mainstreaming disaster risk reduction
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M A I N S T R E A M I N G
RESPONSE & RESILIENCE: A STORY OF PARTNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATIONCLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATIONDISASTER RISK REDUCTION &
Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP II)Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Bangladesh
II MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
improved disaster-proofing of development programming and enhanced technical capacity to incentivise positive long-term changes in planning and investment decisions.
have access to specific DRR & CCA information with incorporation of DRR-CCA issues in the curricula of 35 textbooks from classes 3 to 12 through National Curricula and Textbook Board.
trained and mobilised for disaster response, search and rescue. This includes 6,970 women volunteers.
by the Departments of Fisheries, Agricultural Extension and Livestock Services.
potentially saving lives, livelihoods and assets of 88 million people in major river basins.
13
22
3to5Increased lead time from
days in flood forecasting,
115 have access to cell phone based early warning system for possible natural disasters.
30,011
12,892trained on various adaptation options.
27,923adaptationdemonstrations
million cell phone users
urbanvolunteers
farmers
millionstudents
Departmentsand 1 ministry
6,712trained on disaster and climate change issues
Governmentprofessionals
improved disaster-proofing of development programming and enhanced technical capacity to incentivise positive long-term changes in planning and investment decisions.
have access to specific DRR & CCA information with incorporation of DRR-CCA issues in the curricula of 35 textbooks from classes 3 to 12 through National Curricula and Textbook Board.
trained and mobilised for disaster response, search and rescue. This includes 6,970 women volunteers.
by the Departments of Fisheries, Agricultural Extension and Livestock Services.
potentially saving lives, livelihoods and assets of 88 million people in major river basins.
13
22
3to5Increased lead time from
days in flood forecasting,
115 have access to cell phone based early warning system for possible natural disasters.
30,011
12,892trained on various adaptation options.
27,923adaptationdemonstrations
million cell phone users
urbanvolunteers
farmers
millionstudents
Departmentsand 1 ministry
6,712trained on disaster and climate change issues
Governmentprofessionals
M A I N S T R E A M I N G
RESPONSE & RESILIENCE: A STORY OF PARTNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATIONCLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATIONDISASTER RISK REDUCTION &
Comprehensive Disaster management programme (CDmp ii)
ministry of Disaster management anD relief, BanglaDesh
IntroductIon
1 The Context
1 Programme Description
EFFortS In MAInStrEAMInG
4 Bangladesh Meteorological Department
8 Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre
11 Geological Survey of Bangladesh
13 Department of Environment
17 Fire Service and Civil Defence
20 Department of Agricultural Extension
25 Department of Fisheries
27 Department of Livestock Services
30 National Curriculum and Textbook Board
33 Department of Public Health Engineering
35 Department of Women Affairs
37 Directorate General of Health Services
38 Ministry of Land
39 General Economics Division
40 concLuSIon
Table of Contents
1
2
3
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Bangladesh is historically a disaster prone country and climate
change hazards are changing there intensity and frequency.
Climate change and disasters impact all development sectors
directly or indirectly, destroying our past gains and threatening
our future development.
Realising this, the Comprehensive Disaster Management
Programme (CDMP II) aimed to create synergies between
disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through
sensitising and educating the planners and decision making
professionals of targeted ministries so that they consider
disaster and climate change proofing of their development
programmes.
The impacts of disaster and climate change are not the same
and some sectors require early attention. CDMP II has targeted
13 departments and 1 Ministry to enhance their technical
capacity in planning to make development programmes climate
and disaster proof.
CDMP has invested in strengthening the capacity of partner
departments and in the expansion of programmes focusing on
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation
(CCA). This has resulted in a number of positive changes in
policies, plans and institutional capacity, and in the lives of
beneficiaries.
This report highlights some of the key achievements made
under these partnerships and demonstrates the value of our
approach and investment where we are having the biggest
impact and where we face challenges.
Mohammad Abdul Qayyum
National Project Director, CDMP II
Additional Secretary
Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
From the
National Project Director
VI MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
DAE3,359,112
FSCD2,993,321
35%
31%
8%
5%
5%
4%
3%
3%2%
2%
1%1%
.40% .40%1%
NCTB199,961
DoF250,000
DLS250,126
GSB400,000
DOE492,761
FFWC500,000
BMD803,700
DWA100,000
DGHS118,500
MoL36,425
DPHE152,477
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD)
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD)
Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC)
Department of Environment (DoE)
Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB)
Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
Department of Fisheries (DoF)
National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB)
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)
Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA)
General Economics Division (GED) and
Ministry of Land ( Mol)
Investment for Mainstreaming DRR & CCA, 2010-2015: $ 9,695,883
GED39,500
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 1
CDMP II is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and UNDP with the support of UKAid, European Union, Australian Aid, Norwegian Embassy and Swedish SIDA.
DAE3,359,112
FSCD2,993,321
35%
31%
8%
5%
5%
4%
3%
3%2%
2%
1%1%
.40% .40%1%
NCTB199,961
DoF250,000
DLS250,126
GSB400,000
DOE492,761
FFWC500,000
BMD803,700
DWA100,000
DGHS118,500
MoL36,425
DPHE152,477
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD)
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD)
Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC)
Department of Environment (DoE)
Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB)
Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
Department of Fisheries (DoF)
National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB)
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)
Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA)
General Economics Division (GED) and
Ministry of Land ( Mol)
Investment for Mainstreaming DRR & CCA, 2010-2015: $ 9,695,883
GED39,500
c h A p t E r 1
IntroductIonThe image of Bangladesh around the world is that of
a land known for its multitude of rivers, distinctive
deltaic beauty and fertile soil. It is also known as
a country that is frequently beset with natural
calamities. The lives of millions of its inhabitants
are disrupted, and yet they strive to adjust, adapt
and be resilient against the damage each calamity
leaves behind. The determination that the people
show to rebuild their lives in the wake of various
natural and manmade disasters continue to inspire
and encourage national and international response
in the form of programmes and initiatives. One
such initiative is the Comprehensive Disaster
Management Programme (CDMP), and this is an
account of its vision and contribution towards
making a difference through mainstreaming disaster
risk reduction across government.
The Context
Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the impacts
of natural disasters and its geography makes the
events a frequent occurrence. Although the country
has achieved steady progress in achieving the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as seen
improvements in different socio-economic indicators
and infrastructural development, it is considered
the fifth most natural disaster-prone country in
the world among 173 countries (World Risk Report,
2012). The United Nations International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) ranks Bangladesh as the
country most at risk in terms of population exposed
to floods and cyclones. The Centre for Research on
the Epidemiology of Disasters estimated that close to
75 million people were directly affected by natural
disasters between 2000 and 2010, with economic
damage of US$5.8 billion. Bangladesh has incurred an
average annual loss equal to 1.8% of the GDP due to
natural disasters in the past two decades.
As the country is located at the top of the Bay of
Bengal, cyclones are funneled towards it, while
its low lying deltaic geography results in seasonal
flooding and water logging. The geography also
makes Bangladesh extremely susceptible to slow
onset disasters such as those caused by sea level
rise, salinity intrusion and unavailability of fresh
water.
Programme Description
CDMP’s vision is to support a paradigm shift
in disaster management from the conventional
programmes of urgent response and relief to a
more comprehensive and sustainable approach. The
concept here is to explore and enable long-term
preparedness and risk reduction through finding and
using the right entry points, engaging partners and
establishing linkage and cooperation across sectors.
75 million people were directly affected by natural disasters between 2000 and 2013,
with economic damage of US$10.8 billion. Bangladesh has incurred an average annual loss
equal to 1.8% of the GDP due to natural disasters in the past two decades. * ADB TA Report 8144, 2015
2 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
In essence, CDMP sought to create the right
environment to ensure that the population at risk
can have a better chance at preparing against and
overcoming the recurrent hazards. Concerted efforts
for disaster management in all sectors, availability
of timely warning of impending hazards and
appropriate information for adaptive measures are
at the heart of the approach.
Phase-I of the Programme laid the foundation for
institutionalising the risk reduction approach and
framework. Phase II was designed to further scale
up and mainstream disaster risk reduction (DRR) and
climate change adaptation (CCA) into more sectors.
It invested in policies and knowledge building,
working with and through the government and the
disaster management committees. It addressed risk
exposure of the most disadvantaged groups in 40
targeted vulnerable districts, building capacities for
mainstreaming DRR and CCA agendas in sectoral
policies, plans and budgetary frameworks.
The scope of CDMP was ambitious as it aspired
to Introduce DRR and CCA into 14 different
government bodies under respective ministries.
This was in every sense a herculean undertaking as
the general trend among government ministries is
to go their own way in planning, strategising and
implementing respective programmes.
The aim of CDMP II was to reach the most
vulnerable sections of the population and to
integrate DRR and CCA into community level
interventions and government policy and plans.
Six outcome areas are envisioned as a result of its
activities. These include professionalisation of the
disaster management system, rural and urban risk
reduction, strengthening of management capacity
and coordination, mainstreaming of disaster risk
reduction and climate change adaptation – which is
the focus of this publication – and community level
climate change adaptation.
As CDMP draws to an end, questions arise as to
how much of its vision was actually fulfilled. Some
of the questions relate to how well the programme
has managed to bring about effective disaster risk
reduction & climate change adaptation, and whether
it has succeeded at all in achieving a paradigm shift
through commitment, action and ownership of the
concept across government. A close look at the
relevant interventions and direct results could reveal
whether mainstreaming of DRR and CCA in different
sectors is truly taking place. For government
CDMP’s vision is to support a paradigm shift in disaster management from the conventional programmes of urgent response and relief to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 3
bodies such as the Bangladesh Meteorological
Department, Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre,
Geological Survey of Bangladesh, and Department
of Environment, the issue in question is how well
they are fulfilling their mandates, which have been
supported by CDMP, while for others the issue is
whether there are evidence-based results Indicating
a shift in their activities to accommodate DRR and
CCA.
Three specific points need to be considered here
– adjustments being essayed in the legislative
and planning environment to facilitate integrated
disaster management, capacity enhancement of
government institutions, and of course, inclusion
of disaster management in current and planned
projects.
Agreement to mainstream drr and ccA in selected sectors were signed between cdMp II, the Ministry of disaster Management and relief, and
z Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Ministry of Water Resources
z Bangladesh Meteorological Division (BMD), Ministry of Defence
z Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB), Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral resources
z Department of Environment (DoE), Ministry of Environment and Forests
z Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture
z Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
z Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
z Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives
z Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), Ministry of Home Affairs
z Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
z Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA), Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
z National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), Ministry of Education
z Ministry of Land (MoL)z General Economics Division (GED), Ministry of Planning
4 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
115 million cell-phone
users now have direct
access to early warnings
of approaching hydro-
meteorological disasters
by dialling 10941
c h A p t E r 2
Efforts In maInstrEamIngIn terms of a supportive institutional environment
and consequent inclusion of DRR and CCA in
current and planned projects, the following results
have been achieved by the different government
departments that are supported by CDMP for
strengthening their disaster management capacity.
Bangladesh MeteorologicalDepartmentBackground
In response to the extreme vulnerability of
Bangladesh to tropical cyclones and other
natural disasters, the Bangladesh Meteorological
Department (BMD) plays a significant role in
the early warning of hazards. It is, in fact, the
sole authorised government agency to deliver
routine forecasts for all extreme events, including
aviation forecasts, agricultural advisory to
farmers and policy makers, climate data and
information dissemination. to relevant public and
private stakeholders for overall risk reduction
and facilitation of social and economic activities.
The revised Standing Orders on Disaster (2010)
have also given some additional duties to the
BMD for risk reduction, emergency response and
rehabilitation.
CDMP supported activities
The BMD has been a strong partner of CDMP since
the first phase of the programme. The programme
activities have thus far focused on enhancing on-
location and time-specific forecasts for all weather
events; making forecast products more accessible,
presentable and end-user friendly; establishing a
database for archiving and sharing climate data;
and enhancing the capacity of BMD officials in using
updated and improved equipment and software.
593 BMD professionals have received skill
development training to improve their knowledge
on meteorological services and ICT. These
professionals work at the 57 observatory stations
of BMD including at island stations and the head
office. The meteorological team working at the
main Meteorological Office at Hazrat Shah Jalal
International Airport, Dhaka, which performs the
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 5
593 officials trained on
meteorological services
and ICT
important service of providing 24 hours weather
report for flight maintenance, has also received
training. Ten BMD officials have received training
on a Climate Database Management System .
All weather related historical and current data
are archived using this system. Researchers,
universities, government departments, private
organisations and others can access the data
for their work. For public access to weather
information, a digital display board has also been
set up at the main gate of the BMD office.
An automatic communication system with high
speed internet connection is enabling the Storm
Warning Centre (SWC) of the BMD to share and
exchange data with its 35 observatory stations in
different locations of the country. Furthermore,
solar power installed at the observatory stations in
the islands of Kutubdia, Sandwip, Hatia and Teknaf
is providing uninterrupted quality electricity to
ensure constant connection with the SWC.
CDMP is also providing support to the BMD in the
areas of procurement of hardware and software.
A system for collection and processing of weather
information on specific locations is currently being
developed using GIS and remote sensing software.
Results
1. The dynamic BMD Website (www.bmd.gov.bd),
redesigned and upgraded under CDMP support,
provides people with all types of weather
information along with a weather bulletin and
seven-day weather forecast.
2. Weather information from the BMD can now
be accessed from any cell phone by dialling
the number “10941”. 115 million mobile phone
subscribers have been provided access to this
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) based early
warning dissemination.
3. The process of information sharing from the
observatories has been entirely digitised. As
a result, weather information can be accessed
anywhere in the country and around the world
from the BMD website. High speed bandwidth
is allowing information to be sent quickly to
the media and the ministry.
4. Previously, all data were collected and entered
manually. Now, using the climate database
management system, data generated from the
observatories are archived automatically and
can be easily accessed for any year, date and
area.
6 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
70% of weather forecast processing time to be reduced by Weather Research and Forecasting simulation system
Storm Warning Centre is strengthened with high speed communication system and solar powered electricity backup
5. Solar energy installation at the weather
observatories keeps the system functioning
even if there is no sunshine for three days.
6. As a result of skill development, the staff’s
accuracy in analysing information has
improved and therefore, the accuracy of data
from the weather observatories has improved.
there have also been some associated results
from other interventions of cdMp II:
• Around three million people are benefiting
from easier access to improved early warning
of and response to cyclones through expansion
of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme to
five new upazilas of two districts (Khulna and
Satkhira).
• A pilot initiative on availing the IVR for flash
flood forecast has been implemented in
Sunamganj district.
• Radios and batteries, distributed by CDMP
II, are helping community radio broadcasting
stations to produce quality radio programmes
on DRR and CCA and enabling thousands of
people to receive weather forecasts. The
community radio stations situated in the
coastal zone have already extended their
broadcasting hours with CDMP’s help.
Challenges and opportunities
The BMD does not have a system yet for forecasting
lightning and thunderstorms. Such a system,
although costing a few hundred thousand dollars,
would be able to save a hundred lives on average
per year. Thus, investment opportunity remains for
further technology support and related training.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 7
“Cyclones have taken many loved ones from me. Now I will take everyone away from cyclones”
Monu Miyah is no stranger to cyclones. “I have
survived several cyclones but the memory of losing
my family members to them stays with me,” says
the fisherman from Moheshkhali. He comes from
an impoverished community of fishermen, people
so poor that purchasing mobile phones available
in Bangladesh that come with some of the lowest
tariffs in the world is viewed by them as a luxury.
Fishermen have previously depended on traditional
prediction methods for cyclones or bad weather
before going to sea, and in the absence of advance
warning they have either fled with their families
to safety and protected their livestock & assets or
risked their lives by remaining at home. Speaking
of the 1991 cyclone that had claimed more than
100,000 lives in Bangladesh, Monu Miyah recalls,
“When Gorky hit, I couldn’t warn my family and
neighbors to take necessary precautions; but the
situation is different now as the community radio
Naf has been airing regular information updates,
warning messages and awareness programmes
on disaster.” In an effort to reach out to as many
listeners as possible, some of the programmes are
aired in a widely used local dialect.
Monu Miyah informs that his family is now
prepared to seek refuge at the nearest cyclone
shelter when required and place their important
belongings in a safe location. This has become
possible only because of the numerous awareness
raising messages they constantly receive through
the radio. He states “Cyclones have taken many
loved ones from me. Now I will take everyone
away from them.”
8 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
Flood forecasting lead time extended to 5 days, which is saving lives, livelihoods and assets of 88 million people living in four river basin areas
For every dollar invested in flood early warning, we could expect an estimated return of $ 260(Value for money study, CDMP II 2015)
Flood Forecasting and Warning CentreBackgroundBangladesh is one of the most flood vulnerable
countries in the world, experiencing widespread
damage in rural and urban areas that repeatedly
sets back the country’s effort in poverty alleviation.
Although it has been demonstrated that flood
forecasting and early warning services can mitigate
flood damage and loss, past flood protection
measures (based on 72 hours of lead time of flood
forecasting) have proven inadequate. The focus
of the partnership with the Flood Forecasting and
Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water
Development Board has thus been to increase the
lead time (to 5 days during monsoon) as well as
produce location-based flood forecast (generated at
54 stations inside the country).
The FFWC has the mandate to conduct flood
monitoring and forecasting. It disseminates
the information to policy makers, ministries,
disaster management organisations and district
administration through daily flood bulletins,
fax, email, website and telephone. Information
flow from the district down to upazila level
(through district and upazila disaster management
committees) is fairly satisfactory. However,
communication between upazila and union
administration is weak and therefore, by the time
flood warning is passed down to the village level, it
is often already too late. The technically sound but
complicated information is also difficult to interpret
and not easily understood by locals to enable them
to take appropriate action.
CDMP supported activities
During the first phase of CDMP, technical and
advisory services were provided to enable the
FFWC to share water related data with the disaster
management information centre. However, following
a needs assessment it was realised that the
support CDMP was providing to the FFWC needed
to be strengthened even further to achieve a real
improvement in the information flow. Now, under
CDMP II, not only have their professionals received
training for capacity development, the local area
network (LAN) has been rehabilitated, restored and
extended completely with new instruments and
equipment. A system has been set up at their office
and the office of the Water and Power Development
Authority (WAPDA) for continuous dissemination of
flood warning. The FFWC has also been equipped
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 9
with training and audio-visual aids for improving
staff training as well as media briefing. Furthermore,
it has set up an improved user-friendly website with
Bangla features.
Results
1. The strengthened support has led to a most
tangible result. Flood forecast lead time has
been increased from 3 to 5 days, potentially
saving the lives, livelihoods and assets of the
88 million people living in four river basin
areas. The forecast is also posted on the FFWC
website. According to an assessment of early
warning systems by the Asian Development
Bank, communities can save more than 70% of
their movable resources/capital goods, if they
get five-day advance warning on flood events.
2. The FFWC website was revamped in July 2014
under CDMP to make it more dynamic. Since
then it has received more than 100,228 hits.
3. Ward level profiling along embankments has
been initiated for the first time. This structure-
based forecasting is enabling managers to find
weak points in embankments.
CDMP has made an analysis of the costs and
benefits of setting up and maintaining the systems
that enable early flood warning. The improved
FFWC forecast benefits 19.5 million households
living in river basins. The increased two days of
forecast will make it possible for households to
save additionally 20% of their moveable assets
– 70% of assets with five days’ advance warning,
compared to 50% with three days’ notice which was
available when CDMP II started. Assuming that two
major events of country-wide flooding will occur
over a ten-year period, affecting an average of 2
million households each time, the benefit-cost ratio
comes to 260:1. This signifies that for every dollar
invested in flood early warning, we could expect an
estimated $ 260 return.
Challenges and opportunities
The available cross section data as well as the
software used for computation of forecasts have
become outdated. Currently, the FFWC has cross
section information on 82000 km of river area:
and although the system will require a few years
to operationalise if updated, it is nevertheless
becoming essential to switch over from the
obsolete to a more modern and appropriate
software. This obviously has huge cost implications.
Encouraged by the promising results of the 5-day
forecast which is calculated based on numerical
value, the FFWC is undertaking a qualitative
forecast for ten days and has already attempted
8-day forecasts with other donor support.
Therefore, investment opportunity exists in the
area of extending the currently practised 5-day
forecast even further.
Over 100,000 people visited the redesigned FFWC website for flood forecast since July 2014
communities can save more than 70% of their movable resources/capital goods, if they get five-day advance warning on flood events.
ADB, TA Report-4562, 2006
Flood forecast & warning aims to alert flood-prone communities to minimise loss and damages and to develop resilient communities
The extended lead time has the potential to reduce loss of moveable assets by 20% in case of a severe flooding
10 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
A female volunteer with
strong commitment to
perform her volunteer
duty
CDMP II has undertaken a promising pilot initiative
to engage the Bangladesh Ansar & Village Defence
Party (VDP) system to close the important last mile
gap for flood early warning. Bangladesh Ansar, under
the Ministry of Home Affairs, has trained 15,600
VDP volunteers in the flood vulnerable districts
of Sirajganj and Gaibandha, using custom-made
training modules developed for the pilot. Working
hand in hand with the FFWC, the volunteers will
disseminate early warning messages to vulnerable
communities when needed. Flood marker posts
and water gauges have been installed and hand
megaphones and cell phones have been distributed
to the volunteers to establish a community-based
early warning system. The Ansar & VDP have more
than six million volunteers nationwide, organised
in a gender balanced structure. The organisation
can play a significant role in disaster preparedness,
response and recovery in the future.
Selina Akter from the village Paikpara in Sirajganj
is a flood preparedness volunteer and passionate
about raising awareness and helping people affected
by floods. Her own experience with flood disaster
fuels her motivation and commitment to assist her
community.
“During the last flood I was pregnant and living in
a low plinth house, with no close relatives nearby
where I could go. Even my closest neighbours did not
have enough space to shelter me, so I had to travel
far to my uncle’s house. This year I have raised my
land and am prepared for the flood. I am happy to be
a part of the Flood Preparedness Programme, which
gives me the opportunity to share my experience
with others and help them prepare for floods.”
Another volunteer talked about the challenges that
women – pregnant women in particular – face during
floods, and their need for access to medical facilities
and rescue/ safety equipment. She also expressed
her strong commitment to engage in the volunteer
programme despite possible challenges. “I can do
anything; there is nothing that I cannot do, I have that
courage. I can even swim to rescue people,” she said.
Selina Akter speaking about her bitter experiences and eagerness
to work as a volunteer
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 11
Geological, geo-morphological, and engineering geological maps of 6 cities have been developed with CDMP support
Geological Survey ofBangladesh
Background
The Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) is
a leading scientific and research organisation
mandated for all geological, geo-morphological and
geophysical mapping, mineral and water resources
exploration; geological, urban and environmental
engineering and natural geo-hazard assessments. It
is also mandated to carry out research work related
to geophysical, geotechnical and engineering
geological mapping and modelling of the country.
CDMP supported activities
The purpose of the partnership with CDMP is
to ensure capacity building of GSB personnel in
earthquake and landslide risk identification and
assessment. The technology, knowledge, expertise
and experience achieved are expected to be applied
in the disaster related projects of the organisation.
The GSB has already successfully facilitated land
use planning as well as detailed physical city
planning by providing risk information generated
from seismic hazard assessments and mapping. It
has developed earthquake risk maps and ward-
based contingency plans for nine targeted major
cities. It has created microzonation maps for Dhaka,
Chittagong and Sylhet city areas to determine the
vulnerability of infrastructures to disasters in these
cities (buildings, communication networks, gas,
electricity water supply systems etc.). The activity
is currently being scaled up to include the township
areas of Dinajpur, Rangpur, Tangail, Mymensingh,
Bogra and Rajshahi.
Results
As a result of the partnership knowledge &
technology transfer, and capacity building through
instrumentation and training have all been
achieved.
1. The seismic zonation maps developed have
helped to identify the zones that are at risk of
12 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
earthquakes. The local people of those areas
have been cautioned to move out in times
of such events to take shelter in specified
locations. Information has been disseminated
regarding safe roads to shelters, the nearest
hospitals etc.
2. The capacity of the GSB staff in working with
seismic microzonation has been developed.
This is the first time that the department
has worked on active fault identification
in the country. They have developed this
capacity by working with foreign experts
with support from CDMP. In order to ensure
that the knowledge and expertise are not
lost over time, junior officers are learning
through knowledge transfer from their
seniors. Furthermore, a network of experts
and companies has been established both at
home and abroad to facilitate easy sharing of
knowledge and data.
3. A procedure for active fault identification
from the Bangladesh perspective has been
developed. GSB’s geological team is now
capable of conducting active fault mapping
and characterisation without assistance from
foreign consultants.
4. With CDMP funding, the GSB has received
certain instruments for the first time, such as
the combined seismometer. Also for the first
time, as many as 30 accelerometers had been
installed in the first phase of the programme
and 10 more have been installed in the second
phase.
Challenges and opportunities
Maintenance of the instruments and continuation
of the established network are the two main
challenges foreseen. Maintenance and cost of
running the instruments must become a part of the
government setup with strong ownership in order
to sustain what has been achieved.
Coordination among the scientific agencies
also needs to be strengthened. The department
organised a workshop to disseminate the
lessons learnt to the scientific community and
the government and to convey to them that the
benefits of strengthening the GSB are such that
would be realised over the long term. For example,
seismic data, microzonation maps etc. are mainly
for use in infrastructural development such as
the metro rail project. In the event there is an
earthquake after the metro rail is constructed and
the structure remains intact, many lives and assets
would be saved. Thus, the benefit would be over
the long term.
Network of Accelerometers in
Bangladesh
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 13
300 government officials have received training and orientation on preparing climate resilient development projects
Climate Change Knowledge Network involving 40 member organisations established
Department ofEnvironmentBackground
The Climate Change Cell set up at the Department
of Environment (DoE), Ministry of Environment
and Forest, in 2004 with support from CDMP
is considered as a pioneer initiative of the
government to combat climate change impacts.
When the second phase of CDMP started, the
Cell was further strengthened as “Support to the
Department of Environment’s Climate Change
Cell, Bangladesh” project. The main objective of
the project is to enhance the technical capacity of
the DoE for supporting the government in climate
change related policy and programme development.
The efforts are also aimed at integrating climate
change considerations into existing development
interventions and supporting the government in
coordination and negotiation efforts related to DRR
and CCA. If the project objective is achieved, it is
expected to facilitate successful implementation of
the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action
Plan with a focus on disaster management, which is
one of the six pillars of the Strategy.
CDMP supported activities
In recognition of the importance of mainstreaming
DRR and CCA in its activities, the DoE has set
up a new section named ‘Climate Change Cell’
in phase I of the programme. CDMP II continued
to support the cell in phase II. The Cell directly
supports the DoE for strengthening its capacity in
data and information services, preparing reports
on relevant issues, and organising workshops.
The activities of the Cell also include providing
support to the ministry with technical papers for
international negotiations, conducting studies on
sea level rise impact and sectoral vulnerabilities,
organising consultation workshops & seminars
and so on. The partnership with CDMP has also
led to the establishment of a knowledge network
titled “Climate Change Knowledge Network” that
involves 40 member organisations. This network
disseminates climate change research findings of
the Cell and other line agencies.
As a part of its activities, awareness-raising
materials such as factsheets, booklets, bulletins,
leaflets etc. have been developed and disseminated
among stakeholders. The Cell also organises
training workshops from time to time to enhance
the capacity of government officials in preparing
climate resilient development projects. Since
the inception of the second phase, the Cell has
organised five workshops and training programmes
and intends to organise more such events involving
the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) to
14 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
train local level government officials so that they
can deal with the climate change issues properly.
A manual on “Coastal Vulnerabilities to Climate
Change and Adaptation Best Practices” has been
developed and shared with relevant government
institutions. Advocacy initiatives will be carried
out for incorporation of its contents into their
respective academic and training curricula. Apart
from this, the Cell undertakes research initiatives
on nationally important climate change issues.
The Cell also provides financial support to
Bangladesh delegations to international climate
negotiations. It provided logistics support for
the Bangladesh booth and the side events at
the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties-COPs
(COP 10-20). The Cell prepared the report of the
tenth meeting of the Cartagena Dialogue (CD)
held in Dhaka during 8-10 April 2013, and very
often provides support in preparing Bangladesh
Position Papers to COPs. The recent initiatives of
the Cell include preparation of two books titled
‘‘International Climate Change Negotiations and
Bangladesh” and “UNFCCC: A Compilation of major
Documents and Decisions”. These activities of the
Cell strengthen the national capacity of the country
in international climate negotiations that ultimately
contribute to ensuring the national interests in
international forums.
Continuation of the Cell may greatly contribute to
developing an independent department on climate
change in the country.
Results
1. 300 government officials have received
training on preparing climate resilient
development projects.
2. The initiative to develop climate proofing
guidelines for different sectors is helping to
build the capacity of sectoral departments
and agencies so that they can develop climate
sensitive projects in their respective sectors.
Such a guideline is in the process of being
developed for the DoE.
3. The operation of the Cell has indirectly caused
incorporation of climate change issue in the
amended National Environment Policy, 2013.
The policy will help to enforce integration
of adaptation and mitigation issues into all
development projects to tackle the adverse
Climate-induced displaced people and visualizing their ultimate lives and livelihoods...
Assessment of sea level rise and vulnerability of the costal zone of Bangladesh using trend analysis conducted by the Climate Change Cell
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 15
impacts of climate change across the country.
Researchers, practitioners, academia, NGO
professionals and others frequently visit the
Cell for information and knowledge documents.
4. In pursuit of climate change advocacy and
diplomacy initiatives both at home and abroad,
two documentaries have been produced by the
Cell. The documentaries, one on the impacts
of climate change and the other on tracking
climate-induced displaced people, serve as
supportive documents to prove Bangladesh’s
vulnerabilities to climate change.
5. Data and information services are accessed
by stakeholders and organisations from
the comprehensive web-enabled database
on climate change, which is the first of
its kind in the country, developed by the
Cell. The database facilitates research and
necessary and relevant policy and programme
development.
Opportunities
It is expected that more concrete achievements
will be seen in the future. Firstly, it is hoped that
institutionalisation of the Cell will be achieved
through establishment of a Divisional Climate
Change Information Cell with involvement of DoE
divisional staff. Secondly, the DoE is currently
preparing a Ten-Year Action Plan. Thirdly, training
manuals have been developed for building the
capacity of government officials in drought, flood
and flash flood prone regions. The Cell also plans
to prepare a specific manual on impacts and
adaptations to climate change in the forestry sector.
Inst
itut
ion/
Polic
y
Adaptation & InteractionCLIMATECHANGE
DATABASE
Natural & Geographic
Physical/I
nfrast
ruct
ure
Hyd
ro M
eteo
rolo
gica
l Dat
a
Physical/InfrastructureSocial- Economic
Agriculture
Emission
Causative Factors
CC Impacts & Disasters
Adaptation & Interaction
Mitigation Inte
rnatio
nal Conte
xt“The Department of Environment, as a technical hand of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, is mandated to deal with climate change issues at national level. The Climate Change Cell housed at the DoE and funded by CDMP is supporting the Climate Change Section of this Department in a wide array of ways to successfully handle climate change related national issues. The DoE highly appreciates the cooperation extended by CDMP in this regard.”
Director General, DoE
16 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 17
30,011 (of whom 6,970 are female and 23,041 are male) urban community volunteers trained
Fire Service and Civil DefenceBackground
In Bangladesh, earthquakes are not as frequent
as floods and cyclones. Nevertheless in the last
250 years, eight major earthquakes have occurred
around the country. According to the UN-IDNDR-
RADIUS report (2000), Tehran and Dhaka are the
most vulnerable cities to earthquake, not only
due to tectonic behaviour but also as a result
of unplanned urbanisation, lack of coordination
between relevant institutions, lack of experience
in urban search and rescue and inadequacy of
rescue equipment. The urban clusters of the country
also experience frequent fire hazards causing a
high number of fatalities and injuries. In addition,
infrastructural collapse and traffic & boat accidents
are also very common incidents in Bangladesh.
The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) is one
of the government-mandated first responders to
urban disasters in Bangladesh. However, it has only
6000 regular rescuers/firefighters, which is wholly
inadequate for responding to a major disaster
event, particularly an urban earthquake. Since its
first phase, CDMP has been training volunteers in
search and rescue operations. The key interventions
in the second phase have included support in the
form of fire-fighting and rescue equipment and
development of urban community volunteers.
The equipment is also used in simulation drills to
develop the capacity of the volunteers to cope with
real emergency situations.
CDMP supported activities
Training has been conducted for as many as 30,011 urban community volunteers from Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Bogra, Rajshahi, Tangail, Mymensingh, and Cox’s Bazar. The volunteers are selected from among local people for a basic three-day course on collapsed structure search and rescue operations. It is the first responder training to teach how to operate relevant equipment, and conduct search and rescue within the first 72 hours of a disaster. CDMP has provided the equipment for demonstration of rescue operations and also support to establish 10 model fire stations from outcome 3 and 4. Some of the community facilitators and volunteers are trained in the Community-based Landslide Early Warning System.
A database has been developed on the number of available trained volunteers, their specific skills as volunteers, their locations, etc. The volunteers can be contacted directly using the SMS service on mobile phones.
Results
1. The volunteers are capable of providing valuable assistance during fire hazards, floods and other major disasters. The initiative to train women volunteers is significant particularly because women do not traditionally participate in disaster relief activities, which can be a problem especially when providing assistance to female victims.
2. People from different walks of life show interest and are brought under the training programme. The volunteers, although mostly high school students, also include doctors, engineers and high level government officers. In some cases, entire families step up to take part in the programme inspired or influenced by some event.
18 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
10 Model Fire Stations with highly specialised search and rescue equipment established
3. The volunteers are taking on a leading role in
community response to disasters. They proved
their value in the search and rescue operations
during the Rana Plaza collapse in April, 2013.
As many as 920 volunteers worked shifts for
19 days, risking their own lives to save others.
Habib-ul-Is lam Sumon, Chief Volunteer
Coordinator, responded to FSCD’s call and
quickly organised a team to assist the search
and rescue operations. Within hours he had
180 trained volunteers en route to Savar.
The team comprised ordinary citizens like
himself, trained in post disaster rescue work
with CDMP’s support and driven by a zeal that
saved 2,500 lives from the rubble.
Sumon and his team of volunteers have
received training from the FSCD in urban
disaster response, including fire and
earthquake response operations. These
urban volunteers were called into action
many times before the Savar tragedy. They
have responded to fires across the city and
were previously instrumental in evacuating
a dilapidated building in Shakhari Bazar.
However, nothing could have prepared them
for what they encountered in Savar.
“Our team took buses to reach the disaster site,
and only after we got down did we realise the
scale of the tragedy. But our training kicked in
and we used the search and rescue techniques
that we learned from the training,” said Sumon.
“We did what any person would have done, the
only difference is that we were able to work
in a coordinated manner using our training
and facilitate the search and rescue operations
efficiently. The volunteers worked round
the clock in 8-hour shifts putting the lives of
others before theirs. I salute them.”
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 19
28 Fire Service and Civil Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs officials received overseas training on search and rescue and 2,088 professionals received in-country training
Challenges and opportunities
The training is originally designed for a duration
of 10 days, but due to fund constraints it was
condensed into a three-day course consisting of
two days of basic search and rescue training and
one day of fire-fighting training. In order to keep
the existing volunteers active, some advanced type
of training is required which will give them a more
involved role. Options are being explored to select
those volunteers who continue to show interest
in taking a leadership role in their localities and
train them as trainers in basic search, rescue and
crowd control. Targeted training on specific skills
could also be provided such as training to create
volunteer groups of divers to take part in rescue
operations during boat capsize.
Some thought is also being given to linking the
volunteers with a current plan to establish 10 model
fire stations in Dhaka and Chittagong. The idea is
that in the event a fire breaks out and before the
fire-fighting trucks are deployed, these volunteers
could become the first responders in terms of
crowd control and in keeping the roads free for
arrival of the rescuers.
The equipment purchased with CDMP fund has
become damaged from repeated use during
demonstrations in the training sessions conducted
so far, and need to be replaced. The government is
making efforts to secure funding to purchase 250
new sets of equipment.
20 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 21
6,342 farmers, 1,017
officials and 3,900
Climate Field School
members trained
Department of Agricultural Extension
Background
Agriculture is a key economic sector in Bangladesh,
accounting for nearly 16.3% of the GDP and 44%
of the labour force . The people’s incomes and
livelihoods, particularly rural livelihoods in this
country, are greatly dependent on assets such as
crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry etc. However,
these are at the mercy of nature and climatic
conditions including floods, droughts, water logging
and so on, and farmers, fishermen, daily labourers
and women are all affected in terms of reduction in
natural, financial and physical capital. For example
in 2007, the cyclone Sidr caused damage and loss
worth BDT 30.3 billion in the crop, fisheries and
livestock sectors. Climate change and variability also
bring great risks and create negative impacts on
productivity. Therefore, disaster and climate change
management in agriculture is a major challenge for
Bangladesh in achieving sustainable development.
CDMP supported activities
CDMP has supported climate-proof agriculture
in Bangladesh through strengthening capacity of
the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
Adaptation. Various initiatives have been taken,
including training of DAE personnel, exchange visits
and motivational tours e.g. in climate vulnerable
areas with cold spell effects on boro rice seedlings,
and strengthening of ICT facilities at 52 upazila and
district level DAE offices.
DAE officials at field level are ensuring that the
disaster forecasts and warnings from the FFWC
reach farmers. The DAE has also introduced a new
curriculum in the 156 Climate Field Schools (CFS)
in CDMP intervened upazilas and districts. The
curriculum covers issues such as climate change
and disasters, their impacts on agriculture, suitable
adaptation technologies etc. Through the CFS
(90 of which are now fully furnished and have
the necessary agri-equipment for demonstration
sessions), thousands of farmers are being trained
by DAE personnel in the implementation of
different CCA and DRR technologies.
Results
The results include farmer and community capacity
development in CCA as well as national recognition
and replication of projects initiated under CDMP.
1. CCA technologies are being well demonstrated
and implemented.
2. As part of the curriculum of the CFS, a field day
is observed involving a huge gathering from
the community. On that day, the technology
introduced to the CFS farmers and various
types of disaster related knowledge are
shared with the community. The event serves
to motivate local people into adapting many
of the technologies demonstrated, e.g. the
practice of flood tolerant and saline tolerant
crop varieties.
Mushroom production in saline prone
areas is increasing
Training on Climate Change Adaptations
for the members of Climate Field Schools
22 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
156 Climate FieldSchools established
Bangladesh Technical Education Board has incorporated “Climate and Disaster Management” subject in the curriculum of the Agriculture Training Institute
3. Farmers field schools have been restructured
and established as Climate field schools
and equipped with weather monitoring and
agriculture tools to continue climate change
adaptation options in disaster prone and
climate risk areas.
4. Many CFS farmers have been trained in
implementing the Manikganj Model of dry
seedbed technology for raising seedling during
cold spells and rice production in dry season.
The project has received a national award
as an innovative response to climate change
impact on crop cultivation.
Md. Mizanur Rahman of Maluchi, a small
village in Manikganj, is among those farmers
who have received training under the Disaster
and Climate Risk Management in Agriculture
(DCRMA) project and learned about dry
seedbed preparation. With technical support
from the Upazila Agriculture Office, Mizanur
Rahman collected seed from reliable sources
and successfully produced healthy, disease-
free seedlings using the recommended
technology package. He earned a gross income
of Tk. 20,000 by selling seedlings from 10
decimal of dry seedbed. He harvested about
1.2 ton/33 decimals at the cost of Tk. 6000
and sold about Tk. 18,000 worth of seedlings.
This has made him very happy as he can now
cultivate and produce disease-free healthy
seedlings at minimum cost and gain a higher
yield and income.
He says, “I plan to organise the farmers of my
area to grow seedlings this way using the dry
seedbed method. Like me, they can benefit
from producing healthy, strong and stout
seedlings.”
5. Another striking result of climate change
adaptation in agriculture is the quick harvest
of paddy by farmers before flash floods
occur. This is now possible due to the paddy/
wheat reaper and small water monitoring tool
provided through the CFS to farmers. Normally,
around 3500 taka is required for harvesting
one acre of land with paddy/wheat with the
involvement of 10-12 labourers. On the other
hand, a single operator can use the reaper and
achieve the same task in only 1.5 to 2 hours at
one third of the cost.
Climate change adopted farm produce is being demonstrated...
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 23
6. Sub assistant agriculture officers, agriculture
officers and agriculture extension officers
who have received training in climate change
impact and adaptation technology are both
building community capacity and contributing
in mainstreaming CCA in other projects of
the DAE. For example, the concept of floating
gardens is now being implemented in more than
40 upazilas and the dry seed bed technology
in 52 upazilas. The DAE staff discusses at their
own initiative the disaster issues in different
meetings and forums and includes CCA in the
various trainings they impart.
7. The Bangladesh Technical Education Board:
has Incorporated “Climate and Disaster
Management” subject focusing on climate
change, disaster, DRR, CCA and Farmers Field
School in the curriculum of the Agriculture
Training Institute.
8. The implications of disaster risk reduction and
climate change adaptation in crop selection are
becoming a part of the DAE’s planning strategy.
Previously, the focus was on how and what
crop would bring more yield whereas now the
department is looking at not just the yield but
also what to do against disaster risks. At the
krishi projukti mela, held in December, 2014 in
Dacope upazila, the DAE arranged to include
the technology demonstrated in the FSCs.
9. As a result of ICT support the DAE control room
has been strengthened in 52 upazilas of 26
districts of DAE working areas, and the staff
are able to provide online reports because of
internet connection. Temperature and rainfall
data as well as area-based production data and
fertilizer status all over Bangladesh are now
available on the DAE website.
Challenges and opportunities
A total of 156 Farmers Field schools were supported
and developed as climate Field School in 52
upazilas. Out of 156, only 34 are registered and
as Integrated Pest Management club. If these
Climate schools could be registered, these could be
sustained and use as a vehicle for mainstreaming
DRR and CCA at the local level. The resources given
to those Climate Field Schools would be used under
the supervision of DAE.
With infrastructure support it will be possible to
plan their sustainability through e.g. use of the
schools for multi-purposes such as NGO training
venue on payment, meeting room for farmers, and
“office” of sub assistant agriculture officers where
they could provide advice and technical support to
farmers. The school premises should also include a
storage space for agri-equipment.
DAE has developed an action plan for the next five
years with over 30 activities for mainstreaming
DRR and CCA in their projects.
The action plan recommend a Cell comprising a
core team of senior officers of the DAE who will
work with the mainstreaming issue. Linking the
Cell with the DMIC would facilitate archiving of
and access to consistent data and easy sharing
of information. Currently, different kinds of
information are available from different sources
e.g. information on crop loss or damage due to
disasters. Therefore, efforts are underway to link
the central database with different departments
for facilitating access to information from a single
integrated source.
Mini ponds are used to ensure irrigation
for paddy and vegetable cultivation in
saline prone areas
Farmer selling vermi-compost
“I have earned Tk
15000 by selling vermi
compost, produced in my
homestead area in 2014”
Alam Mia, Gaibandha
24 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 25
250 DoF officials trained
1350 fishermen trained through 110 demonstration ponds
Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan for Department of Fisheries prepared
Farmers have been trained in a cross-sectoral collaborative effort by the DoF, DAE and DLS through model villages.
Department of Fisheries
Background
The fisheries sector plays a vital role in the
agro-based economy of Bangladesh through its
contribution to employment and income generation,
foreign exchange earnings, and food & nutrition.
More than 1.2 million people are involved directly
and 15 million indirectly in this sector. Climate
change impacts, however, have huge bearing on the
sector. Due to prolonged dry spells, upstream river
flow will reduce and salinity intrusion will occur
in fish breeding grounds. Aquaculture will also be
exposed to both extreme flood and drought events.
CDMP supported activities
The activities have focused on enhancing capacity
of both Department of Fisheries (DoF) staff and fish
farmers. Training modules have been developed
and training has been provided to 250 officials to
facilitate better understanding of climate change
risks and adaptation options for fresh water and
coastal marine fisheries as well as aquaculture.
Training modules have also been developed for
fish farmers for the practice of short-term safe
aquaculture in hazard-prone areas. In total, 1,350
farmers have received training including hands-on
training through 110 demonstration ponds. With
the introduction of the short term safe aquaculture
method, the participating farmers successfully
learnt how to harvest two types of fish crops
in short term twice a year. The DoF has also
conducted an assessment of the impact of climate
change on fisheries in Bangladesh the assessment
emphasized on, (i) to assess the people perceptions
about climate change, hazards and risks (ii) to
assessed and prioritized hazard prone area specific
risks, vulnerabilities, impacts, coping mechanisms
and adaptation strategies. DoF has also developed
a DRR & CCA action plan for future programmes on
fisheries in the country.
Results
1. Thousands of farmers and officers have been
trained in a cross-sectoral collaborative effort
between the DoF, DAE and the DLS supported
by CDMP. Ten model villages have been set
up with integrated interventions in the three
sectors.
2. Fish farmers used to practise a single crop
throughout the year, which carried high risks.
With the introduction of the safe aquaculture
method, they have successfully learnt how to
harvest two types of fish crops in short term
twice a year.
3. In response to climate change, fish sanctuary
projects for the enhancement of fish
biodiversity and beel nurseries for stock
enhancement are being undertaken.
4. As per a directive issued by the Director
General of the DoF, the training module on
CCA has been replicated by the department’s
own fund to train 40 of its staff as a part of its
regular training programme.
Challenges and opportunities
The process of selecting 10 model villages was
completed in a rush, as the decision for undertaking
this innovative initiative was taken midway
through the second phase of CDMP. The field
26 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
Short term safe aquaculture demonstrated in 110 ponds
A training module on short term safe aquaculture has been developed for farmers and has been adopted and used by the Department of Fisheries
officers had to move quickly to select the sites,
which were not all very suitable and therefore the
interventions were most effective in just six out of
the 10 villages.
The DoF is working on an action plan that will
propose to set up a DRR Wing, already endorsed
by the Director General of the department. As it
will require a few years to set up a permanent DRR
Wing recognised by the Ministry of Establishment
with posts formally created, it will be created in an
ad hoc form for the time being. The existing staff
of the department will take on the work in addition
to their regular duties until the Wing is established
in its permanent form. The Wing will implement
the activities of the action plan including collection
of data on the changing environment of fisheries
due to river erosion, drought, salinity etc. It will
communicate and coordinate with the Planning
Wing which formulates new projects of the DoF, in
order to ensure incorporation of DRR and CCA in
those projects. The DRR Wing will also coordinate
with the Training Wing to ensure that CCA is
incorporated in the training programmes of all DoF
projects.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 27
2,500 demonstrations for farmers and 500 farmer meetings conducted
Department of Livestock Services
Background
Natural disasters have a significant impact on
the livestock sector. As a result of the flood that
occurred in 2007, the sector suffered an estimated
damage and loss of BDT 608.55 million. This
included infrastructural damage of 2794 ruminant
and 5412 poultry farms. In the same year, almost
80% of the animals and 76% of the birds were
killed by the cyclone Sidr in the four worst affected
districts. The impact of climate change is expected
to heighten the vulnerability of livestock production
systems in the country and, particularly for rural
communities, loss of livestock assets could trigger a
progression towards chronic poverty.
The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has
the mandate to expand the country’s livestock
production systems and to carry forward activities
in different phases of disasters, i.e. risk reduction,
and emergency preparedness and response.
Considering the impact that climate change has
on the livestock sector, the DLS has a significant
role to play in making the sector climate resilient.
CDMP supported activities
CDMP is supporting the DLS for improving disaster
resilient programme planning and enhancing
its technical capacity. Six hundred regional and
DLS officers, government poultry and dairy farm
officers, and local veterinary assistants have also
received training on bio-security measures for
government poultry farms. Sixty local veterinary
assistants have been trained as emergency
livestock workers to protect and take care of the
livestock in their localities during natural calamities.
They are now ready to provide, in addition to crisis
related livestock management, primary treatment
to injured and ailing livestock. Furthermore,
2500 demonstrations for farmers and 500 farmer
meetings have also been held.
ICT rooms and control rooms have been set up at
the DLS headquarter to network and connect with
livestock developments occurring throughout the
country.
28 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
600 officers have received training on bio-security measures
Results
1. CCA technology demonstrations and farmer
meetings in 50 targeted upazilas have increased
awareness on local disasters. Awareness has
been created through a participatory approach
as the farmers were encouraged to identify
themselves the disasters that occurred in their
own areas.
2. Around 600 DLS officers have received training
on bio-security measures and they in turn are
raising the awareness of other DLS officers at
meetings and different forums. They are also
giving training to farmers and dairy farmers on
precaution against anthrax during cold spells etc.
3. To adapt with flood situations, farmers are
being advised to estimate the flood levels in
their areas in the past 10 years and to construct
their farms 3 feet above the recorded highest
flood level.
4. A local volunteer programme has been
launched in Hatia Island to vaccinate livestock
and poultry against the foot and mouth disease
in the wake of floods. Local livestock assistants
have been developed with skills in providing
support to livestock.
5. Resilient Integrated agricultural model villages
are being established in 3 upazilas integrating
agriculture, livestock and fisheries to help the
villagers sustain and adapt themselves to any
kind of disaster. So far, 50 farms have been
selected for the purpose.
Opportunities
The DLS has ventured to draw up an action
plan to demonstrate its commitment to sustain
mainstreaming of DRR-CCA in its projects and
activities. The plan will be implemented by the
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock with the
involvement of donor agencies, the civil society
and the private sector. Cost effective priority
programmes for immediate implementation and
others to be started in the next 5 years will be
identified. Special attention will be given to the
needs of the poorest and most vulnerable livestock
farmers in the community as well as the need to
create an enabling environment to promote climate
resilient investment.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 29
60 vaccinators have received training on vaccination
In brief, the plan is to build the capacity of the DLS
towards institutionalisation of DRR by: i) setting
up a Disaster Risk Reduction Cell within the DLS,
a central inter divisional/ institutional disaster
management group as well as disaster management
committees at all levels; ii) ensuring enhanced
application of early warning systems in livestock
through training and basic facilities, strengthened
collaboration with partners and national and
international livestock research organisations
on DRR, dissemination of livestock related early
warning to communities and a standardised
monitoring system for DRR; and iii) knowledge
management, capacity building and awareness
creation (by technology transfer through training
using updated operational field manuals and
guidelines of the DLS, and enhanced capacity of
DLS training institutes and trainers), and enhancing
and maintaining livestock related database of the
DLS and linking it with the central database of the
Ministry.
The investment has resulted in the development
of a number of new DRR-CCA mainstreaming
guidelines and a DRR–CCA Action Plan for different
sectors. It has also enhanced the capacity of
government officials across sectors on disaster
risk management and climate change adaptations,
bringing about changes in the lives of thousands
of beneficiaries in different hazard zones through
increased awareness, better understanding and
capacities and implementation of thousands of risk
reduction interventions implemented by the partner
departments in different geographic locations to
address different hazards.
Training provided to the local volunteers on vaccination of
poultry birds and cattle
30 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 31
DRR and CCA issues have been incorporated in 35 text books of primary to secondary education system
National Curriculum and Textbook Board
Background
An assessment of the present level of
understanding of students on disasters such as
earthquakes, fires and floods, has led to measures
at elementary and secondary levels to educate
the next generation in better disaster and climate
change preparedness. With financial and technical
support from CDMP, the National Curriculum and
Textbook Board (NCTB), Ministry of Education
has reviewed available literature and educational
materials on disaster and climate change. They
have developed a revised curriculum based on a
comparative analysis of the curricula of different
countries. The proposed curriculum has been
endorsed by the National Curriculum Coordination
Committee of the Ministry of Education.
CDMP supported activities
The revised textbooks for elementary to higher
secondary levels now include a chapter on disaster
risk identification; risk prevention, mitigation and
treatment; emergency response; and climate change
along with adaptation techniques. Thirty-one text
books (nine for primary, 14 for secondary and eight
for higher secondary level) contain disaster and
climate change subjects. Schools have started using
these revised textbooks from the year 2012 to
teach children about DRR and CCA. Supplementary
learning materials on DRR and CCA, developed by
renowned writers of Bangladesh will also be used
to inform students on aspects not covered in the
textbooks as well as to reach dropout and out-of-
school children. Eighteen Supplementary Learning
Materials have also been developed to facilitate the
DDR and CCA education.
Results
1. Over 22 million students (8 to 17 years of age)
now have access to DRR and CCA knowledge.
2. As a result of awareness-raising workshops
held in six divisions for teachers, education
officers and school management committee
members, the participants have pledged their
commitment to take action to advocate and
disseminate DRR and CCA knowledge in schools
and among guardians and local communities.
Challenges and opportunities
The main challenge here is monitoring and
supervision to ensure proper implementation of the
new curriculum. One way this can be ensured is by
motivating and preparing teachers and education
officers. A curriculum has been developed for
implementation at the Primary Teachers Training
Institute and the Bachelor of Education Training
Institute. The curriculum aims to prepare teachers
to help children learn about disaster risks and
climate change. A training module on possible
health hazards during disasters and appropriate
measures has been developed also for teachers and
students.
Awareness-raising workshops have been conducted
in 6 divisions of Bangladesh. The final workshop
32 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
Over 22 million students (from classes III to XII) of every academic year now have access to DRR and CCA knowledge
will be held in Dhaka with the compiled results of
the 6 other workshops. Education policy makers
will be invited to reflect on the outcome of the
workshops and come up with recommendations,
and the final report will be sent to the Ministry of
Primary and Mass Education. The expected outcome
is the issuance of a circular for school management
committees, directing headmasters all over the
country to ensure that their schools follow the new
curriculum.
There is also a plan to set up school disaster
management committees comprising teachers and
students. Among other things, the committee will
organise regular earthquake drills in schools.
Some of the associated results of other interventions of cdMp II
• Teacher training has become a part of
the endeavour to mainstream disaster
preparedness and CCA in the formal learning
process through the Department of Higher
Secondary Education
• Training of supervisory staff of the Education
Department
• School drills for earthquake preparedness
• There is also a provision for the teacher
training module to be incorporated in the
training curriculum of the primary teachers’
training institute and the teachers’ training
institute.
• The safer school intervention has been
institutionalised with at least twice a year
country-wide earthquake drills.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 33
Department of Public Health Engineering
Background
Access to pure drinking water is an acute problem
for children, women and the general population of
both rural and urban communities during and after
disaster events. According to the 2013 MDG report
of the Government of Bangladesh, the proportion
of population using an improved drinking water
source is 85% (including water safe from arsenic
contamination). However, climate change is
threatening previous achievements of the country
in the water and sanitation sector. The water quality
deteriorates drastically during floods, cyclones and
storm surges; while during droughts, most of the
usual water sources dry up, forcing people to travel
long distances to collect water to meet their barest
requirements.
Over five million people in the coastal region
face acute scarcity of safe drinking water due
to declining water table, salinity and arsenic in
ground water. Tube wells in some locations cannot
be used because of ground water salinisation. In
some places, the situation is so bad that fresh
drinking water can only be lifted from a depth of
700 ft using deep tube wells. Natural calamities like
cyclones make the situation even worse. When the
cyclone Aila hit the coast of Bangladesh in 2009,
embankments were breached within 10 minutes
causing widespread flooding that lasted long after
the hazard. Most ponds in the region became
inundated with saltwater, creating a severe crisis
of drinking water. Salinisation is expected to affect
more and more areas as the sea level continues to
rise.
The Department of Public Health Engineering
(DPHE) is the national lead agency for ensuring
provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and
hygiene promotion, including waste management.
It has specific responsibilities to ensure clean
drinking water for the population during disaster
periods as well as to establish a water supply
system for regular supply of safe drinking water in
today’s changing natural environment.
34 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
50 deep tube wells, 38 rainwater harvesting units, one underground water reservoir installed in saline prone coastal areas
CDMP supported activities
The partnership with CDMP is helping the DPHE to
carry out research and to design alternative and
sustainable options for the supply of safe drinking
water. In response to the problem of lowering water
table that prevents installation of deep tube wells in
some areas and in other areas where ground water
is saline, the department has established rainwater
harvesting units at household and community levels.
Results
1. The steps that the DPHE has taken since the
cyclone Aila hit the country provide over a
million of the affected people with better
access to safe drinking water. Its activities have
significantly reduced the risk of water borne
diseases.
2. More than 550,000 women now have improved
access to safe drinking water, as a result of
which the risk of acquiring water-borne diseases
has been reduced. Their domestic workload
(traveling long distances to fetch water and
having to make do with very little water for
household chores) has been reduced along with
cases of abuse associated with disaster periods.
3. Rainwater harvesting units installed at household
and community levels are benefiting the people
of those areas where deep tube wells cannot be
installed due to lowering of the water table. The
rainwater harvesting units ensure safe drinking
water for the community round the year.
4. Tube wells with high raised platforms as
precaution against flooding and multi-headed
tube wells each serving many users through
multiple connections are benefiting the
communities of many areas.
5. As a result of CDMP support, it has been possible
for the department to select project intervention
locations independently without any political
influence. The intervention sites have all been
selected based on the vulnerability of each area
as well as community requirement.
Challenges and opportunities
A study to identify positive options for safe water
supply is under process with CDMP support.
Based on the report that will be produced,
recommendations will be invited at a workshop
to explore best options to be set up and included
as appropriate in the different programmes of the
DPHE.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 35
Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan, Earthquake Contingency Plan and gender toolkit developed for DWA
Department of Women AffairsBackground
Women are disproportionately vulnerable to
disaster and climate risks. They bear more of the
resulting impacts compared to males. They are
often discouraged from learning coping skills and
strategies, such as survival skills of swimming or
climbing trees during storm surge or inundation.
In some instances, they are discouraged and
prevented from leaving their homes without
the consent of their husbands or elders, even
when evacuation is the only means of survival.
Cultural dress codes also inhibit movement of
women during crises and have often been the
cause of high mortality. When the 1991 cyclone hit
Bangladesh, 59% of those who died were women.
During disaster events young girls and women
often face intimidation, gender-based violence,
sexual harassment and rape. The long-term social
impact of disasters often leads to early marriage,
unplanned displacement and human trafficking.
CDMP supported activities
CDMP has successfully advocated for the
incorporation of gender issues in key policies
and capacities of the government and in cyclone
shelter design and features. Training on addressing
the vulnerabilities of women and ensuring
equal opportunities in pre- and post-disaster
situations have also been provided to district
and upazila level officers of the Department of
Women Affairs (DWA). With the help of CDMP, the
DWA has prepared a Contingency Plan to cope
with earthquake hazards, developed a Disaster
Risk Reduction action plan, a “Gender Toolkit”
to incorporate gender sensitivity in its policies,
projects, programmes and documents. IEC materials
like posters and leaflets have been developed to
raise awareness on the need for gender sensitivity
in disaster response.
Challenges and opportunities
As an appropriate and timely step to achieve
mainstreaming of DRR and CCA in its activities,
the DWA took the initiative to prepare and
implement a Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan
36 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
Training of Trainers conducted in 10 districts
250 officials have received training on disaster and climate change
with technical and financial assistance from CDMP.
For the medium term, the plan envisaged a 5-year
programme (2013-2018) to build the capacity and
resilience of the DWA and its beneficiaries to meet
the challenges posed by different disasters. The
programme was structured around four pillars viz,
institutionalisation, knowledge management and
capacity building, increasing resilience, advocacy
and awareness building.
The awareness building activity proposed in the
action plan along with training of trainers was
carried out in 10 districts, and 100 vulnerable
women received training and assets for alternative
income generating activates.
Honourable State Minister of Women &
Children Affairs addressing the national
sharing workshop organised by DWA
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 37
National Health Crisis Management and Archive Centre established
Guidelines for non-structural vulnerability assessment for hospitals and post earthquake comprehensive health care action plan for urban cities developed
Directorate General of Health Services
Background
However improved the disaster response system
may be, disease outbreaks and health problems
are risks to look out for in post disaster periods.
The response to health risks is planned from the
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
for different stages of disaster events along with
continuous collaboration, coordination and linkages
between all relevant parties and programmes. It is
an integral part and the largest executing authority
of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoHFW), having over 100,000 health officials and
staff operating the health care delivery system all
over the country.
CDMP supported activitiesTwo disaster related guidelines have been
developed – a health related comprehensive
post-earthquake action plan/guideline for urban
cities (developed in accordance with the National
Strategy on Disaster Management), which provides
an action plan on response and short-term recovery
operations related to earthquakes. A non-structural
vulnerability assessment and guideline has been
developed for hospitals at central, district and
upazila levels. It is mainly intended for hospital
staff and managers who bear the responsibility
of ensuring the stability of the hospital structures
and assets during earthquakes. It may also be used
by hospital authorities and disaster risk managers
responsible for hospital emergency preparedness.
Health service providers in three upazilas have
received training in Emergency Preparedness
and Response for response and rescue of disaster
victims
A National Health Crisis Management and Archive
Centre for disaster records and early warning are
now operational. Through this centre, the DGHS
maintains, collects and analyses data from all
sources such as local health authorities, the BMD,
and different government and non-government
sources. The DGHS also updates its Emergency
Management Databank using information from that
centre.
38 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
Ministry of LandBackground
Land and other natural resources degradation continue in
Bangladesh. The survival of ecologically sensitive wetlands and
forest areas is also a burning issue which needs due attention.
The National Land Use Policy 2001 of the Ministry of Land
(MoL) highlights the need and importance of land zoning for
ensuring criteria-based land use, helping to integrate planning
and management of natural resources. The increasing trend of
population displacement due to river/beach/char erosion and
climate change effects is leading to unplanned settlements and
increased density in urban areas, which is multiplying people’s
vulnerability. Land use planning including resettlement planning is
an important issue for disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation, and rightly prioritised by the MoL and CDMP II.
cdMp Supported Activities
A national level workshop on the Agricultural Land Protection
Act 2011 and 15 validation workshops on the Land Zoning Map
have been held. Sixteen seminars (10 at district and 6 at upazila
level) have been conducted to disseminate the findings of the
land zoning map activity and to build participant awareness
about the importance of developing the map. The workshops have
improved the capacity of the participants to make investment plans
considering disaster risk, climate vulnerabilities, food security and
sustainable development.
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 39
Development planning aligned with DRR and CCA in the DPP format
General Economics DivisionThe General Economics Division (GED) of the
Planning Commission, in partnership with CDMP II
undertook an initiative to strengthen capacity on
“Disaster and Climate Change Inclusive Development
Project: Development Project Proforma (DPP)
Format” of the Economic Cadre Professionals of
the Government (Assistant Chief to Deputy Chief)
working in planning and project design. The duration
of the training course was 3 days. In total 210
planning professionals, mainly from the Planning
Commission and agencies like the Local Government
Engineering Department (LGED), Ministry of Water
Resources, Department of Environment, Ministry
of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Fisheries & Livestock, BARD, WARPO, etc., were
trained.
The training helped the government officials to
be acquainted with disaster and climate issues
which will ultimately result in better planning and
integration of DRR and CCA with development
projects. In terms of benefits, (i) officials will be
able to link national development planning and
financing with local DRR and CCA needs, (ii) there
will be better use of local and regional resources
for risk reduction and capacity building aspects and
(iii) the involvement of stakeholders will increase,
especially of vulnerable groups including women,
children, etc.
40 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
As is the case with most projects having a long-term
vision to be achieved within a short period, a look
at CDMP’s partnership efforts with the different
departments brings to light a few “could-have-been”
and “should-have-been”. While many activities show
promises of considerable impact, concrete evidence-
based activity results of some of the departments are
still not apparent.
Those engaged in the programme activities under the
different departments feel that in spite of challenges
much has been achieved. Innovative ideas are emerging,
and plans are being conceived to further the work that
has been started. Some common threads of ideas appear
to run through a few of the departments. For example,
it is believed that the action plans would be best
developed after finding out what has worked and what
the requirements and gaps are after implementation
of the activities, as it would help to identify what
is needed for mainstreaming DRR and CCA in their
projects. There is also a commonly felt need for a central
database on DRR and CCA information relevant to all the
departments.
Some thoughts have emerged on how the different
ministries could work together as partners on the DRR
and CCA issues. The concept of the model village is
proposed as a platform for bringing them together. It is
suggested that some villages should be selected where
every sector would be addressed with their own target
groups and activities. The areas selected should be in
a cluster having problems of salinity, drought, flooding
etc. A baseline study identifying suitable areas might
be a starting point for future support, promoting a
comprehensive approach to mainstreaming DRR and CCA
in the projects of the Government of Bangladesh.
Building on the successful roll-out of early warning
systems, it is now important to strengthen community
based dissemination of warnings and forecasts by
linking ICT and social mobilisation in a community
alerting system that would include harnessing the
potential of volunteers. At the same time, warning
technology should continue to be upgraded for improved
accuracy and further extended lead time.
The DRR/CCA link to development planning that has now
been recognised in national level planning tools should
be taken forward to Integration of comprehensive
risk management into local development plans and
deployment of adequate resources to implement these
plans at local level.
It is also crucial to ensure a gendered approach to
disaster and climate resilience in all Government
planning, policy frameworks and programmes across
ministries and sectors, taking into account the gendered
nature of risk and vulnerability.
Building on the Government’s commitment to DRR/CCA
convergence, a national platform for disaster and climate
change resilience needs to be created. Recognising that
only Government led engagement can achieve the scale
needed for the country to become resilient to disasters
and emerging climate change, the platform would also
need to engage civil society and the private sector to
realise the concerted effort of all stakeholders that it
will take to build a resilient nation.
c h A p t E r 3
conclusIon
MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA 41
42 MAINSTREAMING OF DRR & CCA
BMd Bangladesh Meteorological Division
ccA Climate Change Adaptation
cdMp Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme
cFS Climate Field Schools
dAE Department of Agricultural Extension
dGhS Directorate General of Health Services
dLS Department of Livestock Services
dMIc Disaster Management Information Centre
doE Department of Environment
doF Department of Fisheries
dphE Department of Public Health Engineering
drr Disaster Risk Reduction
dWA Department of Women Affairs
FFWc Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre
FScd Fire Service and Civil Defence
GEd General Economics Division
Ict Information Communication Technology
IEc Information, Education, Communication
MdG Millennium Development Goal
ModMr Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
MoL Ministry of Land
nctB National Curriculum and Textbook Board
nGo Non-Government Organisation
nILG National Institute of Local Government
SWc Storm Warning Centre
undp United Nations Development Programme
unFccc United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Vdp Village Defence Party
WApdA Water and Power Development Authority
ACRONYMS
We are indebted to CDMP Partner Ministries and Departments for taking on an additional case-load of interventions, leading to mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation across the Government, and for their contributions to CDMP II results.
© cdMp II, July 2015
All rights reserved.
Text by Asifa Rahman
Edited by Md. Golam Mostafa
Photography by CDMP & partner department
Design by Mahbub/Drik
Production by Drik
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
www.cdmp.org.bd
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