Koyra (Khulna) Correspondent
A roundtable discussion meeting was held in Koyra on climate change and internal migration. A roundtable discussion on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and internal migration was held at the
hall room of Muktijoddha Complex on Tuesday (May20) at 10 am.Founded by Caritas Germany/ BMZ.Organized by DRR & CCA project, Caritas Bangladesh Khulna region.

The meeting was chaired by UP Member Masum billah.Chief guest Mamunar Rased,project implement officer.The keynote speaker at the meeting was Kakuli haldar advocacy coordinator,members of the Koyra Sadar Union and Ward Disaster Management Committees, CPP members, civil society, journalists, NGO representatives, representatives of local displaced people were present.

Chief guest Mamunar Rased said, “Humans are primarily responsible for climate change, which is why the level of disasters is increasing at a much higher rate than before, resulting in people becoming homeless and refugees. For this, sustainable embankments and disaster-resistant houses are needed, and alternative employment and sustainable rehabilitation for those who are being displaced.

He also said, “I think that to reduce climate change disasters, we have to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. If the trees and animals of the Sundarbans cannot be destroyed in any way, then our disasters will increase day by day. To provide your well-considered opinions and suggestions through such discussions at the union level. I will try to present today’s raised issues to the higher authorities through discussions so that they can play a helpful role in reducing the impacts of climate change by including them in the five-year plan along with the budget allocation at the union level in the next financial year.”

As the keynote speaker of the event, Kakoli Halder, Advocacy Coordinator, gave a presentation on the negative impacts of climate change on Khulna district of Bangladesh and said that due to various natural disasters such as river erosion, landslides, floods, people are moving from one place to another for a better life, and as a result, they are being deprived of their basic rights. He further said that due to deforestation, factories, vehicles, etc., the amount of carbon dioxide is increasing and the amount of oxygen is decreasing. He said that we have to be aware to prevent environmental disasters and climate change.

In the open discussion at the meeting, all those present gave suggestions and said, if we want to reduce internal migration, then it is necessary to carry out planned development including sustainable embankments. Providing clean water, improving transportation system, increasing tree plantation and afforestation, using solar energy and saving electricity, preventing food and water wastage, reducing the use of polythene and plastic materials, creating sustainable embankments and various work areas. Then, reducing the impact of disasters and climate change possible.