Evaluating the Integration of Conflict Sensitive Approaches in Climate Change Response: Bangladesh and Nepal

Semhal TSEGAYE

Master's thesis

Evaluating the Integration of Conflict-Sensitive Approaches in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract:

As developing countries struggle to cope with climate change, the design and implementation of adaptation strategies is becoming increasingly important. Particularly in fragile and conflict- affected states, the effects of climate change can increase the risk of conflict. In such contexts, it is vital to consider that adaptation strategies themselves can have unintended consequences. As such, adaptation and mitigation efforts must integrate conflict sensitive approaches. This paper attempts to understand how conflict sensitive approaches are being integrated into climate change response in two of the most climate-vulnerable countries: Bangladesh and Nepal. These countries are chosen as case studies because of their vulnerability to climate change, compounded by their social and political challenges. To understand how conflict sensitive approaches are applied, the author examines climate response plans that both countries have published and cross-references the processes used for their planning, design, and implementation with conflict sensitive principles. The author concludes that neither Bangladesh nor Nepal manages to incorporate a conflict-sensitive approach into their adaptation strategies, primarily due to weak governance. International donors, aid agencies, and NGOs also bear some responsibility for not effectively mainstreaming conflict sensitivity into their operations. The author recommends that the international community and the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal take steps to mainstream conflict sensitivity into their climate responses.

Abstract:

As developing countries struggle to cope with climate change, the design and implementation of adaptation strategies is becoming increasingly important. Particularly in fragile and conflict- affected states, the effects of climate change can increase the risk of conflict. In such contexts, it is vital to consider that adaptation strategies themselves can have unintended consequences. As such, adaptation and mitigation efforts must integrate conflict sensitive approaches. This paper attempts to understand how conflict sensitive approaches are being integrated into climate change response in two of the most climate-vulnerable countries: Bangladesh and Nepal. These countries are chosen as case studies because of their vulnerability to climate change, compounded by their social and political challenges. To understand how conflict sensitive approaches are applied, the author examines climate response plans that both countries have published and cross-references the processes used for their planning, design, and implementation with conflict sensitive principles. The author concludes that neither Bangladesh nor Nepal manages to incorporate a conflict-sensitive approach into their adaptation strategies, primarily due to weak governance. International donors, aid agencies, and NGOs also bear some responsibility for not effectively mainstreaming conflict sensitivity into their operations. The author recommends that the international community and the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal take steps to mainstream conflict sensitivity into their climate responses.

Keywords

conflict sensitivity, climate change, NAPA, Bangladesh, Nepal

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 8. 6. 2020

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Lenka Dušková, PhD.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Geography / International Development Studies