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Right based civil society demand 3.2% of GDP as climate finance

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equitybd
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Dhaka 05 June 2023, in a press conference today, Civil Society (CSOs) and experts have demanded at least 3.2% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] resource for climate financing through national budgetary process in every year. They also demand government to measurable steps by reforming Tax and financial system to stop capital flight for necessary resources mobilization domestically for climate financing. The press conference is jointly organized by COAST Foundation, CPRD [Center for Participatory Research & Development] and CSRL [Centre for Sustainable Rural Livelihood], EquityBD [Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh], AOSED [An Organization for Socio-Economic Development]-Khulna, CANSA-BD [Climate Action Network on South Asia-Bangladesh] and LEDARS-Satkhira. M. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST has moderated the event.

Aminul Hoque said that, government has been allocating a portion of budgetary money for Disaster Management purpose since its independence. This money just shifted in the name of climate finance to show the donors which does not commensurate the present climate context and its requirements in achieving climate resilient Bangladesh. He also shown that government strategic climate plans like Delta plan 2100, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2030 and NDC [National Determined Contribution etc.] is required around 3.2% of GDP [BDT 1,83,000 crore/year] investment every year where allocation is far less against target. In this context, he put a few demands regarding climate financing issues are (i) Government must ensure at least 3.2% of GDP as climate financing according to their strategic plans and real time implementation, (ii) Govt. should think for an Integrated national climate budget instead of separate climate finance which is hardly realistic, (iii) Government should not go with foreign loan for climate financing and will have to manage resource through domestic process benefiting the mass level of investors (iv) Govt. must be taken appropriate measures stopping capital flight for domestic resource mobilization and (iv) Integrated coastal protection program as one of the prioritized investment sectors for saving and developing the coastal livelihood.

Md. Ziaul Hoque Mkuta from CSRL said there are lack of policy coherence among the government climate plans like Delta plan and Mujib Climate Prosperity plan etc. Proposed 2023-24 budget is the output of these inconsistencies where no target on real climate financing. Government will have to emphasis the issues of strategic climate plans and allocate climate finance accordingly.

Md. Shamsuddoha of CPRD opine that government ministries are lack of capacity utilizing money and they don’t have sectoral plan which is one of the causes for separate climate financing. Apart, the ministries are also very much interested to take climate finance from the IFIs [International Financial Institutions] because there have little of accountability and transparency comparing finance through global climate financing process like sovereign donors. He recommended government ministries to develop their institutional capacity for having necessary climate finance.

Mr Shamim Arefinn of AOSED said that government has ignored coastal protection issues. That’s why climate induced displacement and migration being happened and increasing socio-economic imbalance. He hopes govt. will realize the issues as important and revise climate financing strategies accordingly.

Mr. Kawser Rahaman BCJF opine the proposed budget as IMF compliance which ignored the pro-poor demands with imposing regressive taxing like VAT. He demanded the budget revision and introduce resource tax for revenue mobilization. Md Ahsanul Karim demanded appropriate measure to stop capital flight in this regard. Mrs. Ferdous Ara Rumee criticized the budget for less focused to gender and demanded climate finance under safety Net program where climate vulnerable women will be benefited. Event moderator M. Rezaul Karim demand for an integrated coastal development plan and finance where disaster risk reduction, social development like health, technical education and employment generation program implements simultaneously and that will be a real protection and benefit the coastal people.

Please download [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper] [Presentation] [Press conference summary report]

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Speakers Highlight Concerns Over Humanitarian Funding Gap and Advocate for Localization of Aid: State of the Humanitarian System Report 2022 Launched in Dhaka

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equitybd
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Dhaka, May 20, 2023 – At a seminar held in Dhaka, concerns were raised by speakers regarding the disparity between humanitarian needs and received funds. They stressed the importance of promoting aid localization to reduce operational costs. The seminar, titled “State of the Humanitarian System Report 2022: Bangladesh Perspective,” was organized by COAST Foundation with support from ANLAP, a London-based network of humanitarian agencies.

The seminar, held in the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Foundation. Jennifer Doherty of ANLAP presented the keynote. Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management, was the Chief Guest. Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner, Ms. Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Simon Lever, Councilor of British High Commission, and Ms. Nusrat Ghazzali, Deputy Chief Mission of IoM Bangladesh, were the Special Guests. Other guest speakers included Mr. KAM Morshed from BRAC, Mr. Gawher Nayeem Wahra from Disaster Forum, Mr. Sajid Rahman from Start Fund Bangladesh, Mr. Sanjeev Bhanja, Regional Director of Tear Fund Asia Region, and Mr. Mihir Bhatt from AIDM, India. Representatives from local and international NGOs, as well as UN agencies, also attended the seminar.

Ms. Jennifer highlighted the global escalation of conflicts, disasters, and displacement, further exacerbated by the pandemic. Forced displacement doubled to 89.3 million in 2021, with 161 million people facing acute food insecurity. The need for humanitarian aid surged to $255 million in 2021, projected to reach $339 million in 2023. Concentration of funding and limited support for UN agencies reveal vulnerabilities in the humanitarian system.

Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman (DG-DDM) emphasized Bangladesh’s progress in disaster management, highlighting the significant reduction in cyclone-related deaths. He stressed the need to strengthen capabilities in addressing earthquakes and landslides. Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman (RRRC) highlighted the importance of addressing social tensions between Rohingya and host communities, along with challenges in Cox’s Bazar due to demographic imbalance and depleting water levels. Gwyn Lewis emphasized the impact of limited funding on supporting the Rohingya people and the necessity of doing better with less. Simon Lever stressed open discussions on localization efforts and ensuring the right support reaches the right people at the right time. Nusrat Gazali highlighted the importance of consolidating efforts between various organizations for effective humanitarian responses. Sanjeeb Bhanja emphasized aid effectiveness through intersectoral coordination, while K A M Morshed stressed the importance of globally accepted indicators and tailoring responses. Sajid Rahman highlighted the challenge of resource concentration. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury emphasized the need to grant decision-making authority to local staff, provide necessary facilities, and entrust leadership to local and national NGOs.

Among others, Rafael Sterling from FAO, Wendy McCance from NRC, Shabira Nupur from International Rescue Committee, Shuvankar Chakraborty from MAP Bangladesh, Barisal, Akbar Hossain from Rangpur Protibondi Foundation, Rangpur, Ahsan Uddin from NGOP, Cox’s Bazar, Masuda Faruque Ratna from GBSS, Dhaka, Saaikat Biswas from UNRC Office, Abul Kashem from Help, Ukhiya, and Saiful Islam Kolim from Pulse Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar, also spoke at the occasion.

Related Paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] SOHS Report 2022 [Details Report] [Summary Report]

Seminar Presentation [English] [Bangla] [A short video highlighting the key issues]

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Bangladesh’s lead is crucial for LDCs’ position to develop framework for Loss & Damage Finance Facility

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equitybd
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Dhaka, 05 December 2022.  In a press conference, Civil society organizations (CSOs) recommended the government lead the LDC’s position to develop the framework on Loss & Damage Financing Facility [LDFF] in climate discourse ahead to CoP 28. Saving the interest of LDCs [Least Developed Countries] and MVCs [Most Vulnerable Countries] are crucial in LDFF where Bangladesh can play an effective role using the leadership experience of CVF [Climate Vulnerable Forum] and V-20 [Vulnerable 20 group] they opined.

The press conference titled “CoP 27 Outcome: Bangladesh’s lead is crucial framing the Loss & Damage Financing Facility” was held at the national press club today where representatives from CSOs participated in CoP 27 global climate conference. Among them Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta- CSRL (Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), Md. Shamsuddoha -CPRD (Centre for Participatory Research & Development) and Mrs. Rabeya Begum (Chair-CANSA-BD). The press conference was moderated by M. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Foundation and the Keynote was presented by Aminul Hoque from EquityBD.

Presenting the keynote, Aminul Hoque said that the declaration of LDFF is a significant victory, but there has a limited scope of self-complacence for LDCs until an effective framework is developed followed by pro-poor and justice based. He criticized developed countries and the CoP presidency to deliver a complicated and tricky text on LDFF and not mentioning the name of LDCs and SIDCs in the final declaration of those who have contributed and fought for Loss and financing for a long. He put some demands on the above issues (i) Bangladesh should have a lead role for LDCs positioning in upcoming discourse and negotiation for developing the framework of LDFF, (ii) the Framework of LDFF must be developed followed by historical responsibility of global warming by rich countries that caused of huge loss and damage for LDCs and MVCs, (iii) Bangladesh should pressure developed countries to revise their NDC [National Determined Contribution] targeting 50% emission reduction by 2030 and (iv) LDCs Representation must be included in the ad-hoc committee on NCQG [New Collective & Quantified Goal] process that will serve pro-poor interest on future climate financing.

Shamsuddoha opines that declaration of Loss and Damage Financing is somehow very tricky and linked conditions on mitigation actions. The decision text emphasizes keeping the global average temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius meaning that the countries need to increase their emission reduction targets in the future to get LDFF support. This is very controversial and political divergence may arise between developing countries and LDCs focusing on the issues of definition of vulnerabilities, set priority financing to LDCs, etc. to develop the LDFF. Developed countries can take the opportunities and delay the process with the inclusion of conditionalities. So our government should be cautious and steps accordingly.

Ziaul Hoque Mukta criticizes the failure of CoP 27 to make meaningful outcomes in achieving the 1.5-degree temperature goal. He said the current discourse on reducing global temperature is 40 years behind the science suggested. Achieving a 1.5-degree goal is very important and big polluters did nothing. In the chance of the so-called “Phase down” concept, many European countries have started again their carbon emission and resumed their coal-based power plants. This tends is unaccepted and must be stopped creating pressure from UNFCCC.

Mrs. Rabeya Begum emphasizes more initiatives on climate change issues at the national and international level in the context of obscure solutions to MVC’s issues and collaborative efforts from CSOs and the government can strengthen our voice indeed. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury emphasizes a new negotiation stream of LDC, MVC, and Climate Vulnerable Forum in the next CoPs [Conference of the Parties] to strengthen the unified voice, especially LDFF issues.

Related documents [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper] [Presentation]

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Big Polluters must be committed to achieve 1.5-degree temperature goal : Developed countries must Declare Loss and Damage Finance Facility within CoP 27 process

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equitybd
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CSO Expressed Deep Concern over ongoing contentious on CoP 27 Negotiation Outcome

Big Polluters must be committed to achieve 1.5-degree temperature goal.

Developed countries must Declare Loss and Damage Finance Facility within CoP 27 process

On 17 November’ 2022, the ongoing Cop 27, Global Climate Conference in Sharm El Sheikh-Egypt, Civil Society leaders from MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) have meet a press conference in CoP 27 conference venue and reiterating their demand to show strong good will from developed countries to reach for realistic consensus in CoP 27. They demanded to the big polluters for a real action commitment to achieve the 1.5-degree temperature goal by 2050. They also demand immediate declaration from developed countries on the issue of Loss and Damage Finance Facility within CoP 27 negotiation period.

The Press conference titled “LDC’s & MVC Peoples’ expectations and CoP 27” held at the meeting room of CoP 27 climate conference center, Sharm El Sheikh where representatives of different CSO leader Mr. Ali Akbor Tipu (Panel Mayor, Khulna City Corporation), Mr. Shamim Arefin (AOSED), Dr. Mostafa Sarwar (Professor KUET), Mr. Soumya Datta (Fellow, Ashoka Research Foundation, India), Mr. Prayash Adhikari (DigBikas Institute, Nepal), Ms. Samah Hadid of NRC (Norwegian Refugee Council) and Mr. Atle Solberg- Head of the Secretariat of PDD (Platform of Disaster Displacement have participated and spoke. The keynote on civil society expectation is presented by Aminul Hoque (EquityBD) from Bangladesh.

Presenting the keynote, Aminul Hoque said the negotiations which are coming near to the closing but UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies representing the parties still unable to reach with a concluding agreement on the key issues. The primary draft texts [1.5 degree and L&D Financing] are still in the “brackets. The draft texts in brackets reflect a lack of consensus among Parties. The negotiators and the CoP presidency have not been able to deliver a robust work program on mitigation and financing since the discourse that’s made disappointed among the MVCs and developing countries. In the context he put some key demands in favor MVCs, those are (i) Developed countries should refrain with their destructive game diluting the issue of ending fossil fuel by 2050 and keep their promise and progressing the action to achieve the 1.5-degree goal as expected of most of the people, (ii) Declare Loss & Damage Financing Facility without any delay and within CoP 27 process, because MVC and LDCs states have a legal obligation to uphold the rights of their citizens, simultaneously the historical polluters also have a moral debt to pay by upholding their fair share of mitigation, adaptation action and addressing loss and damage financing and (iii) Start immediate work to faming the GGA [Global Goal on Adaptation] followed the UNFCCC convention and the PA [Paris Agreement] to reflect equity and CBDRCC [Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities and in light of different national circumstances.

Mr. Prayash Adhikari said that the issue of pre-2030 ambition in high level round table in CoP 27, there have consensus developed regarding the cover decision where firmly committed to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. But some countries especially USA and their allies are using 1.5 goal as a political pawn in their geopolitical chess game; Brazil for arguing for no cover decision on it; and some parties are reportedly even pushing for 1.5 should not be in there at all. He warned developed countries and call upon the developed countries to keep their promise to 1.5-degree goal.

Mr. Soumya Datta strong argued the Net-zero initiative is entirely incompatible with existing continued investment in fossil fuel projects by the public and private sector of big polluting countries that will create debt burden for poor and MVCs by pushing loan and carbon marketing process in the name of climate finance. So that very logically urge and call to all country parties to stop this process of such vague “Net Zero emission” and start the race to the “Zero Emission target” through ending the fossil fuel and ending the Carbon emission.

Ms. Samah Hadid condemned rich countries ignoring climate induced displacement those being happened among the Afirica, Asia and other countries are burn and sinking by climatic impact. She urges to give proper focus with ensuring finance and other support needed.

Dr. Mostafa Sarwar criticized the developed countries are historic polluters and failed to act at the scale and speed of urgency-based actions. Delayed mitigation and adaptation action has increased the burden of loss and damage for MVC and LDCs and cost increased indeed. So that developed countries should not delay declaring the Loss and Damage Financing and to be done the within existing CoP process.

Mr. Atle Solberg opine that lack of proper support is making hard for the poor and MVCs to manage their climate displacement. He expects rich countries come forward with need-based support and strengthen WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism od Loss & Damage) to become an effective role player. Mr. Ali Akbar Tipu called the parties for a deep dive to develop a comprehensive frame on GGA as almost all countries [rich and poor] will have go under an inevitable adaptation strategy in the context of climate change.

Press release [Bangla Press] [English Press]

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Rich countries to fulfil the financing gap to climate action for MVCs and LDCs

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equitybd
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On November 12’ 2022, the ongoing Cop 27, Global Climate Conference in Sharm El Sheikh-Egypt, Civil Society leaders from MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) have meet a press conference in CoP 27 conference venue and demanded for a real NDC (National Determined Contribution) target from big carbon emitters with appropriate actions in achieving the 1.5-degree temperature goal and saving the earth. They also condemned the current false solution of “Net Zero target by 2050” and urged to immediate stop of this discourse.

The Press conference titled “LDC’s & MVC Peoples’ expectations and CoP 27” held at the meeting room of CoP 27 climate conference center, Sharm El Sheikh where representatives of different CSO leader Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta CSRL (Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), Md. Shamsuddoha (Centre for Participatory Research & Development), Mr. Sanjay Vashist (Climate Action Network-South Asia-India), Mrs. Rabeya Begum (Chair-CANSA-BD), Mr. Atle Solberg of PDD (Platform of Disaster Displacement-Switzerland), Md Mohan Kumar-Leaders, Bangladesh have participated and spoke. The keynote on civil society expectation is presented by Aminul Hoque (EquityBD) from Bangladesh.

Presenting the keynote, Aminul Hoque said global leaders continue failed their promise and come with new idea, vague solution and also create obstacles to dilute MVCs priorities and demands. He concerned that CoP 27 negotiation may distracted by some developed country and their allies. He put some key demands in favor of civil society, those are (i) Developed countries must change their theory of “Net Zero Target”, instead they will revise again the own country NDC before 2023 global stoctake to achieve “Zero Carbon emission” target by 2050 (ii) A political  declaration to be made  by big emitters on banning the coal-fired power plants now, and phase out of all other fossil-fuels by 2040, (iii) Developed countries have to fulfill the delivery gap of their committed USD 100 billion annually that by now culminated to USD 600 billion to be delivered by 2025 and (iv) MVCs should start their work for a separate international mechanism to manage climate displacements in existing failure of WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism) and TFD (Task Force on Displacement).

Md. Shamsuddoha said that COP 27 must set a mandatory timeline for submitting long-term mitigation strategies by all the Parties. It is important to make them accountable towards a low emission pathway and a net-zero economy by 2050. He also demands an ambitious NDCs coherent to the 1.5-degrees Celsius target and an option to update and scale-up targets biennially to comply with the mitigation requirements.

Sanjay Vashist demand to phase out of all fossil fuel activities as science advised, because the NDCs submitted by the 193 Parties including 24 updated or new NDCs submitted after Glasgow CoP, will increase of emissions by 10.6 percent by 2030 and tracked to 2.4 degree by the end century. He demands to all countries must follow the UNFCCC road map implementing renewable energy by 2050.

Atle Solberg expressed his deep concern on displacement that’s happening in MVCs due to climate change impacts and becoming unable to manage by adaptation. He expects WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism od Loss & Damage) become an effective mechanism and duly operational with separate mandate of action plan under the Convention of UNFCC and Paris Agreement. Mr. Ziaul Hoque Muka supports to start for a separate mechanism for displacement due to existing inaction of WIM and TFD.

Mrs Rabeya Begum said the though the CoP 27 has a good start with adopting Loss & Damage Financing [LFD] agenda, but we are always worried about the obscure role of US and their allies taking firm stand against to the MVCs priority agendas. We hope that they will be positive and support for a truly ambitious decision-making process for frontline climate vulnerable communities viewing justice and equity.

Mr. Mohan Kumar said that developed countries are showing their ill attitude in financing to the adaptation which is very less and around 20% in against the current fund mobilization. The discourse of new collective climate finance goal will be a frame of “Climate Justice Perspective” and must explore a new % of GNI [Gross National Income] targets which will be above the existing ODA [Official Development Assistance].

Press Release [English]
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Civil Society Urges Special Actions to Protect Health and Livelihoods of Climate Vulnerable Women and Girls

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equitybd
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Dhaka, 14 October 2022. Rights-based civil society representatives demanded urgent action to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of women and adolescents, whose health is at danger owing to the adverse effects of climate change. The were speaking at a virtual press conference held today on the eve of the International Rural Women’s Day, to be celebarated tomorrow. The National Committee for International Rural Women’s Day Obserrvation organized the press conference. Speakers in the press conference opined that the health, livelihood, and environment of the people of the coastal areas, lowlands, hills, and mountains have been affected the most due to the impact of climate change. Its impact on food, nutrition, livelihood as well as the health of women and girls is severe.

One of the most harmful effects of climate change can be identified is forced to use excessive saline water in daily life.  Excessive use of saline water causes various uterine diseases, the disruption of menstrual health and hygiene in girls, and skin diseases. The lack of fresh water in mountain ranges due to deforestation also creates such hazards for women and girls. From the press conference, it was called to establish water purification plants at government expense in saline areas, to provide specialized services to women and girls in community clinics, and to strengthen alternative employment creation.

International Rural Women’s Day Celebration National Committee chairperson Shamima Akhter chaired the event committee members Masuda Farooq Rata, Manju Ara Begum, Syed Aminul Hoque, Sheikh Asad, Salma Akter, Monowara Pervin, Tahrima Afroz, Syeda Shamima Sultana, Protiva Banerjee, Mustafa Kamal Akand and others spoke. Tamanna Rahman presented the keynote speech on behalf of the organizers at the press conference. The event was moderated by Ferdous Ara Rumee.

As key note speaker of the event Tamanna Rahman said, climate change is harming the life, livelihood, agriculture, and health of the people of coastal, haor, char, or hilly areas. And women and girls are usually the first victims of any disaster. According to research, the amount of salt entering women’s bodies with drinking water is causing more miscarriages in women in coastal areas than in other parts of the country. Due to the lack of financial ability to get long-term treatment, most marginal women consider a hysterectomy as a permanent solution. Due to the lack of clean water, most girls are forced to wash their menstrual clothes with salt water. Which causes various diseases in their uterus. On the other hand, mountain women suffer from malnutrition, and on top of that many of them fall ill while collecting water along the mountain paths. On the one hand, the risk of child marriage is increasing in climate-affected areas, on the other hand, there is insecurity. Considering these realities, it is important to adopt and implement special plans for the people of this region. In particular, they need to ensure their health, nutrition, livelihood, and emergency healthcare.

Masuda Farooq Rata said, the children of affected families are being forced to join work to earn money. In addition to various forms of child abuse, many families are marrying off girl children early. Manju Ara Begum said, Adolescent mothers are at risk of death due to early marriage and early motherhood.

Syed Aminul Hoque said, an alternative employment opportunities should be created for the women of Haor and coastal areas. For this, necessary training and raw materials should be provided for local women. Ferdous Ara Rumee said, every community clinic at the union level should provide women’s reproductive health services with trained nurses and free materials (sanitary pads, birth control materials), etc.

Shamima Akhter said, women are suffering from common water-borne diseases including leucorrhea due to the use of salt water for daily household work such as bathing, agricultural work, cattle rearing, shrimp hatching, and other economic activities. On behalf of the organizers, Mustafa Kamal Akand said, International Rural Women’s Day is being celebrated in more than 60 districts of the country. Like every year, the day is celebrated across the country through various programs including rallies, seminars, human bonding, organizing fairs, and giving awards to rural women for their contribution in various fields.

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Civil Societies demanded strong government position to include Loss & Damage in CoP 27 agendas

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equitybd
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Dhaka, 29 September 2022.  Civil society organizations (CSOs) demanded a strong position from the government to include the Loss & Damage [L&D] issue as an agenda in the upcoming UN climate conference (Conference of the Parties, CoP 27). From a seminar organized today, they also opined that, as one of the Most Vulnerable Countries (MVC), Bangladesh also should adopt a firm stance in support of a legally binding commitment to “Zero Emission” target followed by 1.5-degree temperature goal. COAST foundation hosted a seminar at CIRDAP today titled “CoP-27: Government Position and Civil Societies opinion”.

The seminar is organized by COAST foundation, An Organization for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED), Centre for Participatory Research & Development (CPRD) Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), Centre for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL), Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD) and moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD.

Mrs. Habibun Nahar MP and Honourable Deputy Minister on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was the Chief Guest. Mr. Mir Mostak Ahmed Robi MP [Satkhira-2], and Mr. Ali Akbar Tipu, Panel Mayor- Khulan City Corporation participated as special guest. Among others Mr. Sharif Jamil, General Secretary-BAPA, Md. Shamsuddoha of CPRD, Mr. Shamim Arefin of AoSED-Khulna, Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, M. Ahsanul Wahed of MJF, Mrs. Shirin Sultana Lira of Swiss Embassy, Mrs. Afsari Begum of Concern Worldwide, Md. Abul Basar and many others spoke at the event.  Syed Aminul Hoque from EquityBD presented the key notes of the seminar.

Aminul Hoque said that, the CoP 27 is crucial as the developed countries are trying to breach their all-previous commitment and tend to bi-pass the basic principles of Paris Agreement [PA]. They put new concepts like “Net Zero” emission, New Collective & Quantified Goal [NCQG]” on finance etc. These vague or elusive concepts proposed by the developed countries in fact deeply inequitable and doesn’t commensurate with meaningful reductions of global warming to 1.5C under PA. He also concerned the new financial concept hardly ensure a real and action oriented financial support in the context of MVCs and their recurring facing loss and damages.

He addressed a few demands to the government delegation; are i). Take strong position to include the loss & damage issue in CoP 27 agenda, ii). Rich countries must pledge “real zero 2030” targets through NDC instead of so called “net zero” 2050 concept. This plan will be real in line with fair shares for 1.5-degree Celsius temperature goal, and iii). New Climate finance architecture must be as a non-debt instrument for MVCs. That means the NCQG should priorities grants first, then highly concessional finance.

Md. Shamsuddoha said that government need to raise voice to increase adaptation finance in the negotiation that will be out of ODA [Official Development Assistance] and non-debt structure. Voice also should be strengthening against the debt-swap technique being used by developed countries for climate financing he added.

Shrif Jamil opine and suggest government taking clear stand in CoP 27 against Net Zero compliance as Bangladesh has no commitment on this concept except Zero emission by 2050. Negotiators have to be strategic before sign any protocol under PA where country will be able to reap its benefit he opined.

Ziaul Hoque Mukta stated that Bangladesh along with many other countries are struggling with multiple climate crisis along with hundreds of thousands of people displaced by sea-level rise, flooding, and intense cyclones. These need to address and demanded a separate regime for climate induced displacement under UNFCCC in CoP negotiation.

Mostak Ahmed Robi MP stressed on united voice in global climate negotiation by both government and CSOs to achieve desire goal. In this regard he reiterates our Prime Minister call to 1.5 degree and appropriate finance for adaptation actions.

Mr. Shamim, Rafiqul Islam and many others opine that Bangladesh has played a positive role in the climate negotiations because of the strong cooperation between civil society and the government, which was previously our strength and is now become weakened. They suggested that for CoP 27, a common position be prepared, including the opinion of the CSO.

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Government to ensure minimum 2% of GDP resource as climate finance for a resilient economy, civil society demand

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equitybd
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Dhaka 19 June 2022, in a seminar, Civil Society (CSOs) and expert have demanded at least 2% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] resource for climate financing through national budgetary process in every year. They also urged government to include coastal infrastructure issues as a prioritized investment sector to achieve sustainable and climate resilient economy. The seminar is jointly organized by COAST Foundation, CPRD [Center for Participatory Research & Development] and CDP [Coastal Development Partnership] at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital today.

Mr. Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu, MP, and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has participated as Chief Guest. The seminar is moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST. Mr. Sharif Jamil, General Secretary of BAPA, AHM Bazlur Rahaman, CEO of BNNRC, Md. Shamsuddoha, CEO of CPRD, Prodip Kumar Roy of CSRL, Sujaul Islam, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dr. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed of Jatiya Sramik Federation and many others civil society representatives spoke in the seminar. The keynote was presented by Syed Aminul Hoque, Director of COAST.

Aminul Hoque of COAST said that government commitment to fight climate change has hardly been reflected in his declared national budget 22-23 fiscal year. The amount allocated taka 30,531 crores as climate budget is very traditional and business as usual which is unable to fulfill the demand. He mentioned that govt. has prepared Delta plan-2100, NDC 2030 [National Determined Contribution 2030], BCCSAP-2009 and recently drafted NAP [National Adaption Plan] those requires around 2.20% of GDP to implement, but current allocation is only 0.69%. He put a few demands regarding climate financing issues are (i) Government must ensure at least 2% of GDP as climate financing according to their strategic plans and real time implement, (ii) Include coastal infrastructure issues as one of the prioritized investment sectors (iii) Separate allocation for embankment construction, (iv) Engage Local Government authority to repair maintenance of embankment and (v) Adequate allocation for climate adaptive agriculture research and development.

Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu MP, and the Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Fishery and Livestock opined that the climate financing is important and need to increase for holistic and balance development in socio-economic perspectives. He demanded a separate ministry or board at least for coastal development issues.

Sharif Jamil said we don’t expect the growth of a few capitalists and thus achieving socio-economic sustainability hardly be possible ignoring the environmental issues. Government will have to think universal sustainability that would come from a balance planning of both economic, environment and climate change issues.

Bazlur Rahaman said, there have different problems and climatic challenges among the East coast, south-west and mid-coastal areas and planning should be developed accordingly. He demands special health care for vulnerable coastal women acute suffering with reproductive health.

Md. Shamsuddoha said that destructive development plans increasing the risk of climatic negative impacts in country those are being observed already and government must rethink on them. He demands to review the NAP [National Adaptation Plan] through taking grassroots opinion and further development followed by existing climate hotspots and their real needs.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury opined that the “Delta Plan 2100” is effective, but there is hardly any resource allocation for this.  There are also concern on proper monitoring of climate finance utilization at local level.  Government should also consider to reform and strengthen institutional capacity in this regard to draw attention of global finance for fighting climate change issues.

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EquityBD observes 21 February: Use of local languages Recommended for local organizations Development

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equitybd
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Dhaka, 21 February 2022: To encourage sustainable growth of local organizations, the Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD) urged for the use of local language in the development and humanitarian sectors. It made the call while commemorating International Mother Language Day.

EquityBD is a network of CSOs, NGOs and individuals towards promoting equity and justice in society.

In a statement, released today, EquityBD mentions that language distances create a wall of distinction between local organizations and foreign organizations. When a project or grant application is requested, all documentation asked in this regard is in English. As a result, local organizations feel pressured to drop out of the competition. Local organizations, on the other hand, may be able to complete the job more quickly and at a lesser cost.

In order to ensure the effective participation of local communities and local organizations in development activities, the process must be conducted in the local language. Local people and local organizations have to communicate in ‘our language’, and if they are forced to communicate in ‘their language’, it will first and foremost hurt the empowerment of the locals.

On this day of language day, the demand for the use of Bengali in all fields may be a real tribute to the martyrs. As there is an international commitment to the use of indigenous languages in development and humanitarian activities, the recommendation of local organizations, including local civil society, to give priority to mother tongue should be strongly emphasized everywhere.

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CoP 26 outcome frustrated for Bangladesh as MVCs

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka, 22 November 2021.  Civil society organizations (CSOs) has treated the recent CoP-26 (global climate conference) outcome as frustrated for our country as MVC [Most Vulnerable Country] as there have no significant decision to finance for the MVCs especially for adaptation activities and to face loss and damage due to climate change. Observing the situation, the CSOs has demanded to government to develop country owned long term financial strategies to support climate change actions in future. They have made this demand from a virtual seminar titled “CoP 26 outcome and our future perspective as MVCs”.

The virtual seminar is organized by COAST foundation, An Organization for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED), BIPNET-CCBD (Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples’ Network on Climate Change), Centre for Participatory Research & Development (CPRD) Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD).

Barrister Shamim Haider Patowary MP has participate as Special Guest. The seminar moderated by Mostafa Kamal Akand of EquityBD. Among others Dr. Ainun Nishat-Emeritus Professor (BRAC University) and Lead climate negotiator of BD, Dr. Mostafa Saroar-Professor Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Md. Sharif Jamil-General Secretary of BAPA (Bangladesh Paribesh Anolon), Mr. Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, climate change negotiator and Ex. Secretary of National Press Club, Mr. Mrinal Kanti Tripura of BIPNET-CCBD, Md. Jahangir Hossen Masum of CDP, Mr. Shamim Arefin of AoSED-Khulna, Mr. Emranul Hoque-climate change advocate, Mr. Kawser Rahaman of Janakhanta spoke at the event.  Syed Aminul Hoque from EquityBD presented the key notes in the seminar.

Syed Aminul Hoque said that, the CoP 26 outcome was much more expected to produce a concrete decision and actions by world leaders to reduce global GHGs (Green House gases) emission and appropriate financing to support adaptation actions and to face recurrent loss & damages. These not happened due to oppose by some developed countries especially USA and their allies. He also condemned the UK (United Kingdom) position for their so called “Net Zero Emission” target by 2050 which in fact support the big emitters to continue their GHGs emission instead of “Zero Emission” target. Following the situation, our government should prepare for zero emission target along with own financing strategies for future to fight climate change he opined.

Barrister Shamim Haider said that the cop 26 outcome is somehow disappointed as because the decisions aggregately has dismantled the CBDR (Common but Differentiate Responsibilities) principle of Paris Agreement, denied the loss & damage with displacement issues and moving towards a business model instead survival of MVCs and save the earth from global warming. He appreciated the Prime Minister voice very realistic but concerned for less participation of BD govt. delegations in many CoP plenaries where main decisions come. So that our govt. should inclusive in future if we want to achieve the negotiation power to achieve the target successfully.

Dr. Mostafa Saroar said that the proposed “Net Zero emission” target is a false and elusive solution and the UK pushed to poor and developing countries to adopt this target which in fact moving to a carbon colonialism and to do business with MVCs. These poor and vulnerable countries are less contributor to GHGs emission and in future will be forced by big polluters to adopt so called carbon capture activities damaging their own natural system.

Quamrul Islam Chowdhury criticised the developed countries initiative of “New collective and quantified goal on finance (NCQG)” where no representatives of MVCs to finalize the process. MVCs may deprive from long term obligatory finance through this initiatives and also manifesting the ill motive of developed countries to facilitate the private sector in climate finance activities he said.

Sharif Jamil said that government mind set is confused as there is inconsistencies between govt. coal using and alternative energy strategies. He suggested to realise own problem and plan accordingly to move effective carbon reduction strategies and with alternative energy techniques.

Mr. Shamim said that in CoP 26, developed countries has denied their responsibilities through deferring the 100 billion dollar promise by 2023 is completely unacceptable for MVCs. He also criticised the philanthropic attitude to lump sum financial support to adaptation funds for MVCs at Cop 26. Apart he demand to govt. to include civil society expert and activist in the process of climate negotiation from the next to successful voice raise.

Please download [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation]

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