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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.
Technical Proposal-2
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.
Technical Proposal-3
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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Technical Proposal-4
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:
Technical Proposal-5
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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Technical Proposal-6
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.
Technical Proposal-7
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
Participants of the workshop
Participants of the workshop