Khulna Bureau :
Speakers opined that coordinated efforts by the government, NGOs, researchers, youth and media are essential to implement the decisions of COP-30 to address the climate risks of coastal communities.
These words were spoken at the regional dialogue titled “Post-COP Regional Dialogue: COP-30 Outcomes for Coastal Communities” held in Khulna on Monday. MD Akhter Hossain (ADC, General Revenue) was the chief guest at the event. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Salma Begum and Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Al Harun, Professor, Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University.
Khulna District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Abdul Karim, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Nazrul Islam, District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, District Fisheries Officer Md. Badruzzaman, Deputy Director of Youth Department Md. Mostak Uddin and Women Affairs Officer Sajida Afreen Siddiqui.
In addition, Concern Worldwide Program Manager Mashiur Rahman, Daily Amar Desh’s Ihtashamul Haque Shaon, Daily Kaler Kantho Khulna Bureau Chief HM Alauddin, Maasranga Television’s Special Correspondent Abu Hena Mostafa Jamal Poplu, New Nation’s Khulna Correspondent Md. Masum Billah Imran, JJS Senior Director (Program) MM Chishti, JJS-ERCC-2 Project Coordinator Md. Mamun Or Rashid and Now Television’s Photographer Helal Mollah participated in the panel discussion.
Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Al Harun highlighted the lifestyle and current reality of the people of the coastal areas and emphasized on involving students in expanding research-based activities.
Now Television’s Special Correspondent and Bureau In-charge Tariqul Islam discussed the COP experience and Bangladesh’s position at COP-31. AOSED Khulna Team Lead Md. Salah Uddin expressed his views on the availability and easy access of climate funds.
Adams Foundation Deputy Executive Director Asiq Mahmud said that special importance needs to be given to climate funds for the least developed countries and capacity building of local organizations and youth is essential. Greenman Founder and President, Climate Activist Md. Al Imran Khan Rabbi said that youth migration to coastal areas is increasing due to river erosion, livelihood crisis and lack of opportunities; youth need training support to overcome funding process and documentation challenges.
During the question and answer session, the speakers emphasized on combating salinity, conserving rainwater, increasing natural reservoirs and science-based solutions. At the same time, they called for preventing deforestation and conserving the Sundarbans.
Representatives of six unions of Dakop and Koyra, various NGO workers and journalists from national and local media were present at the event.
