UNB, Dhaka :
Peace, stability and governance need to be ensured in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT, putting in place appropriate policies, strengthening institutions and making financial and technical resources available to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the disadvantaged area, says a news study.
It says the SDGs need to be tailored to the CHT context and careful attention must be given to understand the hill and mountain context of the CHT, the spatial disadvantages and advantages, the ethnic and cultural diversities, and the constraints and opportunities to attain the goals.
The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Katmandu-based think tank International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) jointly conducted the study, tilted ‘Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Chittagong Hill Tracts-Challenges and Opportunities’.
Bangladesh has already shown a strong economic performance in recent years. Following commendable achievements towards fulfilling the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), the government is now committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The CHT is an ethnically, culturally, and topographically diverse region of Bangladesh with a population of around 1.6 million, including 12 ethnic communities with distinct ethnic cultures and traditions.
But, the study found the hilly region remains one of the most disadvantaged regions in the country and lags behind in almost all development indicators. More than 60 percent of households live below the poverty line and more than half do not have access to safe drinking water or sanitation facilities.
Talking to UNB during his recent visit to Dhaka, principal investigator of the study Golam Rasul said the region has rich natural and environmental resources with hills, forests, rivers, and lakes, a diverse flora and fauna, and areas of outstanding scenic beauty. The majority of the hilly people rely on subsistence farming, and especially jhum farming practices, he said, adding that the existing agricultural practices can no longer sustain in the context of climate change scenario and environmental degradation.
But, ICIMOD theme leader (Livelihood) Golam Rasul said the region provides important ecosystem services that play a significant role in economic development, environmental protection, ecological sustainability, and human wellbeing, both in the CHT itself and downstream.
The study reveals that the CHT region has a significant potential for development in horticulture, high-value agricultural products, beekeeping, livestock, fisheries, agro-based micro-enterprises, tourism, forestry, and water resources management, which help attain the SDGs.
Value chain development with agribusiness can play a key role in enhancing rural livelihoods, while tourism can help increase opportunities for off-farm employment. Forests will play a vital role in stabilising the fragile landscape, protecting water resources, biodiversity conservation, and supporting daily needs.
Integrated watershed management, together with community-led forest management to halt forest degradation and promote conservation and regeneration, can contribute substantially to development efforts, according to the study. Golam Rasul said there are a range of areas where strategic action will help contribute to achieving the SDGs, which also include education and skills development, especially for ethnic communities and women, and providing greater access to healthcare.
He said, improving rural connectivity is essential to provide access to markets, education and healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
The study found that there is already a large degree of decentralisation and devolution in the CHT, and this institutional innovation can support creative and cooperative development, with local institutions and people empowered to work effectively towards delivering the SDGs.
Peace, stability and governance need to be ensured in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT, putting in place appropriate policies, strengthening institutions and making financial and technical resources available to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the disadvantaged area, says a news study.
It says the SDGs need to be tailored to the CHT context and careful attention must be given to understand the hill and mountain context of the CHT, the spatial disadvantages and advantages, the ethnic and cultural diversities, and the constraints and opportunities to attain the goals.
The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Katmandu-based think tank International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) jointly conducted the study, tilted ‘Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Chittagong Hill Tracts-Challenges and Opportunities’.
Bangladesh has already shown a strong economic performance in recent years. Following commendable achievements towards fulfilling the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), the government is now committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The CHT is an ethnically, culturally, and topographically diverse region of Bangladesh with a population of around 1.6 million, including 12 ethnic communities with distinct ethnic cultures and traditions.
But, the study found the hilly region remains one of the most disadvantaged regions in the country and lags behind in almost all development indicators. More than 60 percent of households live below the poverty line and more than half do not have access to safe drinking water or sanitation facilities.
Talking to UNB during his recent visit to Dhaka, principal investigator of the study Golam Rasul said the region has rich natural and environmental resources with hills, forests, rivers, and lakes, a diverse flora and fauna, and areas of outstanding scenic beauty. The majority of the hilly people rely on subsistence farming, and especially jhum farming practices, he said, adding that the existing agricultural practices can no longer sustain in the context of climate change scenario and environmental degradation.
But, ICIMOD theme leader (Livelihood) Golam Rasul said the region provides important ecosystem services that play a significant role in economic development, environmental protection, ecological sustainability, and human wellbeing, both in the CHT itself and downstream.
The study reveals that the CHT region has a significant potential for development in horticulture, high-value agricultural products, beekeeping, livestock, fisheries, agro-based micro-enterprises, tourism, forestry, and water resources management, which help attain the SDGs.
Value chain development with agribusiness can play a key role in enhancing rural livelihoods, while tourism can help increase opportunities for off-farm employment. Forests will play a vital role in stabilising the fragile landscape, protecting water resources, biodiversity conservation, and supporting daily needs.
Integrated watershed management, together with community-led forest management to halt forest degradation and promote conservation and regeneration, can contribute substantially to development efforts, according to the study. Golam Rasul said there are a range of areas where strategic action will help contribute to achieving the SDGs, which also include education and skills development, especially for ethnic communities and women, and providing greater access to healthcare.
He said, improving rural connectivity is essential to provide access to markets, education and healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
The study found that there is already a large degree of decentralisation and devolution in the CHT, and this institutional innovation can support creative and cooperative development, with local institutions and people empowered to work effectively towards delivering the SDGs.
