Environment Advisor calls for urgent global action against drought and land erosion.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that urgent collective action and joint investment are needed to address problems like drought and land erosion. Highlighting the risks of climate change in Bangladesh, she called on the global community to strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation programs.
She made these remarks in a special segment titled ‘Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience: From Geneva to Riyadh and Beyond, Enhancing Global and National Policy Instruments for a Proactive Drought Management Approach’ of the 16th Conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.
As a low-lying country, the Environment Advisor highlighted the importance of conserving common river basins and international water resources based on the principles of equality, non-harm and cooperation. Referring to the UN’s forecast of a 40 percent gap between global water supply and demand by 2030, she called for international recognition of the right to water.
Emphasizing the precautionary principle in development activities, she called for environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), public participation and respect for local knowledge. She also mentioned the need to implement enforceable rules for sustainable resource management for water-dependent industries and agricultural practices.
Rizwana Hassan further said that the participation of farmers, forest dwellers, women and indigenous communities should be brought into institutional frameworks. She called for empowering these communities by providing access to technology, financial assistance and justice.
Finally, she called for the UNCCD to enhance its role in facilitating technology transfer and providing assistance to vulnerable countries. She highlighted the importance of forums like COP16, highlighting the need to strengthen political leadership and vision at the global and national levels.
Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Farhina Ahmed was present at the session.
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