While the whole concept of recognizing river as living entity is appreciable, to transform policies and actions the authorities need to now identify how to do valuation of rivers and natural resources, said MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury, chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Congratulating on making the 8th International Water Conference a success, Saber Hossain Chowdhury made the statement in the closing session, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
The government has taken an initiative to do natural resources accounting with the support of BBS where river will also be an integral part. This will have a reflection in the country's GDP and there will be yearly publication on the valuation of natural resources, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, added.
The three-day-long 8th International Water Conference took place on January 23-25, 2023 in Sylhet with the theme “Water and Rivers for Life and Living: The Role of Youth”, organized by ActionAid Bangladesh.
The first day of the conference started off with a visit in the Kushiyara river and its adjoining areas at Fenchuganj upazila.
On the first day of the conference, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen through a video message inaugurated the event. He said: “Fishing, farming, and industries all thrive on the water that makes our territory the largest living delta in the world with over 820 rives in Bangladesh crisscrossing the country.”
“However, we are faced with the harsh reality of climate change leading to increased river erosion, salinity intrusion, and other related phenomena. We believe sound water management can be an important factor for regional peace and solidarity,” he added.
Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, professor, Department of International Relations, and director of Centre for Genocide Studies, University of Dhaka said: “We can look into the urban rivers and its pollution of each of these countries and create a transboundary platform for dialogue to share best practices, away from all forms of river politics of geopolitical challenges.”
Dr Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury, chairman, National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) said that in 2019 a landmark verdict was given by the High Court of Bangladesh acknowledging Turag River as a living being. He also opined that National River Conservation Commission has taken an initiative to develop a framework on identifying all rivers in Bangladesh with similar names so that the rivers are counted properly and protected.
ActionAid Bangladesh's Country Director Farah Kabir said: “The multiple sessions of the conference created a space for sharing insights and best practices. This year we brought in the importance of youth participation while keeping the main focus on river and water as a part of our dreams, culture and lives and livelihoods.”
Dr Ainun Nishat, professor emeritus, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, Brac University, said: “The shape of a river depends on the flow of water and sediment. Changes in these naturally lead to geographical changes for which river erosion occurs. So, we are responsible for the change of river morphology and their extinction. A sustainable solution should be found to resolve all these issues.”
“We need to identify a way to ensure transboundary rivers benefit both India and Bangladesh. The Kushiara river water allocation treaty has initiated a context of discussion for other transboundary rivers and we need to hold onto this momentum”, said Jayanta Basu, expert director, Environment Governed Integrated Organisation (EnGIO) and environment and climate correspondent based in Kolkata, India.
"If we want food security, we need to ensure water security. We must look into different aspects of river rights, including climate change, ecology and economy," said Mohammed Mofizur Rahman, scientist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
