Project Case Study
Promoting the Green Economy in Bangladesh
Towards a transition to green growth in Bangladesh
The current growth strategy for Bangladesh has taken a toll on the environment and the quality of natural resources.
Along with policies aimed specifically at combating the disastrous effects of climate change, the government must also ensure that domestic policy choices avoid causing damage to the natural environment, in particular, economic policies for manufacturing, construction and power generation.
The sustainability of growth is under threat because of severe environmental degradation as well as the heavy toll of natural disasters, which are exacerbated by the changing climate.
Bangladeshi policymakers increasingly recognise the environmental damage that will be caused by continuing a business-as-usual development strategy and the risks to the sustainability of development.
Economic Dialogue on Green Growth (EDGG) was an ambitious policy research and advocacy programme focused on developing ‘green growth’ strategies for Bangladesh. ASI adopted a two-pronged approach – first, to define and operationalise the concept of ‘green growth’ for policymakers and make it an explicit part of official policy documents; and secondly, to study key sectors that have significant impact on the environment, proposing reforms that would minimise negative externalities from their growth.
EDGG brought together a wide range of stakeholders – government officials, regulators, private sector entrepreneurs, activists, media. The research and academic community were actively involved with the project too. They helped to identify knowledge gaps and chart a joint agenda to support a Bangladeshi ‘green growth’ path.
Success
- EDGG organised 20 public events to disseminate research; the project generated more than 50 media articles
- The EDGG paper, “Towards a Green Growth Strategy for Bangladesh”, was an official background paper for the Planning Commission’s Bangladesh Perspective Plan 2041
- ASI’s recommendations led to changes in policy of the Government of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Bank (the central bank); and facilitated enhanced engagement between the private sector and policymakers.
- EDGG research examined the environmental regulations in Bangladesh and the gaps and opportunities for the private sector in sectors such as ready-made garments, financial services and energy efficiency.
