Kolkata, March 12 (IANS) The fragile Sunderbans - the largest mangrove forests and delta region spread over both Bangladesh and India - is "hardly prepared" for climate change-related issues, experts said here on Thursday.
Policy makers, academicians, civil society organisations and community development experts said gaps in preparedness in the face of submergence of islands in Sunderbans and the consequent mass migration needs to be addressed "immediately" and at a global level.
"Bay of Bengal harbouring all coastal countries - Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Indonesia - have the highest record of disasters historically and the frequency of disasters is six times more in this region than that in any part of the world," said climate change expert Saroj Dash.
He was speaking at the third sub-regional workshop on community resilience to climate change in Bay of Bengal organised by World Vision India. The previous editions of the workshop were held in Odisha (2012) and Dhaka, Bangladesh (2013).
"Sunderbans flanked by India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal is one of the most vulnerable regions of the world and one of the most densely populated region on earth. It is hardly prepared for even partial submergence and consequent mass migration," said Dash, regional technical co-ordinator, climate change, Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organisation.
Observations such as these will be part of a charter that will feed into two forthcoming key global events - the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, and finally targeting the Sustainable Development Goals 2015.
Aiming to build resilience to climate change in the region, the charter will focus on women and children.
"Women and children are the most vulnerable because of food security, health and migratory issues.
"Their identities and empowerment have a lot to do with their homes and if that is washed away due to floods and other disasters, then they suffer," said Ardhendu Sekhar Chatterjee, a leading figure in sustainable agriculture and agro-forestry.
In addition to highlighting adaptation, biodiversity, climate change impact monitoring and assessment, experts also called for building up more active networks of parliamentarians of countries in the Bay of Bengal.
"The need of the hour is to build up more and more active networks of MPs to combat climate change. Capacity development of parliamentarians could also have a positive impact on international climate negotiations," said Mukul Sharma, regional director-South Asia, Climate Parliament.
Three terrorists were killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Kupwara, Kashmir, they had attempted to infiltrate LoC
Terrorists have attempted to infiltrate the Line of Control under District Kupwara in North Kashmir (Kupwara Encounter). It is reported that three terrorists have been killed in two separate
G20 Bali Summit: Xi Jinping can meet the Japanese Prime Minister, both are attending the G-20 summit
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are attending the G-20 summit. Before this meeting, the spokesperson of the Government of Japan said on Monday that Japan is trying
Coronavirus Updates: Corona cases reduced again in the country, 1216 new cases came in 24 hours; Active patients also decreased
There has been a decrease in the cases of corona infection in the country. The Health Ministry said that in the last 24 hours, 1,216 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Let us inform you that
In two days, Modi swept the two states from two independent states; First look at Bengal and second from Kashmir
For two consecutive days, the word free has come in Modi's tongue. On Monday, referring to Azad Hind Fauj and its first Prime Minister Subhash Chandra Bose. The reference to Ghulam Nabi Azad on
The Family Man 3: Manoj Bajpayee told when 'The Family Man 3' will be released, you will be happy to hear the date
The Family Man 3 Release Date: Manoj Bajpayee starrer The Family Man is one of the most popular Indian web series on the streaming OTT platform. The crime drama has attracted a huge audience. Loved
Mumbai Storm: Death toll due to hoarding collapse rises to 14, one in critical condition; 43 injured are undergoing treatment
The death toll from the collapse of a 100-foot-tall hoarding in Mumbai\'s Ghatkopar due to the storm has increased to 14. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, 43 injured are currently
Sunak backward in the race for British PM: Truss leads 28%, with 6 out of every 10 members of the Conservative Party Liz
The contest between Indian-origin Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss has intensified for the post of Britain's new Prime Minister. Initially, Sunak had the support of 137 MPs from his Conservative Party. Liz
Dhawan was shocked after eating a dangerous bouncer: Romario Shepherd's ball broke the helmet, and shocked Shikhar was out on the very next ball
During the second ODI between India and West Indies played on Sunday, an incident stopped the heartbeat of all the fans for a while. Team India captain Shikhar Dhawan became the victim of a fatal
US-China war on Taiwan: Dragon can attack despite Biden's warning, how difficult it is to capture Taiwan
US Parliament Speaker Nancy Pelosi is visiting Taiwan. China is very upset about this and is constantly threatening America with dire consequences. The date of Pelosi\'s visit to Taiwan has not been
IND vs BAN: Coach Gambhir's 3 words after India reached the Asia Cup final, the post is rapidly going viral
India defeated Bangladesh by 41 runs to advance to the final of the Asia Cup 2025. Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali won the toss and elected to bat first in the Super Four match played at the Dubai
