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Story 09 Aug, 2024

Meghna Knowledge Forum (MKF II)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration with South Asian University (New Delhi) and the Asian Institute of Technology (Bangkok), will convene the second Meghna Knowledge Forum (MKF II) from July 23 to 25, 2025. The theme for MKF II is "Building Community and Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change."

MKF II aims to create a learning exchange platform for governments, academics, civil society actors, private sector and youth on climate resilience, strengthening community livelihoods, and addressing poverty reduction in the Barak-Meghna River basin. One of the forum’s intended outcomes is to initiate the Meghna University Research Network to address knowledge gaps identified during the event.

In 2021, IUCN facilitated the first Meghna Knowledge Forum, convened jointly by 17 organisations and attended by over 150 people. The forum welcomed high-level participation from governments in Bangladesh and India and included 40 speakers from diverse sectors. The forum generated more than 20 news and media reports highlighting key discussions.

MKF II aims to build on the success of MKF 2021 by deepening collaboration, knowledge sharing, and action towards sustainable development in the Barak-Meghna River basin. It underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving national and international commitments related to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Objectives 

  1. Understand climate change risks in the basin and identify the need for additional research
  2. Explore opportunities to apply NbS for climate resilience and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  3. Strengthen inclusive management of the basin and amplify the voices of youth, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes

Why Join?

  • Collaborate with peers working in the Meghna basin and beyond on climate change resilience, livelihoods and poverty reduction
  • Contribute to the development of practical solutions and strategies to addresses community livelihoods resilience and poverty in the Meghna basin

Audience 

Policymakers, academia, private sector, civil society and indigenous people’s organisations, members of Youth for Meghna (Y4M) network and donors, as well as experts working on climate change, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and inclusive governance of water resources.

Themes

Thematic Plenary I - Strengthening community livelihoods resilience

  • Discuss available data and science on the climate change risks and vulnerabilities in the Meghna basin, and how communities are adapting to the change
  • Identify deficiencies in data and knowledge and areas needing further research
  • Discuss the role of private sector and markets

Thematic Plenary II - Ecosystem and biodiversity protection for addressing societal challenges

  • Share NbS case studies and tools for enhancing ecosystem resilience
  • Analyse the role of policies and institutions in promoting joint management of ecosystems in the Meghna River basin

Thematic Plenary III - Youth and gender inclusion in the conservation of the Meghna River basin

  • Understand how youth and women value water
  • Identify priorities and entry points for youth and gender inclusion in the management of the Meghna basin
  • Provide a platform for dialogue on youth-led biodiversity and climate actions

How to Get Involved

  • Participate: Join discussions on climate resilience, livelihoods and poverty reduction in the Meghna Basin and beyond
  • Sponsor: Sponsor the forum or specific side events to gain recognition benefits
  • Spread the word:  Media representatives, including journalists, editors and producers, are invited to attend the opening session of the MKF II

For enquiries related to side events, sponsorship or participation, please contact Vishwa Sinha, Programme Officer, Water and wetlands, South Asia, IUCN Asia at [email protected] 

For media accreditation, please contact Ariela Mcdonald, Communications Officer, IUCN Asia at [email protected]

About Meghna River basin

Shared by Bangladesh and India, the Meghna River basin is known for its rich aquatic biodiversity in Asia. It originates in the hills of Manipur (India), where it is referred to as the Barak River. As it flows southwest, the river splits into the Surma River and the Kushiyara River at the Bangladesh-India border, later join in Bhairab Bazar, in Bangladesh to form the Meghna River, which flows south into the ocean in the Bay of Bengal.

It is home to more than 50 million people, including a significant number of indigenous communities who are reliant on forestry, fisheries and agriculture sectors. However, the increasing impact of climate change is putting pressure on these vital sources of livelihoods. The impacts are exacerbated by the loss and degradation of forest and wetlands which reduced the ecological buffer provided that could mitigate some of the impacts of climate change-induced heavy rainfall.

Map outlining Meghna River basin
IORA (New Delhi)
Map outlining Meghna River basin

 

About BRIDGE Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (BRIDGE GBM)

The BRIDGE GBM project is a multi-donor initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Implemented by IUCN and local partners, BRIDGE GBM works at the interface of hydro diplomacy and local governance to promote new approaches for river basin management, by facilitating cooperation, strengthening inter‐governmental capacities, and creating spaces for dialogue and agreements.

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