Dhaka to build capacity to fight climate change: IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) wants Bangladesh to enhance its capacity to negotiate a long-term cooperative action to manage the adverse impacts of climate change, says an IUCN release.

“Bangladesh is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate. We must take an active role in building Bangladesh's capacity to negotiate a long-term cooperative action to manage the adverse impacts of climate change,” said IUCN Asia's Senior Adviser on Climate Change Dr Ainun Nishat yesterday.

The famed environmentalist was speaking at a consultative meeting at Biam auditorium in the city where experts from across the country gathered in the lead up to the December global climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The environment ministry organised the meeting in association with IUCN Bangladesh where representatives from various environment organisations shared their recent experiences to help build a strategic position for the national delegation.

IUCN Bangladesh is coordinating a national envoy of almost 200 delegates, including members of parliament, government and non-government organisations, civil society members and journalists.

Providing an overview of the current situation of Bangladesh's preparation, Ainun said, “We have already prepared a national climate change strategy and action plan, the first of its kind in Bangladesh. So, it is a very exciting and pivotal time for us to be involved in an international level.”

IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan emphasised the need for a united and practical strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Speaking as the chief guest, Environment and Forests Secretary Dr Mihir Kanti Majumder discussed the key issues under debate at the global level and the importance of Bangladesh's participation in the international discussions.

Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan, director general of the department of environment, facilitated the technical session on preparations for effective participation in the climate change negotiation process.