National Launch of the Nature-Based Solutions Compendium for Bangladesh 

Event description

Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization and high population density exert immense pressure on natural ecosystems, making cities increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards. Unplanned urban development, land encroachment, improper waste disposal, and deforestation contribute to habitat degradation, affecting urban sustainability. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) provide a transformative approach to tackling these challenges by strengthening resilience, promoting equity, and enhancing urban livability. 

Recognizing the pivotal role of NbS in fostering sustainable urban development, the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bangladesh have developed an NbS Compendium for Urban Resilience in Bangladesh. This comprehensive resource presents 20 scalable NbS interventions designed to guide policymakers, urban planners, and financial institutions in integrating nature-based approaches into infrastructure development and city planning. The NbS Compendium is part of GCA’s ongoing support to the Government of Bangladesh’s Improving Urban Governance and Infrastructure Program (IUGIP), financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). 

Objectives:
GCA, jointly with IUCN Bangladesh, is hosting a high-level launch event for the “Compendium on Nature-based Solutions for Urban Resilience in Bangladesh.” This event will bring together key global experts, international financial institutions, and government officials, with the aim to: 
– Present key insights from the NbS Compendium, showcasing best practices and lessons learned from Bangladesh. 
– Engage policymakers and practitioners in discussions on integrating NbS into urban policies, planning, and infrastructure investment. 
– Explore strategies for scaling up NbS implementation, ensuring widespread uptake among municipalities. 
– Facilitate stakeholder dialogue on strategies to ensure the wider adoption of the NbS Compendium in Bangladesh.