However, in order to share the adaptation techniques of the grassroots people to climate change, eight papers were presented in two separate sessions in the seminars. In the first session which was chaired by Associate professor of Anthropology department of DU Dr. Saifur Rashid, four papers were presented by Research fellow of BARCIK and students of Dhaka University. The first paper titled “Climate Change: Live and livelihood struggle of the coastal districts of Bangladesh” was presented by Shahin Islam and Abu Shadot Faisal staffs of BARCIK. The paper described regarding the wounds and woes of the people due to climate change and their adaptation strategies that helped them survived in spite of adverse change. The second paper titled “Adaptation in Climate Change: Local Knowledge and Exertion” was presented by Md Fakhar Uddin research fellow of BARCIK and student of DU. This paper focused on the role of local knowledge in the cases of adaptation to changed climate scenario. The third paper titled “Climate Change: Displacement and Resource conflict” was presented by Priyaka Roy, research fellow of BARCIK. This paper depicted the conflict occurred between people being displaced due to climate change for lack of resources and the fourth paper titled “Climate Change and Adaptation in Char Ecosystem” was presented by Md Reza Habib research fellow of BARCIK which discussed about the adaptation means and strategies of the people in the char lands. Executive Director of BARCIK Sukanta Sen and Associate professor of DU Hasan Shafie participated in the session as discussants and shared their views based on the presented papers.

On the other hand, other four papers were presented in the second session of the seminar which was moderated by Professor Dr. Zahidul Islam of Anthropology, DU. The first paper titled “Climate change: The marginalization of uncultivated spinaches and medicinal plant” was presented by Debodyuti Roy student of Rajshahi University and research fellow of BARCIK. The paper discussed about the extinction of uncultivated wild plants and spinaches due to climate change and lack of use while the second paper which focused on food security and sustainable adaptation was presented by M Monyemul Islam Sijar student of Rajshahi University and research fellow of BARCIK. The third paper focusing on indigenous knowledge and disaster management was presented by teachers of Anthropology department of Dhaka University Dr. Zahidul Islam, S.M Arif Mahmud and Rashedul Alam and the fourth paper which focused on water crisis and adaptation means of people in research area Satkhira to combat the crisis was presented by Md. Bahauddin student of Rajshahi University and research fellow of BARCIK. Coordinator of BARCIK Romaisa Samad and lecturer of Anthropology department of DU Fariba Alamgir participated in the session as discussants and shared their views regarding the presented papers.

Earlier executive Director of BARCIK Sukanta Sen delivered welcoming speech stating the objective of the seminar and importance of interconnection between development organizations and educational institutions to deal with climate change followed by the speech of chief guest and special guests. However, appreciating the initiative taken by BARCIK and AAA, DU, chief guest said that climate change is occurring very rapidly creating more vulnerability to the people and intensifying the rate and frequency of natural disasters occurrences. He said that since Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change situation, therefore, initiative should be taken to build and increase the capacity of people to cope with it. Hence, the seminar organized today hopefully would provide inputs and means to the participants, particularly students by assisting them in preparing themselves to assist people combating climate change. He added that students along with their studies could incorporate themselves in the process of building adaptation and mitigation capacity of people.

Dr. Benedict Alo D’ Rozario focusing on increasing capacity of grassroots people to adapt to climate change said that activities which emit carbons should be restricted and while adaptation and mitigation polices and projects are formulated, the needs and demands as well as recommendations of the grassroots people should be incorporated. Professor Fariduddin Ahmed emphasizing on the incorporation of students in building coping capacity of people to climate change said that since climate change is a global issue, therefore initiative should be taken to provide and invent means of adaptation by conducting research where students can play vital role. He also urged to accumulate and document the indigenous adaptation tools of the grassroots people and integrate these with the scientific tools. Nasima Sultana said that to combat climate change as well as inventing adaptation techniques, cooperation and connection with development organizations and academicians should be made and this seminar has paved the ways for that.

It is mentionable that an open discussion was also held after the presentation of papers so that participants could ask questions for clarification and add their views to particular issues being presented in the seminar.