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Workshop Outcome Document

Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysisin Haor Areas

Support to Sustainable and Inclusive Planning (SSIP) ProjectGeneral Economics Division (GED)

Planning Commission

September 2016

Workshop Outcome Report on “Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas” 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE................................................................................................................................................................................ 2

ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Context ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Purpose of the Workshop .......................................................................................................................................... 5

About the Workshop ................................................................................................................................................... 5

PLENARY SESSION ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Opening Remarks ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Presentation of Keynote Paper ................................................................................................................................ 6

Open Discussion............................................................................................................................................................ 7

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE GUESTS...............................................................................................................10

RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE WORKSHOP ................................................................................................13

Establishment of Ecotourism..................................................................................................................................13

Engagement of Private Sector in Haor Development ...................................................................................13

Comprehensive Data and Rigorous Research..................................................................................................13

Coordination among Government Agencies ...................................................................................................13

Inclusion on Economic Importance of Haor in National Curriculum .......................................................13

Annex-1...............................................................................................................................................................................15

Programme Schedule for Workshop on.............................................................................................................15

Annex-2...............................................................................................................................................................................16

List of Participants of the Workshop....................................................................................................................16

Annex-3...............................................................................................................................................................................20

PowerPoint Presentation on the Keynote Paper.............................................................................................20

Annex-4...............................................................................................................................................................................23

Media Coverage ..........................................................................................................................................................23

Annex-5...............................................................................................................................................................................30

Keynote Paper (Draft)................................................................................................................................................30


PREFACE

(Will be added, if Member sir desires.)


ACRONYMS

7th FYP Seventh Five Year PlanCBM Community Based ManagementCNRS Center for Natural Resource StudiesECA Ecologically Critical AreaGED General Economics DivisionGIZ Gesellschaft für Internationale ZusammenarbeitHAP Haor Advocacy PlatformJRC Joint River CommissionNPD National Project DirectorNRM Natural Resource ManagementNSO National Statistical OrganizationRMO Resource Management OrganizationSDGs Sustainable Development GoalsSSIP Support to Sustainable and Inclusive Planning ProjectUNDP United Nations Development Programme


INTRODUCTION

Context

Haor basin in Bangladesh comprised of large areas of seven districts, namely Sylhet,Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria and Netrokona districtscovering an area of 20,022 square kilometers (Master Plan of Haor Area, 2012). Most of theHoars areas remain under water for about 6-7 months of a year and a substantial area areperennial wetland. There are 373 haors and these water bodies cut across 164 unions and29 sub-districts of 7 districts. The haors are the source of livelihoods of millions of ruralpeople who depend on haor for fishing, rice farming, boating, hunting, wage laboring insand and stone mines, etc.

Living standard of majority of people in Haor areas is one of the lowest categories inBangladesh. Population density is also high in haor area. Having one of the poorest roadcommunication networks in terms of connectivity with the main land, 11 haor upazillas arenot connected with roads network (Master Plan of Haor Area, 2012). It is a mono-croppedarea and agriculture activities take place only during dry season for about 4-5 months.Incidence of flashflood is also widespread which destroys crops in every 2-3 years. Riverbank erosion and arsenic contamination of ground water are also reported to be severe inhaor area.

Despite geographical isolation, haor areas have huge potential. Haor serves as -1. Biodiversity niche including home for migratory birds, aquatic wildlife.2. Hakaluki Haor (Moulvibazar district) and Tanguar Haor (Sunamganj district) are

declared as Ecologically Critiacal area (ECA) and RAMSAR site respectively.3. The only wetlands permanent sanctuary (Baikka Beel) of Bangladesh is located

in Hail Haor (Moulvibazar district)4. Tourist spots including Ratargul swamp forest, Tamabil, Jaflong,

Madhhobkunda, Sreemongol, Lauachhora forests.5. Reservoir for rain and flood water.6. Source of recharging ground water.7. Source of drinking water.8. Controller of siltation.

Moreover, country’s only crude oil mine has been explored in the haor region so far.Though development potentials are huge in haor areas, there is a lack of integratedapproach for maximizing the utilization of resources (both human and natural resources)for the sustainable development of haor.

The government of Bangladesh has taken the initiative for the development of the haorareas. In connection to this, The “Haor Development Master Plan and Database” has beenformulated to ensure sustainable development of 2 crore inhabitants of haor areascovering 7 north-eastern districts. Under this master plan, 17 special areas were identifiedfor development which will be implemented over a period of 20 years (2012 to 2032).

Haor Master Plan has been recognized in the 7th FYP for the first time and thus, it isenvisaged that the implementation of Haor Master Plan will get momentum. According to7th FYP, priority will be given to address the problem areas (like hills, coastal, Haor andbarind areas) that are geographically excluded and ecologically vulnerable. Moreover, the


government of Bangladesh changed the Bangladesh Haor and Wetlands DevelopmentBoard into a Department on 4 June 2015.

Purpose of the Workshop

1. To review and explore the gaps in the existing policies adopted by theGovernment of Bangladesh

2. To gather local knowledge on the development potential and challenges of thehaor areas.

3. To explore the pathways of mainstreaming local observations andrecommendations into national policy discourse.

4. To assess the impact of climate change in haor areas5. To understand two relevant goals of SDGs - Goal 14 and 15 – which rest on

sustainable use of wetlands, protecting, restoring and promoting theirecosystems - in the context of haor areas.

6. To explore the possibilities of localization of SDGs in haor areas.

About the Workshop

This workshop is a part of the series of workshops to be organized in different ecosystemsand ago-ecological zones (AEZ) of Bangladesh. The first one was organized on 8 August2015 in Khulna focusing on the environment and climate change policy gap analysis insouth western region of Bangladesh, particularly the Sundarbans. In connection to this,the GED in close collaboration and technical support of UNDP supported Support toSustainable and Inclusive Planning (SSIP) project organized a workshop on ‘Environmentand Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas’ on 29 August 2016 at Grand SultanTea Resort & Golf, Moulvibazar, Sylhet.

The workshop mainly covered policy issues in the arena of environmental degradationand impact of climate change in haor region including biophysical environment of majorecosystem in Bangladesh. The discussions in the workshop center around the issues ofrelevant policies, probable environmental impacts due to climate change, current state ofthe ecosystem, minimization of environmental and climate change impacts.

The core purpose of the workshop was to review and explore the gaps in the existingpolicies adopted by the Government of Bangladesh in combating environmentaldegradation and impact of climate change, particularly in haor areas. The workshop alsoaimed to facilitate the process of engagement of all stakeholders in safeguarding thisnatural habitat and improving the life and livelihood of the people living in haors.

The workshop brought together a total of 52 participants from a wide range of relevantstakeholders across the public sectors, development partners, academia, journalists andcommunity people. The workshop was graced by the presence and intellectual inputs ofProf. Dr. Shamsul Alam, Member (Senior Secretary), General Economics Division (GED),Planning Commission; Ms. Shaila Khan, Senior Programme Advisor (Assistant CountryDirector), UNDP Bangladesh; Mr. Md. Majibur Rahman, Director General, Department ofBangladesh Haor and Wetland Development; Mr. Fakrul Ahsan, Project Manager, SSIPProject, UNDP Bangladesh; and Md. Kamrul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner, Moulvibazardistrict.


PLENARY SESSION

Opening Remarks

At the outset of his welcomeaddress, Mr. Naquib Bin Mahbub,Chief, General Economics Division,& NPD, SSIP Project welcomed allparticipants to the consultationworkshop on behalf of GED & SSIPProject. He stated that weatherand climate is inseparably relatedand is linked with the economiccondition of haor areas. He hopedthat the workshop would suggestsome concrete recommendationsso that GED can incorporate thosein the national plans and

programme under public investment programme.

Presentation of Keynote Paper

Dr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman, Executive Director, Center for Natural Resource Studies(CNRS) presented the keynote paper titled ‘Environment and Climate Change Policy GapAnalysis in Haor Areas of Bangladesh’ at the workshop.

Mentioning the characteristics ofhaor, he stated that,hydrologically, haor is unique asmost of its area remains underwater for 6-7 months of the year(May-October) leaving thevillages as isolated islands. Assuch, the haor communitiesdivide the year into two broadseasons, viz. borsha (wetmonsoon) and hemanta (drywinter). In the dry season, bororice (irrigated winter rice) farmingis the major livelihood activity ofhaor communities when the landless poor also work as wage laborer. In the wet season,when the entire haor region is flooded, fishing becomes the major livelihood options formost of them. However, in the later part of the monsoon (October onwards) access tofishing is denied by the leaseholders of jolmohals (wetlands).

Although the haor area is rich in having diverse natural resources, it is also highly exposedto multiple hazards that are now being exacerbated due to climate change. As such, thecommunities and resources are increasingly being exposed to risks and threats at analarming rate, which if goes unabated, is most likely to lead to resource depletion. Thismay also result in violent conflicts among competing resource users, increased poverty,


exclusion and social crisis. However, there exists huge potential to develop and sustain theagriculture and natural resource systems by adopting appropriate policies and developinglocal institutions.

Despite having these diverse resource systems that support the livelihoods of localcommunities, haor is lagging behind in many development indicators and ranks high incase of exposure to multiple natural hazards. He presented haor vulnerabilities besides itsnatural and anthropogenic drives. Five haor districts are recognized as the worstperformer in the MDG composite index while two other haor districts present belowaverage performance. The Haor Master Plan states that 29.56% of population in haor areaslive below lower poverty line. Around 28.5% of haor population are completelyunemployed and the illiteracy level is 38% on average. The rate of primary schoolenrollment is 71% but the school dropout rate is around 44% in haor region.

On an average, 44.25% haor people use sanitary latrines having the poorest coverage inNetrokona (35%). Haor districts have a very low coverage of drinking water source and inmany areas ground water is contaminated with arsenic. Sunamgonj has the lowest use ofelectricity utility with only 17kWh per capita followed by Kishoregonj and Netrokona.

He discussed initiatives of Haor Advocacy Platform (HAP) and highlighted variousstrategies that already have been taken from the context of haor, such as- institutionaldevelopment aiming at haor development, haor in Seventh Five Year Plan, Master Plan ofHaor Area. He also discussed national plans and policies regarding haor such as-Environmental Policy 2003, Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan – 2009,National Water Policy 1999, National Fisheries Policy 1998, National Jolmohal Policy 2009,National Forest Policy 1994, National Land Use Policy 2001, National Agriculture Policy1999, National Industrial Policy 2016 etc. and focused on the gaps of these policies on haorcontext.

The draft keynote paper is included in Annex-4.

Open Discussion

Mr. Syed Enamul Haque Raja, Chairman, Najirabad Upazila Parishad and Editor,Ramediya Resource Management Organization (RMO) raised his concern about fishing indry season in beels (small waterbody) by influential persons which eventually hasdiminished the stock of fisheries in the region. He also proposed to revise regulations ofleasing beels/haors and suggested to provide lease of such waterbodies to socialorganization.

Mentioning the lack of coordination among various department of government, Dr.Mrityunjoy Kunda, Assistant Professor and Chairman, Department of Aquatic ResourceManagement, Sylhet Agriculture University suggested to establish coordination betweendifferent departments of government and requested to take initiatives relating to haorconservation and improvement collectively. He expressed his concern on constructingbridge/culvert in haor areas without informing Department of Fisheries. Moreover, it is notmonitored whether the natural movement of fish is being disturbed or the stock of fish isimpacted.


He feared that soil and watercondition of Tanguar Haor havegradually become acidic, resultingin scarcity of fishes whichultimately has a negative effect onrevenue generation ofgovernment. He also added thatthose who lease beel, also tend tobuild high boundary/dam aroundthe beel which is against the law.For this reason, when water levelfalls, fishes get trapped inside thestructure and fish migration is

stopped.

He emphasized on conducting a robust and rigorous Baseline Survey on haor beforepreparing a development plan focusing on this natural habitat. He also gave importanceto community based management (CBM) of haors to establish fish sanctuary and ensureits sustainability.

Bringing up the matter of filling up of Hail haor, Mr. Md. Feroz Mia, retired school teacherand former UP Chairman, Mirzaur, Shreemongol, said that due to deposition of silt andsand through small canals from hills of the southern part, the west and eastern side of Hailhaor is losing its natural depth. Referring to research earlier conducted by CNRS, he saidthat if such deposition continues, the bottom of haor will be filled up by one (1) meter inevery 10 years.

Mr. M. Sajaul Haque, school teacher, Jamirunnesa Academy, Fenchuganj, Sylhet,informed that ‘kapori’ net for fishing is banned in Hakaluki haor. However, influentialpeople are still using this specific type of net and endangering different species of fishes.He also said that excessive use of pesticides in paddy cultivation is degrading the landquality. In Hakaluki Haor dry season has become a threat to most of birds and fishes.

Informing various initiatives taken by the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Md. Shahjahan,Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture Extension, Moulvibazar, said that hisdepartment is encouraging farmers to cultivate short term paddy such as- Bina 8, 9, 10 andhigh yielding variety - BIRI 28 and 29. He suggested that if the farmers use Rice Planter andRice Reaper for sowing and reaping of paddy, the calendar of rice production will beshortened to avoid early onslaught of flood.

Referring Hakaluki Haor, Mr. Mihir Kumar Doe, Divisional Forest Officer, WildlifeManagement and Nature Protection Division, Sylhet said that once there was abundantforest of Hijol and Koroch tree in Hakaluki Haor, which was safe habitat for wildlife andbirds. Today, that forest has almost vanished. Agricultural activities and fish farm in thehaor areas have destroyed the forest of Hijol and Koroch. He said that despite having anenormous area, there are limited numbers of trees in haors, so birds have to move tohuman habitat areas. He also mentioned that 50% of total wild cat rescued from haor areaare found to be dead.


He suggested for dedicating 10% of haor land for forestation in order to maintain theremaining habitat. He also urged for proper enforcement of law for protecting haors andnatural habitat within.

Mr. Arif Mohammad Faisal, Program Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh said that haors cannotbe saved only by announcing Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). It is also important toprepare ECA management law and ensure its enforcement.

He informed that GIZ is assessing the threats and risks of climate change throughout thecountry. Given the uniqueness of the Hoar areas, if GIZ assessment doesn’t consider haorareas separately - a new and exclusive assessment should be conducted. He stated that aneconomic assessment was done, about 10 years back, in haor area by UNDP under CoastalWetland and Biodiversity Resource Management Project. That study urged to conductsuch study again for assessing economic valuation of the haor resources.

Mr. M. Idris Ai, Secretary, Shreemongol Press Club said that, illegal fish farm are beingestablished in the khas lands of haor and this have created a negative effect on naturalmovement of fish as well as breeding. He suggested for providing lease to socialorganizations instead of individuals and to ensure involvement of people/communityfrom all occupation by revising waterbody regulations.

Admiring the co-management system for reserved area by Department of Forest, Mr.Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Moulvibazarurged that same concept of co-management system should be applied for wetlandmanagement.

He informed that “Hijol” “Koroch” forestation in haor area by Department of Forest hascollapsed due to lack of maintenance. He proposed to include aquatic forestation undersocial forestation regulation. Focusing on siltation and filling up of haor areas, he statedthat generally flood occurs in haor area due to heavy rainfall and flash flood in India. Thisissue should be taken up by the Joint River Commission (JRC). Water Development Boardcan facilitate this case as they are providing support to the JRC from the Bangladesh side.

Dr. Narayan Saha, Professor, Department of Forest and Environmental Science, ShahajalalUniversity of Science and Technology, Sylhet suggested for using knowledge of localpeople of all occupations living in the area for proper management of haor. He alsoemphasized the importance of introducing Natural Resource Management (NRM).


REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE GUESTS

Mr. Fakrul Ahsan, ProjectManager, SSIP Project, UNDP saidthat it is not possible for theGovernment to addressenvironmental issues only byintroducing policy. For effectivemanagement of natural resourcesas well as safeguardingenvironment and to face climaterelated disaster Mr. Ahsanemphasized for buildingpartnership with local people. Astheir life and livelihoods dependson natural resources of hoars; sotheir ownership is a key for maintaining the bio-diversity and ecological balance of thehoars areas. He also urged on the importance of incorporating local knowledge informulating any type of policy for the hoar areas at national level.

He called for strengthening the capacity of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), thenational statistical organization (NSO) of the country, so that up to date information ofwetland, fisheries and resources of the haor areas can be generated. He also highlightedthe needs for breaking silos and to establish coordination among Govt.ministries/departments/agencies working in the hoar areas.

The Guest of Honour of theworkshop, Director General,Department of Bangladesh Haorand Wetland Development, Mr.Md. Majibur Rahman,mentioned that haors areimportant for Bangladesheconomy, as it is the 2nd largestsweet water reservoir for fish; it isone of the unique biodiversityheritages in the world. Thisheritage honors the people livingin haor areas.

He stressed on the need fordiversification of agricultural products in haors areas as people living in the area dependon only one crop, i.e. paddy. Department of Agriculture should promote this programme.The social safety net (SSN) programme should be intensified and new programme belaunched to improve livelihood opportunities of the people living in the haor areas.

Referring to the Haor Master Plan, he informed that 145 projects have been identified byvarious departments of 37 ministries. Once the plan is in full operation, poverty situationof the haor areas will improve remarkably.


The Special Guest of theworkshop, Ms. Shaila Khan,Senior Programme Advisor(Assistant Country Director),UNDP Bangladesh appreciatedfree and frank discussion andopinion expressed by thestakeholders concerning thedevelopment of haors. She saidcombined efforts of allstakeholders are required formaintaining a balance in haltingthe bio-diversity and ecologydegradation and opening upopportunities for the poor living in the hoars. It is not possible for the government alonenor development partners or any particular groups to ensure the development andsustainability of haors. Holistic approach in management and development of haors wouldbe much more effective.

Ms. Khan also mentioned that haor not only has environmental aspect but also hassocioeconomic aspect. She recommended for involvement of private sector andinfluential businessmen in the discourse of haor development. Once they are motivatedby assessing long-term business opportunities and gain, they will invest in haor areas andalternate opportunities for the people living on the resources of haor will open up.Thereby, people dependence on the Hoar resources should be considerably reduced.

She gave emphasis on ensuring participation of women in all spheres of development.Finally she recalled the successful implementation of Hijol and Koroch forestation by CNRSfunded by UNDP at the Hakaluki Haor.

The Chief Guest, Professor Dr.Shamsul Alam, Member (SeniorSecretary), General EconomicsDivision (GED), PlanningCommission, in his remarkshighlighted the importance ofHoars in the Bangladesh’seconomy. The theme of the 7FYPof Bangladesh is empowering itscitizen; this stem from the spirit ofinclusive and resilient society. TheHoars development issue hasbeen strongly emphasized in thedocument. He said that awareness

to save the natural resources has increased among the people of all walks of life. Referringto the different initiatives taken by the GoB for the development of haor, he pointed outthat GoB has established Department of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development,prepared Haor Development Master Plan, established fish sanctuary and created groupsto protect haor by involving local people.


He underlined different aspects of haor development. The Chief Guest considers thatproper knowledge should be acquired for development and management of haor areas.He urged for conducting benchmark surveys and research on the hoars.

He agreed that declaring sanctuary is not enough; involvement of local people inmanagement of Haor and building awareness among them on natural resourcemanagement is imperative. Dr. Alam advised the local govt. officials, political leaders, localelites, businessmen and NGOs to work together and play active role in protecting the hoarresources and improving the living condition of the people surrounding the hoars. Hesupported the idea of providing lease of beel to community based organizations.

He mentioned that the marginalized farmer might not be able to bear the cost for usingthe Rice Planter and Rice Reaper machine, Mr. Alam asked the local govt. to provideinterest free/low interest loan to those farmers. He emphasized on using advancedtechnologies like GM Seed, Tissue Culture, and Green House Agriculture technology. Whilehe recommended for promoting commercial agriculture he also stressed upon reducingdependence on agriculture. In the developed country like Netherlands and Japan only1.5% people involved in the agriculture whereas in Bangladesh 47% people involved inthe agriculture, resulting in excessive use of human resources, he opined.

Finally, he thanked the UNDP, particularly SSIP project for organizing the workshop on thisimportant topic and CNRS for excellent management. He also expressed his gratitude toall participants for their presence and fruitful contribution.

In his speech as the Chair of the Workshop, Mr. Md. Kamrul Hasan, DeputyCommissioner, Moulvibazar saidthat the haor and heels are thelandmark of exceptional naturalresources of Moulvibazar.Referring to the leasing policy, heinformed that the Govt. has takenthe initiative of “Zal Zar, Jola Tar(who has the fishing net has rightin wetland)” policy formanagement of waterbodies. Healso mentioned somediscrepancies in the leasing policyand assured for takingappropriate measures in future.

Giving the example of Moulvibazar, Mr. Hasan said that industrialization will take placewith specific plan, by using suitable land, not by using haor land areas and destroyingnatural resources. He urged to be strict in safeguarding the natural habitat and theresources within.

He hoped that information gathered in the workshop will play a vital role in formulatingpolicy planning and programme implementation. Finally, he closed the workshop byoffering his thanks to the organizers and the participants.


RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE WORKSHOP

Most of the recommendations from the workshop are also reflected in the HaorDevelopment Master Plan. This section sketches a few recommendations that did notreceive much attention in the Plan as well as reiterated by the workshop participants.

Establishment of Ecotourism

Establishment of ecotourism in haor areas will result in higher income and living standardsfor local people. It is likely to stimulate the rural economy by creating demand for localproducts. To do so, it is imperative to build and improve infrastructure in the haor areas,particularly he road infrastructure. A detail plan on the development of ecotourism can beprepared in light of Haor Development Master Plan.

Engagement of Private Sector in Haor Development

Considering the vastness of the haor basin, it is realized that only government initiatives isnot enough for the development of the area; engagement of private sector can push thelocal economy around the haor basin. The possibilities of PPP should be explored.

Comprehensive Data and Rigorous Research

A comprehensive Baseline Survey on Haor and its resources is required for preparing anydevelopment plan. Lack of credible and representative data of this region constrains theeffective policy making. National level policy makers have little understanding of thereality of this region because of paucity of credible data and robust analysis. Further,research outcome largely depends on quality data. It is observed that literature on thedevelopment issues of haor areas is inadequate and so is the availability of quality data.Therefore, a comprehensive survey on the hoars should be conducted covering the issuessuch as socioeconomics, biodiversity, water management, climate change, etc. This isprerequisite for effective development planning and quality research.

Coordination among Government Agencies

A number of government agencies are working in the haor areas. Sometimes, initiative ofone agency remains unknown to other agency; as a result the risk of duplication of efforts(projects/programme) is noticeable leading to wastage of public resources. Moreover,construction project of one agency in haor areas sometimes is contested by other agency,as non-coordinated infrastructure construction obstruct free flow of water and waterspecies movement, destroys the forestation efforts and endanger environment andbiodiversity. To minimize these negative effects, the silos should be dismantled and strongcoordination among all govt. agencies working in haor areas be established.

Inclusion on Economic Importance of Haor in National Curriculum

Haor area is enriched with valuable aquatic flora and fauna including different species offish, other natural resources and natural habitat. The haor basin has its ecological andeconomic importance. The haor basin plays a vital role in the growth of the country.


Therefore, it is time to incorporate the economic importance on the Hoar areas in thenational curriculum, particularly for the pupils of the hoar districts, so that the newgeneration can understand their economic and environmental significance. That willmade them aware of the importance of maintaining the environmental and enologicalcharacteristic of large water bodies and act accordingly when they enter in business andjob market.


Annex-1

Programme Schedule for Workshop on‘Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas’

29 August, 2016Venue: Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Moulvibazar, Sylhet

TIME AGENDA PERSONNEL

10:00-10:05 Welcome Speech Mr. Naquib Bin Mahbub, Chief, GED & NPD,SSIP Project of UNDP

10:05-10:35Presentation on ‘Environment and ClimateChange Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas’

Dr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman, ExecutiveDirector, Center for Natural Resource Studies(CNRS)

10:35-11:35 Open Discussion Workshop participants11:35-11:55 Refreshment

11:55-12:15 Wrap-up Mr. Fakrul Ahsan, Project Manager, SSIP,UNDP Bangladesh

12:15-12:25 RemarksMr. Md. Majibur Rahman, Director General,Department of Bangladesh Haor andWetland Development

12:25-12:35 Remarks Nick Beresford, Deputy Country Director,UNDP Bangladesh

12:35-12:50 Concluding remarksProf. Dr. Shamsul Alam, Member (SeniorSecretary), General Economics Division(GED), Planning Commission

12:50-01:00 Closing of the Workshop Md. Kamrul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner,Moulvibazar

01:00 Lunch


Annex-2

List of Participants of the Workshop‘Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas’

29 August, 2016Venue: Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Moulvibazar, Sylhet

Sl. # Name Designation Organization E-mail PhoneGeneral Economics Division (GED)

1 Dr. Shamsul Alam Member (SeniorSecretary)

General Economics Division(GED), Planning Commission

[email protected] 01730075299

2 Naquib Bin Mahbub Chief General Economics Division(GED), Planning Commission


3 Mirza Ashfaqur Rahman Deputy Chief IE Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


4 Dr. Md. Taibur Rahman Senior Assistant Chief IW Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


5 Md. Mahbubul Alam Siddiquee Senior Assistant Chief PAM Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


6 Murtuza Zulkar Nain Noman Senior Assistant Chief IE Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


7 Ms. Kohinoor Akter Assistant Chief PAM Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


8 Josefa Yesmin Assistant Chief PAM Wing, GED, PlanningCommission


9 Mohammad AsaduzzamanSarker

PS to Member (GED) General Economics Division(GED), Planning Commission


SSIP Project10 Fakrul Ahsan Project Manager Support to Sustainable &

Inclusive Planning (SSIP), [email protected] 01720056098

11 Kazi Iqbal Senior Economist Support to Sustainable &Inclusive Planning (SSIP), UNDP


12 Ummea Saima Planning Specialist Support to Sustainable & [email protected] 01711573691


Sl. # Name Designation Organization E-mail PhoneInclusive Planning (SSIP), UNDP

13 A Z M Saleh KM & ResearchCoordinator

Support to Sustainable &Inclusive Planning (SSIP), UNDP


14 Quazi Mustafizur Rahman Communications andAdvocacy Specialist



15 Md. Shahadut HossainMazumder

Finance and AdminManager



16 Md. Anisar Rahaman Project Assistant Support to Sustainable &Inclusive Planning (SSIP), UNDP


Country Office, UNDP17 Shaila Khan Programme Adviser Country Office, UNDP [email protected] 0173031713018 Palash Kanti Das Assistant Country

DirectorCountry Office, UNDP [email protected] 01729221111

19 Arif Mohammad Faisal Programme Specialist(CCED Cluster)

Country Office, UNDP [email protected] 01824804742

Others Ministry/Department20 Md. Majibur Rahman Director General Department of Bangladesh

Haor and WetlandDevelopment


21 Md. Nurul Amin Director (Admin &Finance)

Department of BangladeshHaor and WetlandDevelopment


22 Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan Deputy Director(Admin & Finance)

Department of BangladeshHaor and WetlandDevelopment


23 Md. Mozahed Hossain Joint Secretary Ministry of Environment &Forest


24 Md. Khalilur Rahman Joint Secretary Ministry of Water Resources [email protected] 01915860505Local Participants

25 Md. Kamrul Hasan Deputy Comissioner District Administration,Moulvibazar


26 Prakash Kanti Chowdhury ADC (Rev) District Administration,Moulvibazar


27 Mohammad Mashooqur ADC (General) District Administration, adcgeneralmoulvibazar@mopa. 01712714063


Sl. # Name Designation Organization E-mail PhoneRahman Sikder Moulvibazar gov.bd

28 Mihir Kumar Doe Divisional ForestOfficer

Wildlife Management & NatureProtection Division, Sylhet


29 Md. Shahjahan Deputy Director Department of AgricultureExtension

[email protected]

01788594302

30 Md. Foizur Rob Executive Engineer Water Development Board,Moulvibazar


31 Dr. Hedayet Ullah ULO (DLO- In charge) Department of Livestock,Moulvibazar


32 Md. Shahidul Haque UNO Upazilla Administration,Sreemongal


33 S M Abdulla Al Mamun UNO Upazilla Administration,Baralekha


34 Bishwagith Kumer Paul AC-Land Upazilla Administration [email protected] 0171145438535 Ashraful Alam Agriculture Extension

OfficerDepartment of AgricultureExtension, Baralekha


36 Md. Shah Paran Verterinery Surgeon Department of Livestock,Baralekha


37 Dr. Narayan Saha Professor, Departmentof Forestry andEnvironmental Science

Shahjalal University of Scienceand Technology, Sylhet


38 Dr. Romel Ahmed Associate Professor,Department ofForestry andEnvironmental Science

Shahjalal University of Scienceand Technology, Sylhet


39 Dr. Mrityunjoy Kunda Chairman, Departmentof Aquatic ResourceManagement

Sylhet Agricultural University,Sylhet


40 Dr. Mohammad Samiul AhsanTalukder

Associate Professor,Department ofAgroforestry andEnvironmental Science

Sylhet Agricultural University,Sylhet


41 Professor Dr. Md. Nesawar Miah Head, Department ofBotany

M. C College, Sylhet [email protected] 01715451179


Sl. # Name Designation Organization E-mail Phone42 Javed Bin Siddique Director - Programme Prochesta, Kulaura, Moulvibazar [email protected] 0171253209343 Syed Enamul Haque Raja CBO Representative Nazirabad, Moulvibazar 0171148455544 Syed Nesar Ahmed President, SONAC Sreemongal [email protected] 0167816755545 Md. Firoz Mia Retired School Teacher

& Ex. UP ChairmanMirzapur, Sreemongal 01716262750

46 Md. Shajaul Haque School Teacher Jamirunnesa Academy,Fenchuganj, Sylhet

01735468501

47 Akmol Hussain Nipu DistrictCorrespondent,Prothom-alo

Prothom-alo, Moulvibazar [email protected] 01711181373

48 Biswajyoti Chowdhury District Correspondent Daily Jugantor, Moulvibazar [email protected] 0171100715349 Biswajit Bhattacharjee Bapon Reporter Banglanews24.com,


50 M Idris Ali Secretary, SreemangolPress club

Sreemongal [email protected] 01718601447

51 S. M. Umed Ali District Correspondent NTV, Moulvibazar [email protected] 0171192011652 Mintu Deshwara District Correspondent The Daily Star, Moulvibazar [email protected] 01733952233


Annex-3

PowerPoint Presentation on the Keynote Paper


Annex-4

Media Coverage


Annex-5

Keynote Paper (Draft)

Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor Areas of Bangladesh

Dr. M. Mokhlesur RahmanExecutive Director

Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS)

Abstract(To be written after the workshop)

1. IntroductionHaor, a unique ecosystem characterized by its deeply flooded low lying basin at the north-eastern part of Bangladesh located at the foothills of Meghalaya, India. The basin is largeand comprised of parts of seven districts, namely Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj,Moulvibazar, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria and Netrokona covering an area of 20,022 squarekilometers (GoB, 2012). There are 373 haors (7 districts, 29 upazilas and 164 unions) ofsmall, medium and large seizes with distinct boundaries.

Hydrologically, haor is unique as most of its area remains under water for 6-7 months ofthe year (May-October) leaving the villages as isolated islands. As such, the haorcommunities divide the year in to two broad seasons, viz. borsha (wet monsoon) and“hemanta” (dry winter). This unique sequence of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystemstransforming one after another, have been supporting livelihood opportunities for haordwellers with its diverse goods and services over years. In the dry season, boro rice(irrigated winter rice) farming is the major livelihood activity of haor communities wherelandless poor also gain financial benefits by engaging in farming related wage laboring,gleaning and getting share of harvested crops. In the wet season, when the entire haorregion is flooded, fishing forms the major livelihood options for many and most of themare poor and marginalized. However, from the later part of the monsoon (Octoberonwards) access to fishing is ceased by the leaseholders of jolmohals (wetlands). Asmentioned, major ecosystem services upon which local livelihood options and economydepend include fishing and fisheries related trading, rice farming, boating, hunting &gleaning, wage laboring in sand & stone mines, etc. However, of all these, fisheries and ricefarming are the two major livelihoods and economic activities of haor dwellers.

Although the haor area is rich in having diverse natural resources, it is also highly exposedto multiplicity of hazards that are now being exacerbated due to the effects of recentphenomenon of global climate change. As such, the communities and resources systemsare increasingly being exposed to risks and threats at an alarming rate, which if, goesunabated, it is most likely that the haor would face a serious consequence of resourcedepletion with resultant violent conflicts among competing resource users, increasedpoverty, exclusion and social crisis. However, there exist huge potential to develop andsustain the agriculture and natural resources systems including livelihood enhancement ofhaor communities through shaping relevant development policies and institutionalprocesses in executing policy directives in a manner that support pro-poor and pro-environmental development in line of attaining the globally set targets of sustainable


development goals (SDGs). With this backdrop, the UNDP assisted SSIP (Support toSustainable and Inclusive Planning) project has supported to develop this paper aiming atanalyzing policy gaps in the context of environment and climate change in haor areas andsuggest ways to support sustainable development of haor resources in the face of climatechange impacts.

2. Social-ecological systems of haor basinThe haor region covers an estimated area of 1.99 million ha (BHWDB, 2012) which isapproximately 13.5% of country’s total area. Around 19.37 million people (BBS, 2001census) live in haor region which is around 12% of the country’s total population. Out of10.57 million ha rice cultivation area of Bangladesh, haor region covers 1.74 million hawhich is 16% of grand total (GoB, 2012). These figures suggest that the land and waterproductivity of haor is much higher compared to other areas of the country. Althoughpeople can grow only one rice crop a year in haor basin due to submergence of land inmonsoon, if not damaged by flashfloods or hailstorm, haor become self-sufficient in riceand the surplus is exported to feed people of other areas of the country. An estimated 5.25million metric ton of rice is produced in haor region in damage-free condition which is18% of Bangladesh’s total rice production (GoB, 2012). Higher productivity is mainly dueto deposition of flood-borne silt maintains high fertility of land that naturally renewedevery year. It is not only rice production, haor is also richest in inland capture fisheriesproduction and biodiversity.

Haor is a unique wetland ecosystem which not only subject to monsoon flooding, a largenumbers of wetlands (beels) in each haor basin retain water year round which providesuitable dry season habitats for diverse species of fishes and other wetland dependentbiota. Some of the haors are very large (such as Hakaluki Haor, Halir Haor, Pangner Haor,Dekhar Haor, Hail Haor, Tanguar Haor etc.) and with many perennial wetlands/beels inthem provide home for fish and wildlife including huge numbers of migratory birds. Thehaor region has an estimated fish habitat area of around 967,000 ha which contributesnearly 20% of the total inland fish production (GoB, 2012). According to experts’ views,capture fisheries in haor is the richest and treated as the mother fisheries of the country asthe fish stock get dispersed to adjacent water bodies during monsoon and support naturalproduction of fish beyond the haor ecosystem. Haor is one of the major sources of inlandfish to various districts of the country including Dhaka city and a large amount of fish fromthe haor is also exported to aboard mainly in the UK, USA and Middle Eastern countries.There are thousands of poor households subsist on fishing in haor and fish trading formajor parts of the year as their main livelihood options. Besides, haor also supports theremnants of freshwater swamp forests and reed land in Bangladesh which is under seriousthreats of being lost.

Swamp forests and reed land is one of the characteristic feature of haor. This forest isdominated by two species of trees namely hijal (Barringtonia acutangula) and koroch(Pongamia pinnata) which do not die even if they remain under water for six monthsduring monsoon. There are patches of swamp forests at the edges of wetlands or haors indifferent areas of the greater haor basin. The Ratargul swamp forest is in Sylhet under themanagement of Forest Department (FD), but its major areas have been encroached andconverted to crop land by the local people. Still the Ratargul forest attract thousands ofvisitors from different parts of the country ever year and some local people who ply boatsget benefits from visitors have high potential for operating a managed or guidedecotourism with co-benefits of local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Efforts arebeing made by the FD through its CREL project to initiate co-management approaches to


protect and enhance the Ratargul forests and facilitate community engaged, planned andguided ecotourism so that the forest is not harmed while at the same local communitiesare benefited. Haor is also home for diverse migratory birds.

Vast low lying wetlands with patches swamp forests crisscrossed by rivers and canals ofhaor provide unique habitats for diverse species of resident and migratory birds includingmigratory water fowls. Some wetlands from within the haor area have been designated bythe national and international experts as “international birding areas” (viz. Tanguar Haor,Hakaluki Haor, Hail Haor, Panger Haor, etc.) and every year the experts conduct birdcensus and report to a global repository. Although forbidden by state law, some localpeople hunt birds every year for selling and consumptions for their livelihoods, itsintensity is reported to reducing.

Besides, approximately 22% of country’s total cattle population and more than 24% ofcountry’s total duck production comes from haor region (GoB, 2012). Pearl mussels arereportedly available in natural environment of haor. The region is enriched with around269,005 ha forest resources, valuable minerals and energy resources (GoB, 2012).

Besides these renewable natural resources, haor is also rich in having non-renewableresources like natural gas, sand and stones including the country’s only crude oil mine hasbeen explored in the haor region so far.

The Haor ecosystems serves as: Biodiversity hotspots and home for varieties of migratory birds including water

flows, and various wetland dependent wildlife. Hakaluki Haor (Moulvibazar district) and Tanguar Haor (Sunamganj district) are

declared as Ecologically Critiacal area (ECA) and RAMSAR site respectively. Baikka Beel is the only national wetland permanent sanctuary being managed by

community groups located in Hail Haor, Sreemonagl upazila of Moulvibazar districtunder the guidance of local administration.

Tourist spots - Ratargul swamp forest, Baikka Beel wetland sanctuary, hilly riversystems in Tamabil and Jaflong areas, Madhhobkunda forest and water fall, Teaestates, Lauachhora, Remakalenga, Satchari and Khadimnagar Forest ProtectedAreas (PAs) are the prominent tourist spots in the region.

Large low lying basin act as reservoir for rain and flood water and thereby reducedamage risks of flooding.

Source of recharging ground water. Source of drinking water. Wetland contributes in pollution abetment and increase soil fertility.

Despite having these diverse resource systems that supports livelihoods of localcommunities, haor is lagging behind in many development indicators as well as its higherextent of exposure to multiple natural hazards. From the standpoint of contextual issues,vulnerability of haor communities can be considered as the highest in terms of its higherexposure and higher sensitivity to disaster shocks including lower adaptive capacity toaddress such threats (Toufique & Islam, 2014).

3. Vulnerabilities of Haor communitiesHaor is a remote setting where due to complex hydro and geo-morphological dynamics,living standards of majority of haor communities is poor. Five haor districts are recognized


as the worst performer in the MDG composite index while two other haor districts presentbelow average performance (UNICEF MICS survey, 2009). The Haor Master Plan states that29.56% of population in haor areas live below lower poverty line. Around 28.5% of haorpopulation are completely unemployed and the illiteracy level is 38% on average. The rateof primary school enrollment is 71% but the school dropout rate is around 44% in haorregion.

Having one of the poorest road communication networks in terms of connectivity with themain land, 11 haor upazilas are not connected with road network system (GoB, 2012).Agriculture works are seasonal covering only 4-5 months a year during dry season andmostly a single cropped area.

On an average, 44.25% haor people use sanitary latrines having the poorest coverage inNetrokona (35%). Haor districts have a very low coverage of drinking water source and inmany areas ground water is contaminated with arsenic. Sunamgonj has the lowest use ofelectricity utility with only 17kWh per capita followed by Kishoregonj and Netrokona (GoB,2012). Key features of communities in haor basin is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Key features of vulnerability of haor communitiesDrivers ofVulnerability

Features of Vulnerability

Natural Continental plate subsidence causing enlargement of haor area.Empirical data shows that the region has subsided 30-40 feet in thelast several hundred years.

Situating just below the hilly terrain, excess rainfall in upstreamMeghalayan hills, India (major catchment of haor) results early flashfloods in haor area cause huge damage of boro rice.

Sedimentation of rivers and wetland beds and recurrent sandcarpeting of fertile crop land due to flash floods making themunsuitable for crop production.

Anthropogenic Filling up haor area for construction of housing, industries andagricultural activities.

Conversion of wetlands and kanda1 land for agriculture and otherpurposes affecting ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Unplanned and overfishing, fishing during breeding seasons and bydrying out of wetlands affecting fish production and fisheriesbiodiversity.

Depletion of wildlife biodiversity- hunting of wetland dependent birdsincluding migratory water fowls

Faulty leasing and resultant over-exploitation depleting swampforests which are now only available in haor basins.

Pollution from point and non-point sources are in increasing trend. Unplanned development work and increasing growth of industries in

fertile land near rivers and wetlands will increase pollution load withconsequent adverse impacts on ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Flashfloods and Afal2 (strong wave during monsoon inundation) for few days are commonnatural disaster in haor region that have a yearlong affect. On average, flashfloods hits

1 Raised land along the edges of rivers and wetlands that were used to be under swamp forests and reed landnow being cleared and converted for farming and settlements


haor areas and destroy crops every 2-3 years. Village erosion and Arsenic contamination ofground water are also reported to be severe in many areas of haor basin. However, variousstudies, workshops, conventions are organized by NGOs and civil society organizationswith the encouragement of member of parliaments (MPs) and journalists, haor is gettingdue attention from the government for its overall development.

4. Haor Advocacy Platform (HAP): A Civil Society InitiativeWith a view to address peoples’ swelled sufferings in the Haor region, variousorganizations including Oxfam, CNRS, ActionAid, Concern Worldwide, CARE, Islamic Relief,NSS, POPY, among others, have been working for a long time and doing advocacyactivities to sensitize policy stakeholders. To this end, as a vehicle, a Haor AdvocacyPlatform (HAP) - a multi-stakeholders’ platform is formed to facilitate efforts and initiativesto bring all actors under a common and single platform. CNRS has been performing as theSecretariat of the HAP since its inception in 2010. It is understood that without raising thevoices of the people collectively, bringing changes for the disadvantaged haorcommunities would remain as a difficult task. With this objective in mind HAP is striving toraise collective voices to achieve a lasting change in the lives and livelihoods of the haorcommunities while maintaining its natural asset bases. It is expected that the proposedworkshop of SSIP would act as a conduit for transmitting issues and community voices ofhaor to policy stakeholders. Recent initiatives of the government is encouraging tosupport to ensure development of haor region deserve much appreciation.

5. Haor in the National Development Strategies

5.1 Institutional development aiming at Haor developmentUpgradation of “Haor and Wetland Development Board” and reconfigured it in to“Department of Haor and Wetland Development (DoHWD)” in 2014 is the testimony ofseriousness of the government on haor development issues. The aim of formation of thisnew department is to achieve a holistic and sustainable development of haor andwetlands resources of the country including the population dependent on these naturalresources. Although the formation of DoHWD is very recent (2014), its journey wasinitiated four decades back and had to pass through various hurdles and finally has takenthis shape.

Following are the timeline of evolution of current DoHWD: 1974 – Realizing the necessity, the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur

Rahman first instructed to form a Haor and Wetland Development Board aiming atdesigning strategies to develop the social-ecological systems of the greater hoarbasins.

1977 - Through issuance of government order, “Haor and Wetland DevelopmentBoard” was constituted on 4th February 1977 can be considered as the firstmilestone in the road to haor development.

1982 - After five years of journey, the then military government abolished theboard on 21st September 1982.

2000 – After eight years of official closure, with the initiative of Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina, the “Haor and Wetland Development Board” was formed under theMinistry of Water Resources.

2 Frequently happens during monsoon flooding time – sudden natural storm causes strong wave actions thatlimits boat movements - the only means of transportation in Haor and erodes village mounds.


2015 - With a view to enhance the capacity and widen the scope, government hasupgraded the board and renamed as the “Bangladesh Department of Haor andWetland Development (BDoHWD)” on 4 June 2015.

5.2 Haor in Seventh Five Year PlanThe recommendations of Haor Master Plan is given due consideration in the 7th FYP for thefirst time and thus, it is envisaged that the implementation of Haor Master Plan will getmomentum from now onwards. The 7th FYP states "the overall objective of disastermanagement during 7th FYP is to build resilience of the poor and reduce their exposureand vulnerability to geo-hydro-meteorological hazards, environmental shocks, man-madedisasters, emerging hazards and climate related extreme events to make our cities, humanhabitat and resources safe, resilient and sustainable".

According to 7th FYP, priority will be given to address the problem areas (like hills, coastal,haor and barind areas) that are more prone to weather vagaries and that haveproportionately higher populations of poor and vulnerable people while The NationalAgricultural Research System (NARS) institutes will generate the demand-led agriculturaltechnologies (varieties and management practices) and information and scale-upimproved technologies including validation trials. One of the major researchable areas byNARS institutes is addressing the problem areas (like hills, coastal, haor, beels, and charland and barind areas) that are more prone to climate-induced shocks. The 7th FYP planson initiatives for Inland capture fisheries focuses on conservation and sustainablemanagement and emphasizing fish availability in the rivers, estuaries, beel, haor, baor,Kaptai Lakes and the Sundarbans where fisheries are on declining trend.

5.3 Master Plan of Haor AreaGovernment has developed a “Haor Development Master Plan and a Database” to ensuresustainable development of 2 crore inhabitants of haor areas (GoB, 2012). Under this plan,153 projects are proposed to implement under 18 thematic areas (including capacitybuilding of Haor and Wetland Development Board) at different time scales on a prioritybasis over a period of 20 years starting from 2012 (Table 2).

Table 2: Recommended projects identified under the Haor Development Master Plan(2012-2032)

Development area Number of proposed projectsTotal

projectsShort term(1-5 years)

Mediumterm

(6-10 years)

Long term(11-20years)

1.Water resources 8 7 1 02.Agriculture 20 7 10 33.Fisheries 22 3 9 104.Pearl culture 1 0 0 15.Biodiversity & WetlandManagement

9 3 6 0

6.Forest 6 0 0 67.Livestock 10 2 8 08.Water supply and Sanitation 2 2 0 09.Transportation andCommunication

15 10 5 0

10.Education 7 4 3 011.Health 16 8 8 0


Development area Number of proposed projectsTotal

projectsShort term(1-5 years)

Mediumterm

(6-10 years)

Long term(11-20years)

12.Housing and Settlements 1 1 0 013.Social facilities 6 0 5 114.Tourism 13 5 4 415.Industry 9 9 0 016.Power and Energy 4 0 4 017.Mineral Resources 3 3 0 018. Capacity building of HWDB 1 1 0 0Total 153 65 63 25

6. Policy Gap Analysis in the context of Haor areasIn this section various relevant national polices are analyzed to in the context of theunique features of haor basin as described in the above sections. In doing so, we haveconsidered following policies that have higher relevance to haor ecosystems:

1. National Environmental Policy -20132. Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan – 20093. National Water Policy -19994. National Fisheries Policy -19985. National Jolmohal policy - 20096. National Forest Policy -19947. National Land use policy - 20018. National Agriculture Policy -19999. National Industrial Policy - 2010

Outcomes of above mentioned policy analysis in line of the unique features of haor arebriefly described in the following sub-section.

6.1 Environmental policy 2013The Bangladesh National Environmental Policy is formulated in 2013, can be treated asrecent encompassing relevant contemporary issues. This policy comprises twenty threedifferent relevant issues seemed to have comprehensive coverage relevant toenvironment as a cross cutting theme. However, our review is focused on haor area thuswhile analyzing the policy we have tried to relate the policy aspects in line ofcorresponding features/issues of the haor basin (Table 3).

Table 3: Different issues of environmental policyCategory Article number

/referencesComments

1.Land 3.1.10 Common propertyresource bases (viz. KhasRiver, canal, beel, haor,baor, etc.) should beidentified and protectedand their status cannot bechanged or re-classified. ACommon Property Actshould be enacted toprotect commonproperties.

This statement is much appreciated as this ifexecuted. Would positively contribute to pro-poor and pro-environmental development inthe country. However, besdies wetlands,there are considerable area of other landtypes in viz. kanda land and swamp forestedland in haor should be treated as commonproperty and protected that need mention inrelevant sectoral policies. Moreover,ecosystems that are under co-managementproject should be sustained for lasting


Category Article number/references

Comments

development and achieving SDGs2. Waterresources

3.2.9 Adopt IntegratedWater ResourceManagement (IWRM)principle. With a view toconserve and rational useof wetlands and to ensuretheir environmentalmanagement andconservation ofbiodiversity all localstakeholders should beinvolved.

3.2.20 - Ecosystems that areseverely affected/degraded should bedeclared as EcologicallyCritical Area (ECA) andProtected Area andmeasures to be undertakento restore the ecosystems

3.2.24 - Plan andimplement actions aimingat conserving anddeveloping reed andswamp forests

3.2.38. Instead of allocatingdead or dried up rivers andcanals forcultivation/farming orinfrastructuraldevelopment, these riversand canals should berestored

This policy directive is fine, enabling and longdemanding. However, wetland managementpolicy-2009 of the MoL said only theregistered fishers’ cooperatives will get theaccess to wetlands (mainly fishing rights),which contradicts with the environmentpolicy 2013. Steps to be taken to makecoherent policies across relevant sectors onissues that cross cut multiple sectors. It shouldhave link with water policy (regarding (IWRM)and implementation of IWRM requiresinvolvement of other sectors as well viz.agriculture, fisheries, livestock, industry,tourism, navigation, etc.

ECA declaration and management is a goodinitiative but ECAs are declared when anecosystem has already faced some forms ofdegradation. It is good to save the systems tocollapse. However, it is also important todeclare existing ecosystems that are in goodstate as “biodiversity hotspots” (BHs) and takemeasures not only to protect but alsoimprove and maintain ecosystem functions.

This is highly relevant to haor area. However,until recently swamp forests are being leasedout and so far major damages havehappened. This clause however, seemedcontradicts with Land policy, as about 40acres of DoE protected swamp forest land inHakaluki Haor ECA has already been allocatedto people and then cleared for agriculture.

In most cases this rule is ignored andeventually encroached, fragmented andconverted to fish ponds, cropland andsettlements. Wetlands support bothadaptation and mitigation (carbon sink) butthese values are not mentioned in the policynor any directive is given for other relevantsectoral policies

3. Air Comprehensive towards airquality and focused onemissions control forindustries and motorvehicles.

There is no mention about emissions from ahuge numbers of engine boats in haor areawhich need to be brought under mitigationmeasures but are not mentioned in the policy.

4. Food andpotable water

Generic aspects on overallfood and water issues arementioned.

No emphasis is given on haor where arseniccontamination in ground water is high. Rice isthe only food crop grown in haor which isexposed to flashfloods, under CC scenario,this problem would be intensified. Short



Comments

duration rice varieties and crop diversificationcan be suitable options for food security ofhaor should be mentioned in relevantpolicies.

5. Agriculture 3.5.7 - It says thatwasteland and degradedforestland should berestored and ensure theirproper utilization restoreddegraded forestlandshould

3.5.9 - Fertile agriculturalland cannot be used fornon-agricultural purposes...Construction of industries,commercial facilities andsettlement is “discouraged”in cultivable land

Definition with examples of wasteland shouldbe mentioned in the policy otherwise it couldcreate confusion and wrong designation ofland. In the name of wasteland, many criticalwetlands may have been converted anddegraded.It is not clear whether the restored degradedforestland would be used for agricultural orbe maintained as forests? Apart fromadaptation, forest also mitigate CC bysequestering carbon and the policy lackecosystems services that forest offer forhuman well-being and marinating naturalbalance

This issue is important but is softly articulated.By the word “discouraged”, one can convertfertile land for other uses as there is no hardbinding by the policy. Over the last couple ofdecades, hundreds of hectares of fertile landin haor have been converted to industries.This trend will affect the biodiversity/ecosystems services of the haor be mentionedin the policy.

Haor is rich in biodiversity and a motherfishery. Industrial pollution will affect haorecosystems and its biodiversity. However, noremedial measure is suggested in the policyto protect haor from industrial pollution.-Industries have already built on fertile landand on river and wetlands. No specialmeasure is suggested to farming system thatare resilient to the unique hydro-dynamics ofhaor.

6. Health Focused on takingprecautionary measures inall health related programsand actions with dueconsideration toenvironmental issuesacross sectors. However,there is no mention abouthealth issue in haor thatneed special focus.

Adoption of sanitation is less in Haor and thushave higher prevalence of related diseases.Moreover, overall medical facilities are scantyin haor due to remoteness.Effects of CC is also high in haor haveimplications on health. However, theenvironment policy did not touch upon theunique health related features of haor issuesnor it gives clear directives on climate changeand health of haor dwellers.

7.Accommodation,Housing andUrbanization

Comprehensiverecommendations aremade on this aspect. It alsosays in urban planning

No measures suggested for housing in haorareas which is highly susceptible to waveerosion during monsoon but no mentionabout this issue in the policy nor any remedial



Comments

(3.7.14), all natural resourcebases should be protectedand used in a pro-environmental manner.

measure suggested need policy directives.In urban planning, protection of differentnatural resource bases are mentioned buthaor is ignored should get special focus in thepolicy.

8. Education andMass Awareness

Generic education andmass awareness aspectsincluding climate changeissues are mentioned

No mention about education system in haorwhich is effected by flooding nor mentioningabout mass awareness generation amongcommunities about maintaining haorecosystems and its biodiversity in the face ofCC impacts.

9. Forest The policy elaboratelymentioned about variousaspects of forestconservation andmanagement including co-management, buffer zone,biosafety issues includingECA and threatenedspecies conservationamong others.

Haor supports the remaining freshwaterswamp forests in the country which is beingrapidly disappearing due to over exploitation,encroachment, leasing system and lack ofpolicy focus. No mention about CC impactson forest resources nor about protection andsustainable management of freshwaterswamp forests. There are many haorsincluding the Ramsar site (Tanguar Haor)suitable swamp forest restoration whichshould be explicitly mentioned in the policy.

10. Biodiversity,ecosystemconservationand Biosafety

Broader aspects ofconservation ofbiodiversity, ecosystem,ECA and biosafety issuesare mentioned

The policy lack focus on CC issues and topaying special measures to ensurebiodiversity conservation and biosafety forhaor. Huge migratory ducks visit haor everywinter and there is risk of diseasetransmission between wild and domesticducks. This need explicit mention in thepolicy.

11. HillyEcosystems

There are hills and hillocksin greater haor region.Generic managementaspects of hill ecosystemsare mentioned in thepolicy.

CC issues and impacts on hill ecosystem arenot mentioned. Due to prolonged drought,hill streams are being dried up causingshortage of water for wildlife and agricultureand this could create more impacts in infuture if no urgent measure is taken. Erosionof hill slopes due to unsustainable cultivation,wetlands are being silted up and causenegative impacts on wetland ecosystems andbiodiversity of haor. Besides, use of herbicidesin tea gardens may affect land, water andharm ecosystems & biodiversity should bementioned in the policy.

12. Fisheries Wetlands, coastal andmarine fisheries aspects arementioned.

There is no focus on haor fisheries which isthe richest inland capture fisheries inBangladesh and considered as the motherfishery. Besides, effects of climate change onfisheries and adaptive fisheries managementaspects are also ignored.

13. Coastal andMarineecosystem

Not relevant to Haor and not considered

14. Industry Various environmental CC-induced high rainfall, high and frequent



Comments

issues, land use policy,Clean DevelopmentMechanism (CDM), etc.relevant to industries arementioned

flooding, prolonged drought and shortage ofwater, etc. are ignored. Moreover, the policyalso lack mentioning of spreading ofindustries in sensitive haor areas.

15. Fuel andMineralresources

Environment and climatechange issues includinggreen energy aspects arementioned. The policy alsomentioned about (3.15.11)precautionary measuresare to be given (localpeoples’ values andcustoms including localenvironmental sensitivity)in mining of energyresources.

Promotion of solar/renewable energy inremote haor area is of utmost importanceshould be focused in the national policy.Currently extent of energy adoption is alsoless in haor than other area.

16.CommunicationandTransportation

Adverse environmentaleffects associated withcommunication systemsare mentioned andsuggested for conductingEIA, protect pollution.

Since boat is the major means of transportduring monsoon, boat safety issues aremissing given the fact that every year boatcapsize cause human deaths. Besides,demonstrated benefits of submersible roadsfor dry season use in haor which is compatibleto haor ecosystems need to be mentioned.

17. Ecotourism Many good points areattached in the policy butmost are generic aboutecotourism aspects

Special attention should be paid relevant tooperating ecotourism in haor. Particularlywhile visiting ecologically sensitive areas ofhaor, such as Ramsar site, ECA site, Baikka BeelSanctuary, Forest-based wildlife sanctuaries,Ratargul swamp forests, etc. are not explicitlymentioned in the policy.

18. Population The policy emphasizes onmaintaining balancebetween population andavailable natural resourcesincluding engagement ofwomen and youth indevelopment.

Haor is a geo-morphologically difficultsetting, high poverty and large gaps betweenrich and poor as well as lack of access toresources affect human resourcedevelopment in Haor basin which needsspecial attention in the policy. Issues relatedto overuse of sensitive natural ecosystems(wetlands, forest and hills) of haor should bementioned in the policy

19. Tacklingimpacts ofclimate change -

Various relevant aspects ofCC, adaptation andmitigation aspects arementioned and majorfocus was given to thevulnerability of the coastalzone.

It is likely that the incidents of early flashfloodwould be increased and consequent extent ofcrop damage would be high. Besides, intenseflooding and wave action would furtherspeed up erosion of village mounds under CCscenario should be mentioned in the policyfor taking urgent action.Since the extent of community vulnerability isthe highest in haor regions, it demandsspecial focus in the policy to address suchpre-existing contextual vulnerability factors.

20. Disastermanagement

Disaster managementrelated issues and aspects

Haor is one of the disaster hotspots of thecountry (flashflood, monsoon floods, wave



Comments

are comprehensivelymentioned in the policywith indication of CC,industrial developmentrelated disasters.

erosion, drought and cold spells) that affectlocal livelihoods and assets need specialattention. Being comprised of sensitive andfragile ecosystem, haor deserves specialpolicy attention in comprehensive disastermanagement planning and actions.

21. ScienceResearch,Information andcommunicationTechnologies

Studies and researches aretargeted to variousenvironmental issues in thepolicy.

But lack studies focusing on climate changeissues and concerns in haor basin which varyfrom others areas need special mentions inthe policy.

22. Otherpollution

Various other pollutionsources are mentionedsuch as sound andvibration related pollution,radiation pollution, thermalpollution, photo/lightingpollution and indoorpollution.

However, pollution and environmentaldegradation due to emissions from engineboats, mining sources, tea gardens and hillslope farming systems are lacking need to beexplicit in the policy.

23. EconomicDevelopment -

The policy mentionedabout green economy,green products andemphasized on pro-environmental economicgrowth but lack focus onhaor areas and its fragility.

Haor ecosystems and its economic valuationof some important wetlands (Tanguar HaorRamsar site, Hakaluki Haor ECA, Hail Haor) andimportant bird areas should be mentioned inthe policy. It is also important to conductstudies on non-farm and off farmemployment opportunities to reducepressures on wetland ecosystems.

6.2 Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan – 2009BCCSAP-2009 is national strategy document delineated action plans to address climate-induced threats at national scale. It has six pillars viz. i) food security, social protection andheath, ii) comprehensive disaster management, iii) infrastructure, iv) research andknowledge management, v) mitigation and low carbon development, and vi) capacitybuilding and institutional development. In mentions three major climate related hazardsviz. flood, cyclone and drought. However, flashflood and wave erosion of village moundsthat affect the agriculture and livelihoods in 7 districts was not mentioned but flashflood isvery lightly mentioned without mentioning haor that stated as - “Flash flood can also be aproblem in the more hilly north-eastern and south-eastern regions of the country”(BCCSAP,2009:9). One can interpret this statement as flashflood is still not a big problem in thecountry. It is mentioned that flashflood in haor happens in plains not in hill areas while inthe southeast it happens in both hills and plains need to be clearly mentioned. Moreover,the extent of flashflood and their damage extent and potential also vary significantlybetween haor and southeastern areas needs to be mentioned to design and planpreferential measures to address these problems through policy guidance/directives.

Pillar-1: Under food security - under bullet 1.2 - it says agriculture research to developcrop varieties that are tolerant of flooding, salinity and drought but the demands of haorpeople of short duration rice varieties to avoid early flashflood as well as cold tolerantvarieties was ignored (BCCSAP, 2009:27).


Pillar-2: Comprehensive Disaster management - bullet 2.3 - mentioned about earlywarning systems for cyclone, storm surge and flood but lack any warning system for “earlyflashflood affected haor region”.

Pillar 3: Infrastructure – bullet 3.1 – emphasizes repair and rehabilitate existinginfrastructures such as coastal embankment, river embankments and drainage systemsand urban drainage system but no mention of repair and strengthening of submersibleembankment of haor basin.

Pillar 4: Research and knowledge management – generic research topics that arementioned seemed comprehensive (on hydrology of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghnabasins, climate change vulnerability, climate change-poverty-livelihoods-food security-health nexus, etc.) but lack focus on climate-disaster hotspots of the country like haor,coast, barind, etc.

Pillar 5: Mitigation and Low carbon development - coastal green belt, mangroveafforestation, social forestry, clean coal etc. are mentioned but restoration of swampforests in haor basin as well as strengthening co-management of forest PAs in haor areasare ignored. It is to be noted that the social forestry program can largely provideadaptation benefits but not mitigation support as the planted trees cut after certain yearsand benefits distributed among the participating stakeholders.

Pillar 6: Capacity building and institutional development – the strategy emphasizescapacity building of various government agencies, local government, private sectors andcivil society but capacity building of “Bangladesh Department of Haor and WetlandDevelopment” (or the then Haor development Board) ” was ignored.

6.3 National Water Policy 1999Under the climate change scenario, it is predicted that water resources in Bangladesh willface a major challenge due to erratic patterns of rainfall with resultant localized early,monsoon and late flooding, prolonged drought and uncertainty in food production,natural resource degradation and livelihood insecurity. Being an aquatic ecosystem, landand water productivity of haor is highly influenced the complex water dynamics thatshape the haor ecosystems to provide multiple services to the benefits of nature andhuman society.

Apart from effects of climate change, rising population, rapid industrial and urban growthexerting pressures on water resources in many ways. Increased water withdrawal forirrigation/food production and industries, dumping of untreated effluents from industries,agriculture and urban settings are key such causes. This trend is increasing meaning weare going to face an acute water stress conditions.

In this backdrop, review of the National Water Policy -1999 which was prepared 15 yearsback is crucial. As can be seen that the water policy was comprehensive and set forthsixteen essential areas for considerations. These include, i) river basin management, ii)planning and management of water resources, iii) water rights and allocation, iv) publicand private involvement, v) public water investment, vi) water supply and sanitation, vii)water and agriculture, viii) water and industry, ix) water, fisheries and wildlife, x) water andnavigation, xi) water for hydropower and recreation, xii) water for the environment, xiii)water for preservation of haors, baors and beels, xiv) economic and financial management,xv) Research and information management and xvi) stakeholder participation. Reviewing


the national water policy in line of CC scenario as well as haor ecosystem features,following comments are made:

Comments The water policy mentioned major issues relevant to joint work with co-riparian

countries with focus on “joint research and data sharing” with regard to river watermanagement, environmental conservation, flood warning system developmentseemed appropriate. However, sharing of “real time rainfall data” of Meghalayanhills is crucial to develop flashflood early warning system need emphasis. Besides,erratic rainfall in upper riparian areas and its effect on haor area, particularlymanagement of Surma and Kushiyara river basins should get priority in the policy.

There is need for inclusion of NRCC (National River Conservation Committee) andBangladesh Department of Haor and Wetland Development in designing andcoordinating research and development planning of water resources for the entirehaor basin.

The policy mentioned about water allocation and rational use for consumptive andnon-consumptive purposes (navigation, fisheries, wildlife, irrigation, environment,industry, recreation, etc.). However, especial mention is missing about haor and itsbiodiversity hotspots, viz. i) ecologically critical area (ECA - Hakaluki Haor), ii)Tanguar Haor Ramsar site iii) Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary, and iv) Water forforest protected areas and wildlife. It is expected that the under climate changescenario, water stress situation may cause violent conflicts among variouscompeting water users (viz. fishers and farmers) need to be incorporated in thepolicy.

Water pollution due to open hanging latrines in haor is very high which posethreats to environment and human health. Policy should also focus on inventinginnovative sanitation techniques that suit the complex flood prone areas like haorregions.

Under the CC scenario, water stress could be intensified (both flooding anddrought) in Haor and that could increase the damage risk of rice and affect thenatural resources which need special focus in the policy. Haor is ecologically andhydro-meteorologically sensitive, unplanned construction of industries may poseserious threat to ecosystems and biodiversity of haor basin. Water policy shouldpay special focus on restricting industrial growth in haor.

Public investment in water resources management and developed is mentionedbut lack special attention in haor area. Haor needs large investment to restore,sustain and manage water resources for food production, navigation and naturalresources including biodiversity.

6.4 National Fisheries Policy 1998The fisheries policy has covered various relevant aspects of fisheries management.However, in its objective statement there is no special /explicit focus on haor fisheriesthough the area housed an important Ramsar site and an ECA wetland site. It was also notmentioned what role the DoF (Department of Fisheries) should play in managing thesenationally and internationally important wetland sites. The objective statement of this


policy also lack focus on the impacts of recent phenomenon of climate change on fisheriesresources and fish biodiversity.

6.5 National Jolmohal Policy 2009Although the current Jomohal policy intends to give preferential access to wetlands bythe fishers, in reality it fails to fulfil the desire of “jal jar jola tar” principle of the father of thenation. Still the poor fishers work as fishing labourers and the major benefits goes toleaseholders. Moreover, there is not mention of climate change impacts on fisheries andadaptation measures to overcome such impacts.

This policy does not have any suggestive measures to undertake special measures tosustainably manage the ECA wetlands (Hakaluki haor) nor it suggests any measure to riverfisheries which is now out of leasing systems – an open access fisheries and hence a caseof “free riding” practice is ongoing in flowing rivers that affect sustainability of riverfisheries.The policy also ignored the viability of continuation of demonstrated good practices inwetlands and fisheries management implemented under various co-managementprojects of the government in different sites of the country. For examples, CBFM project,MACH project, CWBMP, CBAECA etc. The Jolmohal policy -2009 only accepts registeredfishermen cooperatives as eligible for getting fishing (access) rights. In contrast, the CBOs(community-based organizations) formed under mentioned development projects arecomposed of fishermen (over 80%), poor & women (10-15%) and around 5% local elites(farmers use wetland for agriculture) who demonstrated good practices are excluded inleasing system thus their continuation is disrupted and wetlands again going back totraditional extractive system which is damaging to ecosystems and biodiversity as thetraditional leaseholders do not adopt any conservation measures. The policy should beamended and include options for accommodating CBO based management systems forsustainable management of wetlands and fisheries biodiversity.

6.6 National Forest Policy 1994Mentioned about conservation of forests, execution of social forestry and sharemechanism with relevant stakeholders, and agro-forestry development. However, swampforest conservation and management in haor area is ignored. Besides, aspects of CCimpacts on forest and biodiversity including forest dependent communities are alsolacking in the policy. This policy is being updated and expected that all relevantcontemporary and emerging issues will be included in the upcoming forest policy.

6.7 National Land use policy 2001There are mention of various land types and their sustainable management includingmanagement of wetlands but no special focus is paid to haor ecosystems which isconsidered as the richest freshwater capture fisheries in the and treated as the motherfisheries. However, the policy recognizes the importance of wetlands and suggested notcreate any obstacle to fish movements and blocking water flow to wetlands of fisheriesimportance. The policy also does not suggest any special measures to establish wetlandsanctuaries and ECAs wetlands and protected areas of ecologically rich or sensitive areasor biodiversity hotspots. It is suggested to initiate fish culture in open waters which isdetrimental to capture fisheries production and biodiversity. There is no mention aboutallocation of water for nature or wildlife.

6.8 National agriculture policy 1999


The agriculture policy aims at making the nation self-sufficient in food and ensuring foodsecurity for all.’ As such, the policy emphasizes creating mass awareness for rational use ofchemical fertilizers and pesticides so that the extent environmental pollution can beminimized. However, effective measures to protect boro rice in haor from the damage bythe early flashflood did not get much emphasis. The policy also lack focus on inventingshort duration high yielding rice varieties for haor areas to avoid flashflood damage. Sincerice takes long cultivation period and thus become exposed to early flashflood, to avoidthis risk, the policy should have given directives for crop diversification in the haor basin.

6.9 National Industrial Policy 2016This is a recent policy and very comprehensive in nature as it includes a broad spectrum ofissues relevant to industrial development in Bangladesh. It has a section on environmentfriendly industries (section-14). It says while setting up of an industry, its impacts on localland, water and environment and on human should be properly assessed including settingup of ETP and waste management aspects should be ensured. It also says givingpreferential treatment to industries that will address mitigation technologies, CDM (cleandevelopment mechanism) and green technologies. Practice of 3Rs (reduce, recycle andreuse) principle in operating the industries is also advised. However, this section lack focuson CC issues particularly erratic rainfall, prolonged drought and water stress that maycause water use conflicts among the various users. Moreover, sensitivity of haorecosystems and its biodiversity in relation to industries and associated pollution anddisturbances are not mentioned in the policy which need special guiding notes from therelated national policies.

Environment and Climate Change Policy Gap Analysis in Haor ... · Tea Resort & Golf, Moulvibazar,...

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