Integration of Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and Social Protection in Bangladesh: Contemporary Views and Experiences

Abstract

This chapter is intended to enhance understanding of policy makers and practitioners on how DRR–CCA integration can be used for better risk management and social protections that empower the poor to build resilient communities and livelihoods. It is recognized that DRR and CCA from the perspective of Bangladesh case has tremendous commonalities between the two approaches. This chapter attempts to analyze that there are more advantages in the harmonized approach particularly from the perspectives of the beneficiaries, local administration and practitioners. There are, however, factors that hinder the application of such harmonized approach are (a) conceptual/paradigmatic; (b) policy issues; (c) source, channel, and mechanisms of funds; (d) institutional/jurisdictional; (e) political and power issue; (f) mechanism/procedural. This chapter begins with a global discussion on the integration issue and the lessons learnt are focused on remaining sections to the prospect of DRR and CCA integration in Bangladesh for its importance in enhancing resilience and sustainability as well that worth advocating. The key convergence of DRR–CCA needs to be defined in different scenario of climate induced disasters in terms of time, intensity and level of exposures. Bangladesh experience of rapid onset, slow onset and recurrent disaster prone regions needs case specific treatment while adopting policy, planning and budgeting process from the perspective of integration of DRR–CCA. This Chapter recommends for (a) creating an enabling environment for cross-sectoral integration and implementation, (b) improving integrated decision making and bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and the local needs; (c) planning, implementing and evaluating in the context of uncertainty and (d) improving adaptation technology, targeting and delivery. In conclusion what we are trying to achieve out of convergence issues is the paradigm shift from reactive to prevention of risks.