Ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation in drought-prone Barind Tract has become an urgent task to protect its major farming system from the adverse impact of climate change, speakers at a participatory discussion here said. They mentioned that the climate change has started posing a serious threat to the vital sectors like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, livestock, health and sanitation in the high Barind tract. So, there is no alternative to adopt effective measures to address the odd situation. Emphasis should be given on integrated water resource management besides creating mass awareness about judicious use of both surface and underground water for reducing the pressure on groundwater table in the dried area. The observation came at a daylong regional stakeholder consultation workshop styled “Participation of Project Document on Ecosystem-based Approaches (EbA) to Adaptation in the Drought-prone Barind Tract Area” held at Nanking Darbar Hall in Rajshahi city yesterday. Department of Environment (DoE) organized the workshop in association with United Nations Environment Programme (ENEP) and Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS). In the technical session, Superintending Engineer of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Dr Abul Kasem and Engineer Motaleb Hossain Sarker, Director (Ecology Division) of CEGIS presented their keynote papers. Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Munir Hossain and Deputy Commissioner Mezbahuddin Chowdhury addressed the opening session as chief and special guests respectively with Ali Reza Mozid, Director of DoE, Rajshahi division, in the chair. Mozaharul Alam, Regional Climate Change Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Region, UNEP, and Engineer Waji Ullah, Executive Director of CEGIS, spoke as guests of honour. During his welcome address, Mizanur Rahman, Director (Climate Change and International Convention) of DoE, said background concept of EbA is to use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people for facing the adverse effects of climate change. There is no alternative to conserve the underground water alongside boosting the aquifer recharge for uplifting the living and livelihood condition of the hard barind tract comprising eight upazilas in Rajshahi, Naogaon and Chapainawabgonj districts. In his remarks, Munir Hossain says there should be measures for building an effective programme to establish coordination among experts, the government and non-government organisation so they can put in their best and concerted efforts to formulate a time befitting plan for proper water resource management. Development of this area involves proper utilisation of this vast land, which is possible only through ensured irrigation for agriculture.
In three group discussions, the participants put forward a set of recommendations for proper management of the existing water resources to protect the region from ecological degradation for the sake of safeguarding the ecological balance along with survival of all living beings. Around 60 participants representing the government and non-government organisations concerned, professional groups, academic and research institutions and other stakes attended the event. –BSS, Rajshahi
