meeting. Dr Qazi Kholikuzzaman Ahmad

Chairperson of Palli Karma Shahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Institute of Microfinance

(InM) delivered the speech of the Chief Guest. The Inaugural Session was concluded by the

address from the Chair of the session Mr. Md. Shahidul Hasan, President BWP. In his brief

but informative welcome address, Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary General, BWP

mentioned the importance of national focal points to fight climate change. He welcomed the

participants of the meeting including a special thanks to Dr. QK Ahmad.

Dr. K. Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP highlighted the overview of the meeting. He

started with some global attempts of climate change fights. Additionally, he highlighted on

national attempts on climate change fights in Bangladesh. Besides climate change, he

mentioned some environmental disasters of the country with exclusive focus on the recent oil

spill in the Sela River of the Sundarbans. Considering the importance of climate change

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problem of the country, he mentioned that scientists are keen to overcome climate change

impacts. However, we need technical expertise and financial supports to handle climate

change threats. Global Water Partnership (GWP) is collecting money to undertake actions

against climate change impacts on water sector. BWP was assigned to submit some proposals

on Bangladesh contexts and a call was circulated among climate change focal points of

different agencies. This consulting meeting will review the submitted proposals and a few

short listed proposals will be forwarded to GWP Head Quarter.

Chief Guest of the meeting Dr Qazi Kholikuzzaman Ahmad, Chairamn of PKSF and InM

highlighted policy and funding issues and concerns of climate change from global and

national perspective. He mentioned that Bangladesh is among the highly vulnerable countries

from climate change impacts. He focused on government and peoples‟ initiatives to fight

against climate change. He informed that NAPA formed by Bangladesh government in 2005

was the pioneer in global climate change world. Additionally, BCCSAP developed in 2009

was also first in the world in its kind. BCCTF and BCCRF were also in innovation in global

climate change funding option.

He added that Bangladesh could not get good amount of money from international fund

because of inadequate technical proposal and absence of National Implementing Authority

(NIA). He appreciated BWP for taking initiatives to access fund to fight climate change

through an alternative channel. He advised BWP to forward research project having robust

information and analysis based proposals.

Finally, the chair of the session Mr. Md. Shahidul Hasan commented that we do not

understand our true needs to handle climate change crisis. He emphasized that Bangladesh is

in the frontline of climate change and this workshop will identify a few projects to address

some climate change impacts on water sector of the country. He added that there was

inadequate submission against the call by BWP. He requested everyone to help BWP by

commenting on the research proposals to be submitted in the Technical Sessions.

Technical Sessions

Technical sessions started after finishing the Inaugural Session. There were two Technical

Sessions where researchers presented their research proposal on various climate change

issues of the water sector of Bangladesh. A total of seven (07) proposals were presented in

the pair of the Technical Session.

Technical Session 1

The first Technical Session was chaired by Dr. Nilufa Islam, Former Director General, Water

Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) and EC member, BWP. After presenting a

general highlight of the session the Chair invited the researchers to present their proposal of

the planned research. A total of four (04) research proposals were presented in the first

Technical Session. The research proposals covered, coastal zone, Barind Trcat and Urban

areas of the country. The proposals have been highlighted as below:

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Technical Proposal-1

The title of the first proposal was Integrating Ecosystem Services for Resilience of Coastal

Islands in Times of Climate Change that was presented by Mr. Zahirul Haque Khan,

Director, Coast Port and Estuary Division, Institute of Water Modelling, Dhaka. Overall

objective of the research was identified as „To enhance the understanding and knowledge to

find an alternative solution for protection of coastal islands and communities against extreme

events and climate change by using mangrove afforestation and oyster reef along with

embankment.‟ After presenting the proposal there were some concerns from the audience

about weak link between the proposal and climate change. It was suggested to add refine the

proposal with more focus on climate change.


The second Technical Proposal was on Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater

Salinity; a Case Study in Naogaon District of Bangladesh. The proposal was presented by

Mr. Md. Tarikul Islam, Senior Specialist, Irrigation Management Division, Institute of Water

Modelling, Dhaka. Overall objective of this study was identified as to identify the origin

and extent of salinity in GW in the study area in Naogaon, whereas the specific objectives

are to i) investigate and Identify the origin of ground water salinity, ii) identify the areal and

vertical extent of GW Salinity, iii) identify of salinity concentration along both vertical and

horizontal extent, iv) assess temporal variation of salinity, and v) investigate topsoil salinity.

The research have selected an area that is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and

most of the participants appreciated the concept and detailed work plan of the project.

However, it was advised that BMDA can be an effective partner of the proposed project and

the presenter assured the house that the organization will be approached to take part in the

project activities.


The third Technical Proposal was on Climate change resilience for urban community. The

topic of the proposal was Devising Adaptation Strategies to Improve Climate Change

Resilience of Low-income Residents of Dhaka using Quantitative Tools. Mr. David M

Khan, Senior Specialist, Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), Dhaka presented the proposal.

The key objective of the study was to develop effective adaptation strategies to make

urban low-income communities more climate resilient in cities. It was informed that the

study will address complex interaction between urban climate, social and infrastructure

systems. It was mentioned that DWASA will be close partner of the project.

Based on some feedback from the house, it was agreed that health component can be

incorporated with the proposed work plan, where ICDDRB can be incorporated as a partner.

It was also advised to have a careful selection of study sites. Furthermore, the study

proponent was advised to consider Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) as a study partner. In the

discussion, the proponent expressed that ICDDRB and DCC will be approached to be partner

of the research.

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The Fourth Technical Proposal was titled as Adaptation to Climate Change through

Promotion of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management for the Vulnerable Households in

Barind Tract.The research proposal was presented by Dr. Md. Sainar Alam, Assistant

Director, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh. Overall objective of the study was presented

as to build climate change adaptive capacity of vulnerable fisheries and aquaculture

communities/households in Barind Tract. Other associated objectives are: i) to assess

hazard and climate risks to fisheries and aquaculture production through active participation

of relevant stakeholders, ii) to popularize socio-eco-friendly and climate smart aquaculture

technologies through mass awareness, iii) to strengthen institutional capacity and establish

linkages among development agencies, iv) to disseminate best practices and lessons learned

among relevant wider stakeholders, and v) to enhance local adaptive capacity to support

climate resilient fisheries and aquaculture management and alternative livelihoods in the face

of climate change. After having feedbacks from the participants it was decided that

Ecosystem Services will be added with present scope of work of the project.

First Technical Session was concluded with a lunch break.

Technical Session 2

The Second Technical Session was chaired by Dr. K. Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP.

After presenting a general highlight of the session the Chair invited the researchers to present

their research proposals. A total of three (03) proposals were presented in the second

Technical Session. Two papers were submitted by CEGIS and one by Bangladesh Women

and Water Network (BWWN). The research proposals have been highlighted below:


The fifth Technical Proposal was on the ecosystems of the periphery of Dhaka and the title

was An Innovative Planning for Improving the River Ecosystem in and Around Dhaka

City. The proposal was presented by Mr. Malik Fida A Khan, Director, Climate Change and

Disaster Management Division, Center for Environmental and Geographic Information

Services (CEGIS), Dhaka. The study concept note intended to identify pollution sources and

develop quantitative measures for physical interventions to protect river from encroachments

and erosion. Additionally, it will indicate qualitative measures for pollution control from both

point and non-point sources of rivers. It will also highlight on regulatory agency and

polluters.

After the presentation, the house identify some missing issues and concerns. Dr. Nilufa Islam

advised to include water pollution by water vehicles (boat, launches, etc.). There was another

suggestion to include urban wetland in the study. It was agreed by the proponent of the

research that water pollution from vehicles will also be included and urban wetland will also

be considered.

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The sixth Technical Proposal was on urban ecosystem too. the title was Assessment of

Climate Change Impact on Urban Ecosystem Due to Urbanization and

Industrialization. The proposal was presented by Mr. Motaleb Hossain Sarker, Director,

Ecology Forestry & Biodiversity Division, Center for Environmental and Geographic

Information Services (CEGIS), Dhaka. Objectives of the study were indicated as i)

identifying of the probable climate change impacts on urban ecosystem in Dhaka city, ii)

finding out the threats to urban ecosystem due to urbanization and industrialization, iii)

assessing Climate Change Impacts on urban ecosystem considering the Dhaka City, and iv)

identifying the suitable adaptation as well as mitigation options to withstand with climate

change impacts. there were some feedback regarding the title of the research and its relation

with climate change.


The fifth Technical Proposal was presented by Begum Shamsun Nahar, Coordinator,

Bangladesh Women and Water Network (BWWN), Dhaka. The title of the research was Role

of Women and Youth in Adapting to Climate Change: Impact in Water Sector. The

study was formed of 8 components and intended capacity building of the organization itself

and offered pilot project to be implemented in different geo-physical locations of Bangladesh.

the objectives of the study were: i) to identify the comprehensive problems related to role of

women and youth in adapting climate change and impact on water in the coastal and hill

districts of Bangladesh through stakeholders‟ contribution, ii) to make available existing,

reasonable and practical solutions through experimental and analytical study and assessment,

iii) to determine ground-breaking and useful clarifications of stakeholder‟s perspectives, iv)

to recognize women's role in addressing climate change issues and build leadership skills to

ensure gender equality in critical weather and climate contexts as well as- v) to ensure the

role of women and youth as powerful change agents.

After having three technical proposals the Chair of the Second Technical Session Dr. K.

Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP concluded the session with his final remarks of some

missing links of the proposals regarding climate change.

Wrap Up Session

After presenting the Technical Sessions there was a quick Wrap Up Session with Mr.

Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary General of BWP in chair. In the wrap up session, he

informed that the proposal addressing the recommendations of the house will be forwarded to

GWP Head Quarter in Stockholm, Sweden through the proper channel of GWP South Asia.

The Chair requested the project proponents to address the recommendations raised by the

reviewers in the session. Additionally, he added some generalized recommendations, as

stated below:

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i. Projects should be highly qualified with robust information and vigorous analysis

based.

ii. It must be result oriented.

iii. Governance should be addressed; and-

iv. A guideline how to materialize solutions, should be included.

The Chair expressed his gratefulness to all participants for their valuable comments on the

presented proposals. He added that the comments will help in developing better proposals.

Finally, he concluded the consulting meeting with a vote of thanks.

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Annex-1

Programme Schedule

Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP) is going to organize a Consultation Meeting

With

Climate change national focal points to develop proposals targeting for climate

funding

at BRAC Centre Inn, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka

On Saturday, 13 December, 2014

Dr.Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad the most eminent development economist,

and Chairman, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) as well as Institution of

Microfinance (InM) has kindly consented to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Mr. Md. Shahidul Hassan, President, Bangladesh Water Partnership will preside over the

event

We cordially invite you to kindly participate in the consultation meeting to make it successful

and productive.

Mr. Md. Shahidul Hassan

President, BWP

Programme Overleaf

Bangladesh Water Partnership

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Consultation Meeting With

Climate change national focal points to develop proposals targeting for climate funding

Date : Saturday 13 December 2014

Venue: Conference Room, BRAC Centre Inn, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka Session Chair: Mr. Md. Shahidul Hassan, Former Chief Engineer, LGED and President, BWP

Time

09:30 Registration

10:00 Recitation from Holy Quran

10:05 Welcome Address by Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary General, BWP

10:10 Overview of meeting by Dr. K. Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP

10:20 Address by the Chief Guest: Dr.Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad,

Chairman PKSF and InM

10:35 Address by the Chair

10:45 Refreshment

Technical Session - 1

Session Chair: Dr. Nilufa Islam, Former Director General, WARPO and EC Member,

BWP

11:00 Proposal -1 on "Integrating Ecosystem Services for Resilience of Coastal

Islands in Times of Climate Change" by Zahirul Haque Khan, Director, CPE

Division, IWM

11:20 Proposal -2 on "Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Salinity: A Case

Study in Naogaon District of Bangladesh" by Sarder M Shah Newaz; Director,

IRM Division, IWM

11:40 Proposal -3 on "Devising Adaptation Strategies to improve Climate Change

Resilience of Low Income Residents of Dhaka City Using Quantitative Tools"

by SM Mahbubur Rahman; Director, WRP Division, IWM

Inaugural Session

Technical Session

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12:00 Proposal -4 on "Adaptation to climate change through promotion of

aquaculture and fisheries management for the vulnerable households in Barind

Tracts" by Dr. Md Sainar Alam, Assistant Director, DoF.

12:30 Open discussions

01:00 Prayer and Lunch Break

Technical Session - 2

Session Chair: Prof. Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University and Vice

President, BWP

02:00 Proposal -5 on "An innovative planning for improving the River Ecosystems

in and around Dhaka City" by Mr. Malik Fida A Khan, Climate Change and

Disaster Management Division, CEGIS

02:30 Proposal - 6 on "Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Urban Ecosystem

due to urbanization and industrialization" by Mr. Motaleb Hossain Sarker,

Director, Ecology Forestry & Biodiversity Division, CEGIS.

03:00 Proposal -7 on "Role of women and youth in adapting to climate change:

Impact in water sector" by Begum Shamsun Nahar, Coordinator, BWWN.

03:30 Open discussions

04:00 Tea Break

Wrap Up Session:

Session Chair: Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Former Member, JRCB and Secretary

General, BWP

04:10 Closing remarks and vote of thanks

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Annex-2

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Annex-3

Name of the Research Proposals

Proposal -1 on "Integrating Ecosystem Services for Resilience of Coastal Islands in Times of

Climate Change" by Zahirul Haque Khan, Director, CPE Division, IWM

Proposal -2 on "Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Salinity: A Case Study in

Naogaon District of Bangladesh" by Sarder M ShahNewaz; Director, IRM Division, IWM

Proposal -3 on "Devising Adaptation Strategies to improve Climate Change Resilience of

Low Income Residents of Dhaka City Using Quantitative Tools" by SM Mahbubur Rahman;

Director, WRP Division, IWM

Proposal -4 on "Adaptation to climate change through promotion of aquaculture and

fisheries management for the vulnerable households in Barind Tracts" by Dr. Md Sainar

Alam, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries.

Proposal -5 on "An innovative planning for improving the River Ecosystems in and around

Dhaka City" by Mr. Malik Fida A Khan, Director, Climate Change and Disaster Management

Division, Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), Dhaka.

Proposal -6 on "Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Urban Ecosystem due to

urbanization and industrialization" by Mr. Motaleb Hossain Sarker, Director, Ecology

Forestry & Biodiversity Division, Center for Environmental and Geographic Information

Services (CEGIS).

Proposal -7 on "Role of women and youth in adapting to climate change: Impact in water

sector” by Begum Shamsun Nahar, Coordinator, BWWN.

Proposal -8 on "Effects of Climate change and Regional cooperation on transboundary

water quality can be a model of future cooperation" by Hasna. Moudud, President,

CARDMA.

Proposal -9 on “Improvement of Livelihood in Adaptation to Climate Change at Char

Area; Impact in water sector” by Md. Altaf Hossain, Executive Director, BSDS.

Proposal -10 on „„Effects of Climate Change on Water Supply and Sanitation System in the

Chittagong City and Its Adjacent Area (Pilot Basis)‟‟ by Mohammad Imam Hossain

Chowdhury, Chief Executive, NOWZUWAN.

Note: Each proposal is added individually with this report.

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Album-1

Activities of the meeting have been highlighted in the following photographs.

Inaugural Session

Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary

General of BWP; Dr Qazi Kholikuzzaman

Ahmad, Chairperson of Palli Karma Shahayan

Foundation (PKSF) and Institute of

Microfinance (InM); Mr. Md. Shahidul

Hasan, President of BWP and chair of the

Inaugural Session and Dr. K. Azharul Haq,

Vice President, BWP (From Left ).

Dr. Qazi Kholikuzzaman Ahmad

is delivering his speech

Speech by Dr. K. Azharul Haq

Vice President, BWP

Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan,

Secretary General, BWP;

Mr. Md. Shahidul Hasan,

President, BWP (From Left )

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First Technical Session

Dr. Nilufa Islam, EC member, BWP in the

chair

Proposal presentation by Mr. Zahirul Haque

Khan

Proposal presentation by Mr. Md. Tarikul

Islam

Proposal presentation by Dr. Md. Sainar Alam

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Second Technical Session

Dr. K. Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP in

the chair

Proposal presentation by Begum Shamsun

Nahar

Proposal presentation by Mr. Motaleb

Hossain Sarker

Proposal presentation by Mr. Malik Fida A

Khan

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Wrap Up Session

Mr. Tauhidul Anwar Khan, Secretary

General, BWP is presenting his concluding

speech

Participants of the workshop



climate change national focal points to develop proposals...

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