Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Development:
Bangladesh
Ainun Nishat Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, BRAC University
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
There is a general consensus all over the world on need to integrate environmental concerns in development planning and management to ensure sustainability. Sustainable development required serious attention to environmental issues.
In
2000,
the
UN
had
set
8
MDG,
which
is
an
agenda
for
improving
the
human
condition
by
2015.
The
7th
MDG
deals
with
the
environmental
sustainability.
Environmental sustainability and human well‐being are very closely related.
Environmental
sustainability
is
a
must
for
any
strategy
to
ensure
social
justice.
In this presentation, we classify environmental issues that effects Bangladesh, on the basis of their origin under Global, Regional and National categories and suggest institutional framework for addressing them at national level, regional level and global levels.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Introduction
This presentation has five parts:
Part –
I Environmental concerns : Global Issue
Part -
II Environmental concerns : Regional Issue
Part -
III
Environmental concerns : National Issue
Part –
IV Environmental Governance in Bangladesh
Part –
V Institutional frame work for South Asia and Concluding Remarks
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Part –
I Environmental concerns :
Global Issue
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Global Issues
• Climate Change and Climate Variability
• Ozone layer depletion
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
• Climate change and climate variability are now real.
• A stable situation is not likely to be achieved soon.
• The IPCC‐FAR(2007), concluded that global warming is
unequivocally the result of human activities.
• Scientific consensus is clear; now the whole world collectively
needs to urgently focus on what to do about it.
• Climate change has risen to the top of international policy
agenda.
• Intense negotiations at global level are going on under aegis of
UNFCCC. All countries will be adversely affected.
Climate Change is real
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Issues in global debate• CO2
emission has increased from 280 ppm before industrial
revolution to about 390 ppm. May reach 600+ ppm by end of
this century. Global average temperature is already up by about
1.0c; it may go up to by 6.0c as CO2 concentration goes up.
• GHG level must not exceed 350/450 ppm and temperature must
be controlled at 1.5/2.0c. Also the peak in emission should be
controlled by 2018/ 2020.
• Are these likely to be achieved? What were the goals set in Bali
in 2007? What has been the achievement in Copenhagen? What
has been the achievement in Cancun? Will the negotiation be
completed and a legally binding Agreement be finalized in
Durban in December 2011? …. by 2012 in Doha(?). When it will
be operationalized?• Will developing countries, specially the LDCs be able to cope
with adverse impacts of Climate Change and Climate variability?
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Global temperature change
We are here
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
The Past is the Future
Current Trend
The Past is the Future
Un-quantifiedRisk
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
The Past is NOT the Future
Hydro-meteorological events• Increase in annual rainfall • Increase in droughts • Occurrence of short
duration heavy rainfall• Rainfall at unexpected
time• Rise in temperature• Increase in cyclones and
storm surge events
Other Impacts• Sea level rise
– Increase in salinity in coastal belt
– Inundation of coastal plains
• Snow melting and GLOFs
• Increase in river and coastal erosion
• Increase in vector borne disease
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Probable adverse impacts
Where are our concerns North:
Snow melting and dry ski‐slopesFloodsHurricanes and typhoonsImpact on ecosystemSea level riseHealth issues
Malaria/ DengueHeat waves
Threat from MigrantsGlobal food shortageCapacity to cope with disasters Reduction of green house gas emission
level
===========================
Compromise with life style
South:Food and livelihood security Urban drainage problemsFloods and cyclone : forecasting and
warning disseminationImprovements in IWRM including management of trans‐
boundary rivers on a basis approach.Salinity increase & sea level riseRiver and coastal erosionDisaster managementHealth related concernsThreat of migration[Understanding impact on
ecosystem]
===========================
Question of future survival
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Entire coastalbelt is vulnerableto Storm Surgesand Cyclones.
SIDR’sroute
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Impact of AILA
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Gabura Union, Shyamnagar, Sathakhira: No dry place …. World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
People migrate from Kalabogi Village, Sutarkahli, Dacope.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Flood Inundation Depth Map Existing Condition
Land Level (m PWD)
Inundation Depth (m)
7.00-19.004.00- 7.002.00- 4.000.00- 2.00
0.00- 0.150.15- 0.300.30- 0.600.60- 0.900.90- 1.801.80- 3.60Above 3.60
No Sea Level Rise Upstream flow: Average Year (Year 2000 flow)
Land Level (m PWD)
Inundation Depth (m)
7.00-19.004.00- 7.002.00- 4.000.00- 2.00
0.00- 0.150.15- 0.300.30- 0.600.60- 0.900.90- 1.801.80- 3.60Above 3.60
Upstream flow: Average Year (Year 2000 flow)
Land Level (m PWD)
Inundation Depth (m)
7.00-19.004.00- 7.002.00- 4.000.00- 2.00
0.00- 0.150.15- 0.300.30- 0.600.60- 0.900.90- 1.801.80- 3.60Above 3.60
Upstream flow: Average Year (Year 2000 flow)
Upstream flow: Average Year (Year 2000 flow)
Land Level (m) PWD)
Inundation Depth (m)
7.00-19.004.00- 7.002.00- 4.000.00- 2.00
0.00- 0.150.15- 0.300.30- 0.600.60- 0.900.90- 1.801.80- 3.60Above 3.60
Land Level (m PWD)
Inundation Depth (m)
7.00-19.004.00- 7.002.00- 4.000.00- 2.00
0.00- 0.150.15- 0.300.30- 0.600.60- 0.900.90- 1.801.80- 3.60Above 3.60
Upstream flow: Average Year (Year 2000 flow)
Flood Inundation Depth Map: Projection Year 2015Sea Level Rise 10 cm
Flood Inundation Depth Map: Projection Year 2030Sea Level Rise 14 cm
Flood Inundation Depth Map: Projection Year 2050Sea Level Rise 32 cm
Flood Inundation Depth Map: Projection Year 2100Sea Level Rise 88 cm
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Vulnerability to Flooding
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
SLR
and Salinity Intrusion
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Parameters: drought,
flood and cyclone
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Summery of major concerns for Bangladesh
• Threat of food security;• Threat of climate change displaced persons and
migrants;
• Increase in intensity and frequency of natural disasters;
• increase of salinity in coastal belt;• Stable situation is not likely to be achieved. • Adaptation is priority of Bangladesh• Urgent and bold steps in Mitigation at global
levelWorld Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Part -
II Environmental concerns :
Regional Issue
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Regional Issues
• Water regulation in upper reaches and concerns in trans‐boundary water management.
• Deforestation in watershed.• Cross‐boundary pollution • Threat of oil spillage• Fishing in the bay
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Ganges Basin, Brahmaputra Basin & Meghna Basin
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Common Rivers
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Dying GoraiDying Gorai
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
The Sundarbans is under threats
Top dying disease of Sundari tree attributed to declining freshwater supply
World Conference on Recreating South
Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and
Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐
26 February 2011,
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Summery of major concerns for Bangladesh
• Integrated water resources management (IWRM) practices that looks into spatial as well
as temporal distribution of water is urgently required.
• Basin‐wise approach, including watershed management be followed for IWRM practices.
• Progress in trans‐boundary related issues has been very slow, so far; urgent progress is
essential for Bangladesh; 92% of water enter Bangladesh from outside its territory.
• Present institutional set up is not working.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Part -
III Environmental concerns :
National Issue
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Some National Issues
• Population and bearing capacity: out migration• Rapid Urbanization and expansion of slums• Food security, water security, energy security,
health security and security for livelihood under threat
• Agriculture loosing sustainability• Depletion of Forest resources• Disappearance of Wetland and Fisheries• Loss of Biodiversity and medicinal plants• Degradation of natural resources base• Desertification process
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Sustainability Indicators
• Status of sustainability indicators in Bangladesh: all show a negative trend
– Land Degradation and loss of soil quality– Loss of Wetland – Degradation of Forests and Loss of Forest Lands– Loss of Biodiversity– Pollution – Ground water contamination with arsenic – Climate change and vulnerability– Unplanned urbanization
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Soil Salinity Intrusion
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Population projection
0
50
100
150
1998
2010
2025
2040
Population (millions)
Rural UrbanWorld Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Land Degradation
• It occurs in the form
of – Soil quality loss due to
salinity intrusion,
fertility decline,
nutrient imbalance
– Top soil loss through
erosion
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
Perc
enta
ge o
f org
anic
mat
eria
l
Madhupur Tract Barind Tract Northeast HillyAreas
1969-70
1989-90
World Conference on Recreating South
Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and
Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐
26 February 2011,
Arsenic Disaster
• Arsenic contamination in
Bangladesh is possibly the largest
mass poisoning case in the World
• 41 districts out of 64 have high
arsenic conc. in ground water
• 60% of the total country is
contaminated
• The whole southwest region is
severely affected
• Some eighty million people are at
risk
Occurrence of Arsenic
World Conference on Recreating South
Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and
Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐
26 February 2011,
Part –
IV
Environmental Governance and Bangladesh
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Environmental Conservation Act 1995
EIA has been made compulsory for all projects/ interventions through 1995 ECA; elaborated through
1997 Rules and Regulations; Four colour codes for projects : Green project, Orange‐I
Orange‐II, and Red. MoEF
and DoE to administer the provisions of 1995 Act and 1997 rules and regulations.
EMP is submitted but is not followed and monitored; ETPs
have been set up by some industrialists but they are not operated properly.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Some more issues in Water Management
• Provision of “Environmental flow”
is not made. No water is left
out in rivers for nature. • Interests of Aquatic life and Navigation is ignored. • Concerns are about ownership of rivers and its management.• Development of flood management dykes have cut‐off the
rivers from floodplains.• Coastal embankment and drainage congestion in Khulna‐
Jessore
area is a major developmental debate. • Revenue collection through leasing, is still main focus in
common property resource management, in wetlands.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Some issues in Forest and biodiversity management
• 17% of land of the country belongs to Forest department . Possibly the area
of forest is is
less than 6%. Forest area is shrinking. Revenue collection is still
main focus of teh
Forest Department. Introduction of fast growing trees has
damaged local biodiversity.
• Forest Protected areas are declared under the 1973 Wild life Act. Ecologically
Critical Area (ECA) are declared under Environmental Conservation Act of
1995. But conservation activities are still in infancy. Management practices in
the Sundarbans
are being looked into?
• Rights of forest dwellers and indigenous people are not protected.
• Local robust varieties of cultivars that can provide solutions to the demand s
of salinity tolerant, drought tolerant and flood tolerant varieties of crops
have not been conserved in‐situ.
• Introduction of GMOs
may be threat to the independence of local farming
communities in production of seeds for their own use.
• Medicinal plants and traditional healing practices are on wane. IPR and ABS
issues are not understood. Folk wisdom and traditional practices
not being
conserved.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Land degradation and Desertification
• Productivity of agricultural land are on decline.
• Organic content is getting reduced. More inorganic fertilizers are being used to maintain
productivity level. Micro‐nutrient deficiency‐ boron, sulphur, zinc etc. Is reported.
• River bank erosion is affects the poor people resulting in out‐migration.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Response to Climate Change
• Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, 2009. Six
pillars (Themes) of BCCSAP– Food security, social protection & health security– Comprehensive disaster management– Infrastructure development– Research and knowledge management– Mitigation and low carbon development– Capacity building –
institutional and human
• Capacity building for such activities are essential.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Summing up of issues at national level
• Populations increase is possibly the main driver for environmental
degradation.
• In a “land‐hungry”
country, incorporation of environment concerns in
development activities and resource management may appear to a tall
order but common people are aware of its necessity.
• Considerations for environmental governance is still not followed in
practice. Weak local government institutions make it more difficult.
• We have excellent policies– Water Policy, Forest Policy, Agriculture Policy, Environment Policy, etc.
• We excellent documents– NEMAP, NCS, NBSAP, NAP.
• Bangladesh is signatory of all relevant MEAs.• We have excellent experience in community based approach in resource
management. Proper environmental governance is definitely possible.
• Faithful implementation of National laws, rules and regulation is urgent.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Part –
V Institutional frame work for South Asia
and Concluding Remarks
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Scope of regional cooperation
• Advanced countries in the region may support others in
pollution control and effective management of environment
at national level.
• With climate change, the monsoons (and hence droughts and
floods) are expected to become more intense and less
predictable. Coping with these mounting extremes in the river
basins of South Asia will require more basin‐wide information
to predict and warn against floods, for example. It calls for
more basin‐wise river management, with coordinated
capacity to lower flood peaks and augment low‐season flows.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Cooperation among South Asian Countries in global negotiation process ………..
• Complex Negotiation process ‐‐
major groups/ sub‐groups are
• G‐77 and China, EU, Umbrella Group, Environmental
Integrity Group, • LDCs, AOSIS, Africa, GURULAC, OPEC
• Group dynamics is complex.• Will BASIC emerge as a formal negotiation group.• Will Bangladesh and Maldives along with Nepal initiate
a Most Vulnerable Country (MVC) group
• Can SAARC be an informal group, to start with.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Possible position of South Asian Countries
• Build capacity to be recipient of funds along with technological support.
• Join hands in development of climate change tolerant varieties of cultivars and development of appropriate cropping pattern .
• Countries like India may lead in development of renewable energy (wind, solar, tidal, geothermal etc) in the region.
• Putting emphasis on disaster preparedness and disaster management;
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
South Asia’s possible approach at global level
• All countries to take responsibilities for mitigation, on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capacities, supported by finance and technology by developed countries.
• The proposal to mobilize $100 b a year by 2020 for mitigation only is a puzzle. How can Adaptation be forgotten in post 2015 period? Funds for Adaptation be available on a prioritized basis.
• Urgent attention on issues related to Climate Change displaced persons.
• Review the Cancun Agreement and exchange views to develop common position on as many issues as possible.
• Work towards a legally binding instrument.
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,
Thanks for your patience
World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, New Delhi , 24‐26 February 2011,