During the Annual Community of Practice (COP) Network Convention held on October 6, 2024, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor for Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Water Resources in Bangladesh, emphasized the critical need for regional cooperation to effectively tackle climate change [d9abf54e]. She highlighted the importance of upstream countries informing downstream nations about rainfall and water release timings, which is essential for managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. Rizwana also pointed out that the government is actively taking steps to prevent food shortages that can arise during such disasters [d9abf54e].
The convention underscored the necessity for international efforts to achieve zero carbon emissions and secure funding from the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to assist vulnerable countries in coping with climate-related losses [d9abf54e]. Rizwana noted that women are disproportionately affected by climate change, and their participation in the National Adaptation Plan will be ensured to foster inclusive decision-making [d9abf54e].
As part of the event, the Women's Climate Action Network was launched, recognizing the vital role women play in climate resilience and adaptation strategies. Five female entrepreneurs were awarded for their contributions, highlighting the intersection of gender and environmental sustainability [d9abf54e]. Special guests at the convention included Maria Stridsman from the Embassy of Sweden and Gitanjali Singh from UN Women, both of whom contributed to discussions on empowering women in climate action [d9abf54e].
In Sri Lanka, the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is providing innovative solutions to enhance disaster risk reduction, focusing on strengthening climate and hydrological observation systems to improve water management for smallholder farmers [9da934b4]. This project aims to increase crop yields and income by providing accurate weather forecasts and localized agro-meteorological advisories, thereby helping farmers plan their agricultural activities more effectively [9da934b4].
In addition, USAID has partnered with Ceylon Cold Stores PLC to pioneer women-led recycling initiatives in Sri Lanka, aiming to empower economically disadvantaged women from fishing communities while promoting environmental conservation [c8f70e36]. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance community resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.
In the Philippines, Coca-Cola is implementing water stewardship programs to aid farmers in securing water for their crops, focusing on enhancing irrigation efficiency and promoting sustainable food production systems [ea25118f]. These programs are crucial in addressing water scarcity and ensuring that farmers can adapt to changing climate conditions.
Furthermore, ADM has donated $1 million to Water.org to support safe water and sanitation initiatives in Latin America and Southeast Asia, benefiting over 116,800 individuals [ff3abb37]. This aligns with the global goal of improving water access and sanitation, especially in vulnerable communities.
The common thread in these initiatives is the empowerment of communities, particularly women, and the enhancement of environmental sustainability in response to climate challenges. As highlighted by Rizwana, collaborative efforts are essential for addressing these pressing issues and fostering resilience in affected regions [d9abf54e].