Today 31 May 2017, a group of 30 Rights Based Civil Society Network protested the government initiative to review the BCCSAP-2009 (Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan-2009) by engaging foreign expert. Besides, they also demanded review of the BCCSAP-2009 by appointing local consultants (those are internationally recognized) with following inclusive process.
The press conference titled “BCCSAP-2009 Review: Must be done by local consultants and Inclusive Process” was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD, Syed Aminul Hoque from the same organization presented the key notes on behalf of the networks. Among others, Mr. Mizanur Rahaman Bijoy of Network on Climate Change Bangladesh, Aminur Rasul Babul of Unnayan Dhara Trust, Mr. Prodip K Roy of Center for Sustainable Rural Live livelihood and Motaher Hossen of Bangladesh Climate Journalist forum spoke at the event.
In the key note presentation, Syed Aminul Hoque said, as a condition of donor financial support, so called foreign experts are being involved in this review process, those have no experience on country’s climate context, peoples’ demand and future government strategies in this regard. So, we are worried that, it will hamper the country’s interest, if they are involved with this review process. Aminul Hoque also placed a few demands to make the government review proposal effective and country interest bearing. Those are; i. BCCSAP Review must be done following inclusive process with mass participation, ii. Review should focus coastal vulnerability and their survival strategy that means adaptation should be focused as priority, iii. Mitigation action must be limited in reviewed BCCSAP considering the reality of GHG (Green House Gas) emission and by no means will force or create pressure for vulnerable people and iv. The reviewed BCCSAP will be consistence with country’s other long term development policies like 7th Five year Plan and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) targets.
Mizanur Rahaman Bijoy said, BCCSAP is a state document and it was declared as a living document during its development. So, our government will have to own this and it must be reviewed with the participation of climate vulnerable people, political leaders and CSOs. Hiring so called foreign experts is not an appropriate strategy in this regard.
Aminur Rasul said, there are needs to ensure necessary coordination among the ministries to make an effective review of our BCCSAP, because this is an important document for international assistance and all ministries somehow have responsibility and will have to implement program related with climate change at present and future.
Prodip.K. Roy said, we have done PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper) by foreign consultant, but didn’t get good result. In case of developing planning document like BCCSAP, we should not go for such mistake again that will damage us and our interest.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD said that we have enough internationally recognized Bangladeshi consultants those are able to do it very effectively. He urge to government to facilitate country driven process for BCCSAP review.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper]
Photos
 |
 |
News Link
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
