Urgent action needed to protect Bangladesh’s coastal communities: Speakers at COP29

The international community must take immediate and more effective action to protect the coastal people of Bangladesh, who are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to the impacts of climate change, speakers emphasised at an event at the COP29 venue in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday (15 November).

Titled "Untold Story of Coastal People of Bangladesh: Sandwip Perspective", the event brought together representatives from international organisations, island nations, civil society, Bangladeshi climate activists, and government officials to raise awareness regarding the dire situation millions in coastal regions are facing in Bangladesh.

The speakers collectively called for the international community to prioritise the protection of coastal areas like Sandwip Island, where people face daily threats from rising seas, erosion, and salinity. They also emphasised that global cooperation and swift action are essential to ensure the survival and well-being of these vulnerable communities.

Human24, a volunteer organisation, organised the programme at the Bangladesh Pavilion, where prominent figures in climate advocacy shared insights on the challenges posed by rising sea levels, erosion, and land loss.

Saleh Noman, chief executive of Human24 and executive editor of The Daily People's View, delivered the keynote presentation. He highlighted the plight of Sandwip Island, located in the Bay of Bengal, which is grappling with severe environmental and socio-economic challenges, including widespread erosion and salinity.

"Sandwip, once a thriving centre for salt production and shipbuilding, is now fighting for its survival. The island's land area has shrunk from 502 square kilometres in 1880 to just 258 square kilometres today, as rising sea levels and erosion continue to claim its land," said Noman.

Md Shamsuddoha, chief executive of the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), stressed the need for comprehensive land reform policies to support displaced communities. "Without land reform, displaced people will not have access to the land they need to rebuild their lives.

"We must ensure that these communities are given the resources and support they need to survive and thrive," he said, recalling his firsthand experience of visiting Sandwip and witnessing the suffering caused by climate change.

Tamanna Rahman, thematic lead for Climate and Resilience at Practical Action Bangladesh, emphasised that Sandwip is a microcosm of the challenges facing all 19 coastal districts of Bangladesh. "The lack of adaptation and mitigation strategies has left these areas vulnerable."

She said that while much focus has been on other parts of the country, the coastal regions, especially islands like Sandwip, have been largely ignored. Women, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this neglect. "We need equitable financing and climate justice to ensure that these communities are protected," she said.

Climate journalist Shamsuddin Illius, also the bureau chief for The Business Standard in Chattogram, added, "Fair justice and a more coordinated global response are essential to address the loss and damage occurring in Bangladesh's coastal areas. The world must act more effectively and urgently to tackle the climate crisis."

International climate activist Cynthy Sandrina Hosea, speaking from the Pacific region, highlighted the importance of local adaptation solutions. "People in vulnerable areas have already implemented innovative solutions to build resilience to climate change. For example, the Vanuatu Climate Futures Portal provides essential data and tools to help decision-makers plan for the future.

"This kind of localised approach can be replicated in Bangladesh to better protect communities like those on Sandwip," she said.

Judit Szolesky, project manager at the International Network for Sustainable Energy, presented some practical solutions being implemented globally, including eco-villages, solar home systems, and rainwater harvesting projects designed to enhance climate resilience.