MDG Report 2012 - United Nations in Bangladesh

ecome a pressing concern for the country with acute scarcity during the dry seasonand excessive water during the wet season.Existing policies and strategies do not ensure conjunctive use of water resourceswhich is an essential pre-requisite for appropriate ecosystem management to ensuresustainable agriculture and food security. To improve the availability of water forproductive use, there is an urgent need to develop water efficient agricultural practicesthat address issues of water quality, distribution and excessive dependence on groundwater.Bangladesh faces a Herculean task in sustainably improving the lives of the slumdwellers within the stipulated timeframe because of several reasons. These include thedearth of secondary cities that can alleviate the pressure on large cities, limitedcapacity of municipalities to fully implement the decentralization process and theabsence of a comprehensive urban development policy.8.4 Way ForwardAlthough the UN bodies and other development partners have been supporting thegovernment and other initiatives towards environmental sustainability under MDG7, it isclear that a major concerted effort by the government, donors and civil society organizationsis essential. Interventions should include: Development of a long term environment, climate change and sustainabledevelopment vision focusing on MDG 7 and beyond. In this regard, the formulationand adoption of the National Sustainable Development Strategy (2011-21) is a step inthe right direction. Timely and proper implementation of the relevant national plans such as theBangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and National CapacityDevelopment Action Plan. Prevention of degradation and rapid reforestation of public forest lands, expansion ofsocial forestry programmes and reforestation/afforestation of private lands. Sustainable management of land along with integrated water resources managementthat preserves deep groundwater aquifers. Expansion of the protected area system incorporating marine, estuarine, riverine andterrestrial ecosystems, including enhancement of institutional capacity. Linking ecosystems with strategic poverty reduction interventions to supportrestoration of rivers and other wetlands. Implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan and BiodiversityProgramme of Action, including in-depth assessment of damage to biodiversity due tonatural disasters like SIDR and AILA. Mainstreaming of poverty-environment-climate change in local and nationaldevelopment planning with dedicated programming, implementation and financingprovisions. Mainstreaming migration into development, climate change and environment policy. Rapid implementation of sustainable energy programmes and technologies that havequality of environment and development benefits. Allocation of adequate resources and formation of strategic partnerships that includecommunity level involvement for pollution abatement. Strict enforcement of Environmental Conservation Rules promulgated under theEnvironment Conservation Act 1997 for maintaining desirable bio-diversity andecological balance.91