Momen inaugurates IORA Blue Carbon Hub think tank meeting

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has inaugurated the three-day long IORA Blue Carbon Hub think tank meeting "Nature-based solutions for coastal risk reduction" on Tuesday.

The programme is organised by the governments of Bangladesh and Australia in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and IORA Blue Carbon Hub, reads a press release.

Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, secretary (maritime affairs unit) chaired the opening session. Around hundred participants joined the opening day of the meeting.   

Foreign Minister termed the nature-based solutions as a cost-effective approach that utilizes ecosystems and biodiversity services for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and provides a range of co-benefits like sustainable livelihoods and food, water and energy security.

Momen discussed the importance to learn on applying nature-based solutions in enhancing resilience to disasters and climate change. He further stressed the integration of nature-based solutions into coastal zone management strategies and other relevant policies instrumental to reduce risks and improve the resilience of the coast.

Momen urged for crafting specific policy on nature-based solution that encompass most of the available relevant and appropriate concepts including ecological engineering systems engineering, green or blue infrastructure, ecosystem approach, ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation, ecosystem service framework, and natural capital.

The minister intimated the participants regarding Bangladesh government's different initiatives in establishing climate change trust fund under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; hosting the South Asian office of global centre on adaptation; adopting planetary emergency resolution; establishing green belt along the coast; establishing plantations in homesteads and embankments; and initiating coastal development strategy.

He also highlighted Bangladesh's climate change strategy and action plan that seek to build a medium-to long-term programme for enhancing resilience to climate shocks and facilitating low-carbon, sustainable growth, including blue growth as linked to coastal ecosystems such as mangrove conservation and coastal resilience.

Three sessions--introduction and overview, finance and insurance, examples and knowledge needs-- were conducted on the opening day. Foreign Minister thanked the organisers and wished the event a success through productive discussion.