Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT)
Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform

AP-PLAT capacity development programme:
Development of local guidebook on Compound and Cascading Disaster Risk Management in Bangladesh

Date November 5 2022, 10:00-12:00 (GMT+6)
Venue Online
Language English
Workshop title Kick-off Workshop: Development of local guidebook on Compound and Cascading Disaster Risk Management in Bangladesh
Agenda Concept and agenda of CCDR Online Workshop in Bangladesh
Organizer Ministry of Environment, Japan (MOEJ);
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES);
Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management (PPDM), Brac University;
Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Bangladesh

Summary of the workshop

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), with the support from Ministry of Environment Japan (MOEJ), has launched the project for developing the localized guidebook to address complex climate risks, based on the AP-PLAT’s capacity development e-learning course on Compound and Cascading Disaster Risks Management (CCDRM). The kick-off workshop was organized on 5th November 2022 with local project partners, Brac University and Department of Disaster Management, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Bangladesh, , together with over 40 participants from varieties of DRR related stakeholders in Bangladesh, such as government agencies, international organizations, research institute and civil society.

The workshop consisted of 2 sessions: Introduction of the baseline of the project; Discussion on observed compound and cascading disasters in Bangladesh and on the possible contents of the CCDRM localized guidebook.

The workshop started with the opening remarks by Mr. Osamu Mizuno (IGES), welcome remarks by Dr. Fuad H. Mallick (Brac University) and remarks of the Chief Guest by Mr. Md. Atiqul Huq (DDM Bangladesh), highlighting the importance of addressing CCDRM in the DRR related capacity development activities in Bangladesh, where climate induced disasters continue to occur. The first session followed with the introduction of the AP-PLAT e-Learning course: Building resilience to compound and cascading disaster risks by Ms. Akane Matsuo (IGES), description of current capacity building initiatives in disaster management (both non-structural and structural initiatives) in Bangladesh by Mr. Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun (DDM Bangladesh), and explanation civil defense activities against industrial disasters in Bangladesh by Mr. Zillur Rahman (Fire Service and Civil Defense, Bangladesh). Finally, Mr. Imon Chowdhooree and Mr. Md. Ferdaus (Brac University) introduced the outline and time schedule of the project on the development of the localized CCDRM guidebook in Bangladesh.

In the second session, rich discussion with all the participants were conducted with the moderation by Dr. Bijon Kumer Mitra (IGES) addressing following topics:
　- Recognition of CCDR in the context of Bangladesh
　- Expected contents of the guidebook

Regarding the observed compound and cascading disasters in the country, most of the participants agreed that cyclone could be the major disasters to be considered, which will trigger other disasters such as landslides and water-borne diseases, as well as may occur simultaneously with other disasters such as infection diseases and heat waves. Many highlighted the living experience of Cyclone Amphan occurred while the country was dealing with COVID-19.

As for the contents of the CCDRM capacity development program, some experts emphasized the importance of developing the training materials in local language, targeting not only the government officials from DDM and Fire Service but also the civil volunteers and students. In addition, existing publications useful to the guidebook development was introduced. One of the professors also described the importance of raising “public perception” through “professionalism approach” when dealing with complex issues such as CCDRM.

At the end of the 2-hour workshop, it was concluded with the remarks by Mr. Netai Chandra Dey Sarker (Director, DDM, Bangladesh) addressing the warm thanks to all the participants and expectation of the project and beyond, to build stronger resilience against complex disasters that country may face in the future.

Affiliations of participants

  • American Red Cross, Cox’s Bazar
  • Bangladesh Meteorological Department
  • Bangladesh Police
  • Bangladesh Water Development Board
  • BRAC, Bhasan Char Rohingya Camp
  • BRAC, Cox’s Bazar
  • Christian Aid Bangladesh
  • Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh
  • Department of Coastal Studies and Disaster Management, University of Barisal
  • Department of Disaster Management & Relief, Bangladesh
  • Department of Geography and Environment, University of Dhaka
  • Fire Service and Civil Defense, Bangladesh
  • Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management, Brac University
  • Skill Development Program, Prime Minister’s Office, Bangladesh
  • Start Fund Bangladesh
  • USAID Bangladesh
  • Volunteer Center for Disability in Development, Bangladesh
  • Water Resources & Disaster Risk Management, Department Planning Division, Bangladesh

Related links

Building resilience to compound and cascading disaster risks
https://ap-plat.nies.go.jp/adaptation_literacy/resources/e_learning/drr/index.html

(Posted : 7/NOV/2022)

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