Bangladesh

Most of Bangladesh is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the majestic Himalayas. But with the world’s highest population density and low-lying flood plains, Bangladesh is widely thought to be one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. In October 2001, Bangladesh ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Denmark recently allocated funds to replace the country’s brick factories, which emit thousands of tons of carbon dioxide every year. The Bangladeshi government has set itself a goal of providing electricity to all of its citizens, with renewable energy being a key component.

The Global Day of Conversation

In conjunction with the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA, the Global Day of Conversation will illustrate the commitment of millions to make the natural environment a priority for 2010 and beyond. Through these conversations, local officials will help bridge the gap that exists in public engagement through education and a course of action. Ultimately, this day will elevate the collective voice of local governments and communities in a national and international environmental dialogue.

The Global Day of Conversation marks the third year that mayors and local government elected officials hold conversations in their communities with their constituents to deepen understanding of the paramount environmental issues facing humanity today. The first two conversation initiatives were held in cities across the United States. In 2010, Earth Day Network is eager to work with cities and local governments around the world to advance engagement by citizens and communities to implement positive actions to mitigate environmental impacts and advance the green economy in the 21st century.

Environmental Policy

At the International Conference on Bangladesh Environment Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated, “we must protect the land, water bodies and rivers from the land-grabbers. The government will not accept such violations anymore.” This declaration served as a warning to real estate developers that there will not be compromise on environmental issues. The Prime Minister also encouraged environmental organizations to come up with new ideas and to collaborate with the government to protect Bangladesh from the impacts of climate change.

Renewable energy

For people in rural areas of Bangladesh, the underdeveloped and dilapidated power network means no electricity to small villages like Kamarul in the southwest of the country. Solar powered energy is the only source of electricity in this village. For the local clinic that operates on 3 to 6 patients a week, and more than 30 patients that are brought every day, the solar power is the only source of emergency energy. Local residents are very happy to have a clinic in their village.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The following discusses Bangladesh's plans for biodiversity nationwide:

The specific targets include: conservation of important biodiversity hotspots in Cittagong Hill Tracts, conservation of Rampahar and Sitapahar of Chittagong Region, and conservation of denuded hill areas of Ramgarh Shitakunda. Tanguar hoar has been established as a Ramsar site and is also protected, among others, as a fish sanctuary. The Hakaluki haor, Tanguar haor and Hail hoar have also been protected because of their importance for migratory and resident birds. St. Martin’s Island, the only coral-bearing island of Bangladesh, is protected as a marine park. Furthermore, a few mudflats, such as Nijhum dweep and Sonadia Island, are protected as shore birds sites. The Ministry of Environment and Forest has taken the initiative to increase the protected area system. The Biodiversity and Community Knowledge Protection Act has been drafted to protect biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge in Bangladesh. Local institutions have been established to encourage participation of local community in decision-making and sustainable management of wetland and fisheries resources.

Source: Convention on Biodiversity