mainstreaming disaster risk reduction

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)


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


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


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


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.


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.


“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.”


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.


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


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.


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


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


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.


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


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.


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


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.


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


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


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


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.


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.


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.”


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


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.


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 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


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...


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.


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


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.


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.


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


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.


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 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.


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.


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


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.


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.


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


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.


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.


50 deep tube wells, 38 rainwater harvesting units, one underground water reservoir installed in saline prone coastal areas


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.


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.


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 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.


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


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


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


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.


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.


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.


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


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