Experts and policymakers on Monday emphasised the need to strengthen early warning systems and disaster risk financing mechanisms to minimise losses from natural disasters and enhance community resilience in Bangladesh.
They made the call at a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop titled 'Early warning systems and disaster risk financing', organized by Practical Action at a city hotel.
Speaking at the chief guest, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad said access to reliable early warning information remains limited in many parts of the country.
He stressed the importance of disseminating warning messages in simple Bangla so that rural communities can easily understand and respond to them.
Timely warning can significantly reduce disaster-induced losses, he said.
During the event, Practical Action introduced a new project titled 'Strengthening Human-Centered Innovation for Early Warning Systems and Disaster Risk Financing (SHIELD)' for Feni district. The initiative builds on the organization's previous work in Khulna, Satkhira and Faridpur districts.
The project will be implemented by COAST Foundation and funded by the Swiss Re Foundation with co-financing from the Z Zurich Foundation.
Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action Bangladesh, said the project aims to address climate risks in Feni through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies for early warning dissemination.
It will also promote impact-based forecasting and disaster risk financing with technical support from the Institute of Water and Flood Management of BUET.
Razwanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management, said Bangladesh is making progress under the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative, which seeks to ensure universal access to life-saving warning systems by 2027.
Rakesh Supkar, Asia Regional Head of Impact and Operations at Practical Action, said effective early warning messages enable people to take timely action and reduce disaster risks.
He noted that disasters not only claim lives but also destroy livelihoods, underscoring the importance of community preparedness.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, said disaster management efforts should move beyond emergency relief and place greater emphasis on long-term recovery and food security.
He expressed hope that the SHIELD project would help communities strengthen resilience through innovation, improved early warning systems and disaster risk financing.
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