Dhaka, Bangladesh, 18 April, 2007 (IUCN) – A two-day long mid-term workshop of National Capacity Self- Assessment (NCSA) for Global Environmental Management project was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), Dhaka from 17th-18th April 2007. The Ministry of Environment and Forest and IUCN Bangladesh Country Office jointly organized this workshop. The project is supported by the GEF/UNDP.

NCSA project aims to identify the national capacity needs to implement the three Rio Convention related to biodiversity (CBD), climate change (UNFCCC) and land degradation (UNCCD). Started in 2006, the project carried expert discussions, obtained public opinion, and also self-assessment by different ministries and line agencies and developed a draft Capacity Development Action Plan (CDAP). The CDAP was presented in the workshop. Participants of the workshop reviewed the draft document. Recommendation was develop to support the CDAP.

The recommendations were presented to a plenary session. Dr. C. S. Karim, Honorable Adviser to the Caretaker Government, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Livestock and Environment & Forest, graced the session as the Chief Guest. In his speech he appreciated the NCSA initiative and hoped that an objective oriented and focus action plan will be developed at the end of the project. He mentioned that climate change is a reality now. With climate change other environmental problems such as loss of biodiversity and land degradation will pose problem to the national development. He reiterated the need for national capacity building to face the present as well future problem that may arise due to global environmental challenge like climate change.

Mr. Manoj Basnyat, Country Director of UNDP Bangladesh and Special Guest at the Concluding Session of the Workshop reemphasized the need for capacity enhancement across all sectors. He mentioned that UNDP is pleased to be associated with the NCSA process as it addresses the inter-linkages of environmental conservation with human development, poverty reduction and realizing the MDGs, He commented that UNDP will continue its support to realize the aim of capacity building and achieve sustainable development.

Dr. Ainun Nishat, Country Representative of IUCN Bangladesh, mentioned that there is a lack of understanding amongst the policy-makers regarding the international environmental agreements. He emphasized on the retention of ‘institutional memory’ within the government system. He identified capacity constraints and limited financial resources as the main setbacks for realizing our international obligations.

Mr. Tariq-ul-Islam, Joint Secretary (Development), Ministry of Environment and Forest and National Project Director of the NCSA Project graced the occasion as the Chairperson. He appreciated the support from the UNDP and IUCN to the NCSA process. He thanked the Honorable Advisor his valuable inputs and organizes for a timely initiative, and concluded the session.

As a participatory approach, the participants included representatives of both the public and private sectors, NGOs, media members, researchers, teachers, development partners, training institutes and the general public. Their valuable inputs obtained during the workshop were documented to enrich the draft CDAP for Bangladesh.

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Notes to editors 

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:

• Mahbubur Rahman Masum , IUCN Bangladesh Comminication Officer, Tel: +880 2 989 0395; Fax: +880 2 989 2854;
  masumiucnbd.org; Web: http://www.iucnbd.org/

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