The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a national-level dissemination workshop to unveil findings of the Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), highlighting the critical impact of climate change on the country's vital fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The workshop featured the comprehensive Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which provides detailed recommendations to build climate resilience within the fisheries sector, particularly for women and marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by environmental changes.
Farida Akhter, Adviser, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, participated the event which was chaired by Md. Zillur Rahman, Director General, Department of Fisheries.
Fisheries and aquaculture are integral to Bangladesh's economy, contributing 2.53% to the national GDP and 22.26% to agricultural GDP. This vital sector supports the livelihoods of over 12% of the country's nearly 170 million population, while also accounting for approximately 0.80% of national export earnings and providing about 60% of total daily animal protein intake. However, climate change poses significant threats to this essential industry, necessitating immediate action and resilience-building efforts.
Recent findings from the Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), reveal the alarming impacts of climate change on the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The assessment highlights the disproportionate effects on male and female fishers, underlining the urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies. The initiative is done under the Community-based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Bangladesh that is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The Government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with FAO, is taking crucial steps to make it easier for vulnerable fishing communities to tackle climate change impacts through the development of their skills and capacities by introducing climate resilient fisheries and aquaculture technologies.
Farida Akhter, Adviser, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock stated, "Climate change is already impacting our fisheries and aquaculture sectors, posing serious threats to livelihoods. The CRVA report highlights these risks and provides essential data to guide our adaptation efforts. We must ensure that local communities, especially women, are actively involved in shaping solutions to these challenges.
Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, stated, "Fisheries and aquaculture sectors of Bangladesh face increasing risks from climate change, which threatens the livelihoods of millions. FAO team has shared the findings from CRVA report today which provides critical insights into these risks, particularly for vulnerable communities. FAO will continue to support the Government of Bangladesh to act on the mentioned recommendations, to protect fisheries and empower the most affected, especially women and marginalized groups, for a better life, leaving no one behind.
The recommendations focus on the "Four Betters"—Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life—ensuring sustainable growth and climate resilience in fisheries and aquaculture. Moving forward, these findings will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders to develop concrete action plans, ensuring that the sector adapts effectively to the challenges posed by climate change.
The workshop will work as a key milestone in raising awareness and fostering collaboration among key actors in this sector. The insights gained will inform the development of national policies, ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of fisheries and aquaculture in Bangladesh.
