Today 24 August 2017 in an Experience & knowledge sharing workshop on low carbon development, the CSO representatives have demanded of govt. policy cooperation to promote Eco-Village development to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). They also opine that government should adopt Eco-village development as one of their core strategies of low carbon development and to ensure the long term socio-economic development as sustainable.
The workshop titled “Evidence Based Advocacy for Low Carbon, Pro-Poor Sustainable Eco-Village Development (EVD)” is held COAST Trust conference room, Shamoli, Dhaka which is moderated by Syed Aminul Hoque from EquityBD. Dr. Atiq Rahaman of BCAS (Bangladesh Center for Advance Studies) and Mrs. Salima Jahan, Member Policy Research SREDA (Renewable Energy Development Authority, Ministry of Power & Energy) are participated as expert guest. Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from EquityBD, Mr. Santosh Patnaik of CANSA (Climate Action Network South Asia), Ms. Lykke Valentin, Project Coordinator, EVD Project, DIB-Denmark, Mr. Shailendra Yashwant Kharat, Consultant, India and Mr. Mahabub Alam of Grammeen Shakti has presented their key notes on Eco-village concept. Among others Mr. Shamsuddoha of CPRD (Centre for Participatory research & Development), Md. Jahangir Hossen of CDP (Coastal Development Partnership), Mr. Mihir Biswas of BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon), Mr. Prodip K Roy of CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) and Altab Hossen of Samakal are spoke and shared their experiences related with Eco-village expansion, perspective, challenges and policy development.
In key note present and experience sharing, Mr Santosh said that concept Eco-village development is affordable for communities, local ownership, co-benefit with poverty reduction and also reducing carbon emission. So fighting climate change in South Asia region, eco-village is imperative. The eco-village included the simple solution of implementing solar energy, improve stove, rain water harvesting and organic or non-pesticide agriculture through community participation in the countries.
On the issue of eco-village development, Dr. Atiq Rahaman said that we have huge opportunities to promote the issue for sustainable development in Bangladesh, Apart we also can take mutual learning each other in South Asia region developing appropriate policy, business model and technology.
Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, Bangladesh is treated as “Climate Ground Zero” and facing huge climatic hazard causing livelihood and asset loss. The context required both mitigation and adaptation strategies and action for sustainable development in our country that support through eco-village development concept.
Mr. Mahmudul Hasan Eco-village is very relevant and commensurate with govt. “One house-One Farm” project. This project can be included the solar energy process, bio-gas and organic pesticide for agriculture that will support our poor people and families for poverty alleviation with sustainable development ultimately. So government should provide necessary support in both finance and technical through overarching and holistic approach following SDGs.
Mr. Jahangir Hossen Masum said that our country has been facing huge energy deficiency and we think it would be hard to reach with electricity by govt. by 2030. But govt. strategies are contradict with his present action as they are implementing carbon oriented power produce. In this context renewable energy is the best opportunity that will contribute expansion energy supply and alongside save the money for govt.
Mihir Biswas opined, climate change impacts negatively in our coastal areas where salinity and water crisis are severe now. Many NGOs are in exercise with new and alternative technologies but rain water harvesting is new in this area. However we have to choose suitable and sustainable technologies those are fit in our context and in case of rain water harvesting, we can take regional experience and support from them.
Please download [English Press Release] [Bangla Press release]
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