Bangladesh’s journey towards sustainable climate adaptation

As sea levels rise and weather patterns change due to climate change, Bangladesh’s agriculture, water resources and coastal communities are bearing the brunt. Photo: UNDP Bangladesh archive

As Bangladesh proudly hosts the ninth global National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo this week, the world is turning its gaze to a country that is not only facing formidable climate challenges but also leading by example in climate adaptation.

The NAP Expo, an initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), serves as an essential platform for sharing knowledge and forging partnerships on our collective journey towards environmental resilience.

The event not only underlines the urgency of climate adaptation, but also emphasizes the spirit of cooperation needed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Organizing this event is not just a matter of pride for Bangladesh; it is a vivid testament to the country’s commitment to protect and strengthen its communities against climate adversity.

WHY ADAPTATION IS AT THE CORE OF DEVELOPMENT

As the 39th country to submit its NAP, Bangladesh is not only responding to the immediate threats posed by climate change, but also proactively planning for a sustainable future.

This plan, submitted just before the crucial CoP-28 event, represents a strategic effort led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change and supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under its global NAP support program , as well as by the Department of Economic Relations (ERD), among other partners.

It integrates national development objectives with the global climate agenda.

In Bangladesh, climate change adaptation is not just a strategy; it is a necessity for the sustainable development of the country. As sea levels rise and weather patterns change due to climate change, Bangladesh’s agriculture, water resources and coastal communities are bearing the brunt.

The NAP aims to protect these vulnerable sectors and communities and ensure that development gains are resilient and sustainable. This includes scaling up homegrown adaptation models that have been jointly and successfully tested by the government, UNDP and other partners in Bangladesh.

This policy, which was developed through collaboration between domestic and international experts, embodies a comprehensive approach. Extensive consultations have been conducted with stakeholders from vulnerable communities, sector ministries, academia and more.

Importantly, synergies with national priorities such as the Delta Plan, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan and Agenda 2030 have been established, ensuring alignment and maximizing impact.

IMPLEMENTING THE VISION

The vision of Bangladesh’s NAP 2023-50 is to “build a climate-resilient nation through effective adaptation strategies to promote a resilient society and ecosystems and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Now that the NAP has been officially adopted, Bangladesh is shifting its focus to effective implementation. Institutional leadership and strategic planning are therefore fundamental in this phase.

The government of Bangladesh is committed to securing the necessary resources, engaging local communities and ensuring that its policies result in significant improvements in climate resilience.

Implementing this plan will require a substantial investment – ​​estimated at $230 billion over the next twenty years – highlighting the need for joint efforts from both international and domestic partners. While public entities are the main financiers of adaptation projects, there is a critical need to attract more private investment.

The perception of a lack of bankable adaptation projects can be misleading; the real challenge is the scarcity of projects that meet the risk and return criteria and are large enough to attract private investors.

UNDP stands ready to fully support the Government of Bangladesh in these efforts through technical assistance and engagement with our partners.

BANGLADESH AS A MODEL FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION

Bangladesh’s commitment to climate adaptation transcends national boundaries. The country is eager to share its experiences and the valuable lessons learned on its journey to resilience. Platforms like the NAP Expo provide a unique opportunity for mutual learning, allowing countries to both share and gain insights as they advance their own NAPs.

Through this exchange, Bangladesh aims to inspire and assist other countries, especially those in the region, to develop robust and resilient strategies to combat the diverse challenges of climate change, including in both rural and urban environments.

CONCLUSION

As Dhaka welcomes stakeholders from around the world to the NAP Expo 2024, Bangladesh invites the global community to witness first-hand the progress it has made in climate adaptation.

This event serves as a call to action for all countries to not only establish, but also actively implement their NAPs. With strong partnerships and commitment, we can make progress together towards a resilient and sustainable future, ensuring no one is left behind.

Dr. Farhina Ahmed is secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change. Stefan Liller is the UNDP representative in Bangladesh.