Strengthening the sustainable rehabilitation process for families displaced by climate change requires integrated efforts from both government and non-government organizations, speakers emphasized at a seminar organized by the COAST Foundation.
The event, titled "Strengthening Integrated Local Climate Displacement Management and Rehabilitation Process," was held in the conference room of the Galachipa Sub-District Administration, reads a press release.
Participants called for the creation of sub-district-level databases to accurately identify climate-displaced individuals, enhancement of disaster management committees' capacities, promotion of local employment opportunities, and construction of sustainable coastal embankments to mitigate future displacement risks.
Md. Nasim Reza, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Galachipa Upazila, attended as the chief guest. He was joined by M.M. Asaduzzaman Arif, Sub-Assistant Engineer of the Disaster Management Department; Md. Hafiz Ullah, President of the Galachipa Press Club; and representatives from civil society, NGOs, journalists, and displaced individuals.
The seminar was moderated by M.A. Hasan, Head of Climate Change at the COAST Foundation.
In his keynote address, Hasan highlighted the importance of conducting local vulnerability risk assessments, enhancing community monitoring of ongoing rehabilitation projects, and prioritizing government investment to reduce displacement risks.
He also stressed the need for regional climate risk management strategies aligned with national plans, particularly the National Strategy on the Management of Disaster and Climate-Induced Internal Displacement (NSMDCIID).
Addressing the audience, Nasim Reza said that effective relief operations during disasters must be paired with efforts to identify displaced individuals accurately. He emphasized the importance of developing sub-district-level databases and conducting detailed research on the impacts of climate change on local communities.
M.M. Asaduzzaman Arif pointed out that communities living near embankments are at significant risk of displacement due to river and sea erosion. He stressed the urgent need for sustainable embankments to protect these vulnerable populations.
Md. Hafiz Ullah urged the government to move beyond policy-making and focus on implementing existing plans. He noted that without proper execution, climate-vulnerable communities would continue to suffer despite well-drafted strategies.
The seminar concluded with a call for immediate, coordinated actions to support climate-affected communities and strengthen local displacement management and rehabilitation efforts.
