Equip coastal populations with resources and knowledge

Speakers at a workshop underscored the urgency of equipping underserved coastal populations in Bangladesh with resources and knowledge to adapt to intensifying climate challenges.

They were speaking at the national inception workshop of Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihood (B4RL) project on Tuesday at a hotel in the capital through which the five-year B4RL project has entered its implementation phase.

Implemented by CNRS in collaboration with BELA, NSU, IUCN, PRERONA, and CEDIO, and funded by the Embassy of Sweden, the B4RL project is aimed at building resilience among climate-vulnerable communities in the southwestern coastal belt, says a press release.

Farida Akhtar, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included Dr Md Sohorab Ali, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, Md Ali Jinnah, Additional Director (Planning) at Department of Agricultural Extension, Rakibul Hasan Mukul from Department of Forest, and Mostafizur Rahman, Senior National Program Officer at Embassy of Sweden.

Executive Director of CNRS, Dr M Mokhlesur Rahman, presented a detailed overview of the project, emphasising adaptive farming, canal restoration, and effective wetland governance as essential measures to combat climate stressors.

“These aren’t just interventions; they are key to restoring biodiversity and securing livelihoods for the most climate-affected communities,” he said.

Chief guest Farida Akhtar praised the project’s inclusive approach: “What stood out was how it centred women not just as participants but as beneficiaries. The B4RL project has recognised community members as resilient actors who can drive adaptive solutions.”