GCA Hosts Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Bangladesh
D
haka, Bangladesh, December 6, 2024 — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), in collaboration with Bangladesh university of Engineering and Technology (BUET), successfully concluded a three-day workshop on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience in Coastal Towns. Held from December 4 to December 6, 2024, at the FARS Hotel in Dhaka, the event brought together government officials, town planners, engineers, and climate experts from across Bangladesh to explore innovative strategies for combating the impacts of climate change on coastal regions.
Bangladesh’s coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards, including sea-level rise, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and erosion. These challenges not only threaten livelihoods but also strain local infrastructure. Recognizing the critical need for sustainable, scalable solutions, GCA’s workshop focused on the transformative potential of Nature-Based Solutions—approaches that leverage natural ecosystems like mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, and green infrastructure to enhance resilience.
The workshop provided hands-on training for participants from 22 coastal towns, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to integrate NbS into local infrastructure planning. Sessions included:
- Fundamentals of NbS: Understanding their role in addressing climate challenges.
- Climate Data Analysis: Accessing and utilizing high-resolution data for effective planning.
- Case Studies: Drawing lessons from successful NBS projects in Bangladesh and beyond.
- Action Planning: Collaborative development of town-specific strategies for incorporating NBS into masterplans.
“Nature-Based Solutions represent a sustainable and cost-effective way to build climate resilience in Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal regions. This workshop has empowered local leaders to implement these solutions, fostering both community well-being and ecological health,” said Feisal Rahman, Bangladesh country manager of GCA.
“The urgency of climate necessitates innovative approaches to climate resilience of urban infrastructure network. GCA’s technical support to prioritize Nature-Based Solutions is crucial for the sustain ability of our coastal towns”, said Gopal Krishna Debnath, Chief Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department.
SA Abdullah Al Mamun, senior project officer of the Asian Development Bank said at the event, “ADB is the climate bank of Asia and the Pacific. We are committed to supporting Bangladesh’s climate adaptation efforts through innovative financing and technical solutions. GCA’s support to integrate Nature-Based Solutions into coastal infrastructure projects is a testament to our shared commitment to climate resilient future.”
Participants left the event with:
- A robust understanding of NBS principles and applications.
- Preliminary action plans to NBS into town master plan, and existing, and future infrastructure projects, tailored to their towns’ unique climate challenges.
- Practical tools for evaluating and prioritizing NBS options.
- Strengthened networks for ongoing knowledge sharing and collaboration.
This workshop is part of GCA’s broader partnership with the Asian Development Bank and Local Government Engineering Department under the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Project. Together, these efforts aim to mainstream Nature-Based Solutions in the project, as well as regional and national development strategies.
Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.
Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
