Dear Friends,
The AR6 Synthesis Report by the IPCC shows how at 1.1 degrees of warming today, over 3 billion people are already living with the harshest realities of climate change: high temperatures, drought, flooding, and other events that contribute to acute food and water insecurity, malnutrition, and loss of livelihoods. Often women and girls are among the most affected.
We all agree that any intervention planned to address climate change and related issues must consider a strong gender analysis to understand the differential impacts of the climate crisis on boys, girls, men and women.
CANSA has produced two crucial reports that looked at gender and child inclusion in policies on climate change in the regions of South and Southeast Asia (produced by CANSA and Save The Children International in collaboration with CANSEA).
The key findings of the reports are: In Nepal, the policies reviewed were largely gender-responsive, however the budget allocation for actions on ground was either missing or inadequate. Impact on children and their concerns were mostly missing.
The new and revised policies of Bangladesh show progression towards being gender-transformative in their approach. There is progressive budget allocation both for women empowerment and addressing issues of climate related stress on children. Still the allocation of budget is inadequate for transformational change and require further policy advocacy to make the policies have real impact on the ground.
Sri Lanka falls far behind with many policies being gender blind and even new / revised policies are merely gender-responsive. None of the policies consider or include any child rights or GESI component. This is nearly similar across all national climate change policies.
In Southeast Asian countries too, child-sensitive climate policies and budgeting were significantly lacking.
These two reports highlight the need for further actions at community level, to build the agency of women and children enabling them to raise their concerns in right forums and in engaging with duty bearers for policy advocacy to have adequate budgets earmarked for child centric and transformative actions.
Our key takeaway from the reports is that we should strive to provide multiple platforms for women and youth to voice their opinion and demand their rights. More engagement of women and girls in climate action across South Asia, will lead the way to a more resilient, climate just and transformative region.
If you are leading an innovative and engaging initiative or campaign for gender and child inclusion policies on climate change in South Asia or Southeast Asia we would like to hear from you.
We thank all members who contributed to this issue of the newsletter, and we look forward to getting updates on your climate related activities for inclusion in the next issue.
Ruchi Chaudhary
Program Manager, CANSA
This study aims to review policies on inclusion of child rights as well as on the aspects of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), across three countries in the South Asian region – Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
https://cansouthasia.net/gender-and-child-inclusion-in-policies-on-climate-change-in-south-asia/
This report provides a situational analysis on climate action relating to women and children in Southeast Asia. Existing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) climate policies, on a regional level,
https://cansouthasia.net/gender-and-child-inclusion-in-policies-on-climate-change-in-southeast-asia/
In Memoriam
Mr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Executive Director of the Voice of South Bangladesh and well-known development activist, passed away on 15 March 2023. Mr. Islam was a member of the National Steering Committee of CANSA Bangladesh and the National Focal Point of the GNDR. He was an integral member of our network and his contributions to our community will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and colleagues who all feel the immense void he left behind.
For all activities related to G20’s engagement group Civil20, check out the link below:
New video by PRC
Nakul Sharma speaks of 100% Renewable Energy multi partner actors
https://cansouthasia.net/resources/advocacy-material/climate-adaptation/
https://cansouthasia.net/resources/cansa-in-the-news/
Support Bengal with climate fund: Experts
The Telegraph | 22th Jan 2023
India’s G-20 presidency: Opportunity for developing world’s climate agenda
Business Standard | 21th Jan 2023
India’s G-20 presidency an opportunity for developing countries to mainstream climate change agenda: Environmentalists
ThePrint | 21th Jan 2023
India’s G-20 presidency an opportunity for developing countries to mainstream climate change agenda: Environmentalists
The Economics Times | 21th Jan 2023
UN report bare climate threats faced by Sunderbans
The Telegraph | 23rd March 2023
IPCC Report issues final warning to end fossil fuel use to combat climate change
20th March 2023
Major climate diplomacy breakthrough as UN unanimously adopts resolution for an advisory opinion on Climate Change
29th March 2023
For CANSA’s Upcoming Events,
do check the following section on our website:
https://cansouthasia.net/upcoming-events/
Social Enterprise Model of Local Solutions – Road to Sustainability
The webinar was jointly organised by CANSA and partners of Eco-Village Development project – INFORSE South Asia, Grameen Shakti in Bangladesh, Center for Rural Technology in Nepal, IDEA in Sri Lanka & INSEDA in India. The project is coordinated by DIB, Denmark and funded by CISU, Denmark. Some experiences in building social enterprise models in Bangladesh, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka were shared. Thematic experts discussed best practices of establishing and sustaining social enterprises.
https://cansouthasia.net/social-enterprise-model-of-local-solutions-road-to-sustainability
Technology Integration, Finance and Adoption Strategies Addressing for Net Zero Emission Management
Vasudha Foundation in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) organized a Hybrid Workshop on “The Role of Technology Cooperation and Finance for Addressing Net Zero Emissions Management”, on 8 Feb. 2023 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. As G20 President, India has identified several issues ranging from scaling up renewable energy to ensuring the implementation of SDGs and addressing climate change; from trade and investment to multilateral reforms; from agriculture to financial inclusion and women-led development. With this backdrop, the workshop got together representatives of Civil 20, Foundations 20, Business 20, Urban 20, Think Tank 20 and Youth 20. The workshop was designed to deliberate on the issues of technology and finance through two parallel working group discussions.
https://cansouthasia.net/technology-integration-finance-and-adoption-strategies-addressing-for-net-zero-emission-management/
Sustainable & Resilient Communities Climate, Environment & Net Zero Targets, 30 Jan 2023
The Inaugural Meeting & Networking Event of C20 Working Group on Sustainable & Resilient Communities: Climate, Environment & Net Zero Targets happened on 30th January 2023. CAN South Asia led on Climate Resilience and Social Justice and the other two priority areas of Environmental Sustainability were led by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Net Zero Emission Management led by Vasudha Foundation.
https://cansouthasia.net/inaugural-meeting-networking-event-of-g20-working-group-on-sustainable-resilient-communities-climate-environment-net-zero-targets/
G20 & Climate Change
National & Regional Perspectives, 20 January 2023
Press Club of Kolkata, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), Environment Governed Integrated Organization (ENGIO), & Vasudha Foundation, in association with climate trends organized an event: G20 & Climate Change: National and Regional Perspectives.
“G20 under PM Modi’s presidency needs to find answers to – predictable and adequate finance for energy transition; finance for Loss and Damage; accelerate SDGs in the Global South and sources of finance devoid of fossil fuels industry” said Sanjay Vashist, Director, CANSA
https://cansouthasia.net/g20-climate-change-national-regional-perspectives/
Adarsha Samajik Progoti Sangstha established adaptation clinic
Agriculture is vital to human existence, and highly vulnerable to climate change. Impacts of increasing temperatures, changes in weather and more frequent natural disasters, are already devastating farmers and farmlands. In Bangladesh, 70% of the land is devoted to agriculture, & the sector employs at least 48% of the population.
Adarsha Samajik Progoti Sangstha (ASPS) established an adaptation clinic at village Dottokunia, district Netrakona. The clinics provide a one-stop solution with the philosophy: farmers know how to farm, they understand conditions are changing, but they need advice on how best to respond, and get access to tools to prepare for the future. ASPS experts give free advice and access to services; with focus on local needs and tap into local knowledge to offer expertise to address these needs. The advice focuses on opting for new crop varieties that can be harvested quicker than traditional varieties, what seeds to use, where to get them, how to plant and harvest them.
WOTR launches ‘The Water Governance Standard:
Making Water Everybody’s Business’
‘The Water Governance Standard: Making Water Everybody’s Business’ was launched on 3 February 2023 through a webinar titled ‘Water Governance Standard: Towards an Investment-Smart Rural Water Sector’. The book introduces a revolutionary concept of driving effective water management at scale by assessing communities and giving them a ‘water score’ which characterises how they access and manage water. The rating methodology helps identify areas for improvement in a community’s overall water management and governance.
Janathakshan, Sri Lanka
Project: Strengthening Disability Inclusive DRR
and Climate Change Adaptation Process
#Janathakshan is implementing the project “Strengthening Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Process through empowerment of Marginalized Communities in Sri Lanka” in selected locations in #Anuradhapura and #Kurunegala districts.
Program: Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (#CRIWMP)
Program: Strengthening Farmer organizations revolving funds via aquaculture in seasonal tanks.
Normally #aquaculture programs are implemented under perennial tanks, but under the technical guidance of National Aquaculture Development Authority (#NAQDA), CRIWMP has initiated aquaculture program in rural tanks in the #cascade systems which are seasonal.
International Symposium on Healthy Mangrove and Sustainable Fisheries for Climate Resilient Coastal Community in South Asia
Khulna University and BEDS in collaboration with GNF (Global Nature Fund), Germany organized an international symposium on “Healthy Mangrove and Sustainable Fisheries for Climate Resilient Coastal Community in South Asia” held during March 1 – 2, 2023 at Khulna University & field trip from March 3, 2023 at Sundarbans coastal region, Bangladesh.
To learn more about the event : https://isfmrt.ku.ac.bd
Congratulations to LEDARS for Zayed Sustainability Prize 2023
in the Water category
LEDARS– Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society was awarded the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2023 in the Water category in 2023. President of UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2023 on 16th January 2023 in a gorgeous prize-giving ceremony in Abu Dhabi. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the trophy in the Water category for our integrated water resource management model that solves water scarcity problems in disaster-prone south-west coastal areas of Bangladesh. This prize will help scale up activities to more people in vulnerable areas.
With the prize money of USD 600,000, LEDARS plans to extend its sustainable water management model in the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh.
Salma’s dream realised through YPSA
Salma Akhter (20) is the daughter of Md. Zakaria, a day labourer of frail health. His family of 7, that includes 4 daughters and 2 sons live off his meagre wages but it was not enough to make ends meet. Salma had to discontinue her studies after passing her SSC. Her family moved three times due to Cyclone Roanu in 2016.They now live in a temporary setting in Ali Akrab Deil village. During the implementation of project “Addressing the Rights and Needs of Climate Forced Displaced People in South Eastern Coast of Bangladesh” supported by Climate Justice Resilience Fund, Salma Akhter, an internal migrant was a beneficiary for training on Alternative Livelihood for the displaced household. Salma took lease on a piece of land next to her house, where her parents cultivate various seasonal vegetables, some of which they sell in the local market and earn some money.
Salma and her sister also earn by using their sewing machine. Salma is now living better than before, and is thankful to YPSA for providing her with training and a sewing machine.
ActionAid Bangladesh’s 8th International Water Conference
‘Water and Rivers for Life and Living: The Role of Youth’
23-25 January 2023, Sylhet, Bangladesh
ActionAid Bangladesh’s Water Olympiad is scheduled for May-June 2023, & Ninth International Water Conference is scheduled for January 2024.
Continuing its campaign for pro-people water justice and indigenous rights to rivers, ActionAid Bangladesh organised the Eighth International Water Conference to inform and sensitise key stakeholders about youth engagement in water governance.
It started with a field visit to the Kushiyara river. During the conference, encouraging youth to be water stewards, scaling up Asia’s first Water Museum in Patuakhali, Bangladesh, and indexing the country’s 857 rivers as best and worst were highlighted.
