RESHAPING THE CHT'S FUTURE: $10m project to begin in Jan next

A groundbreaking climate adaptation project is expected to reshape the future of the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) by establishing a resilient and inclusive local economy, using nature-based solutions and performance-based climate finance.

The four-year project titled Green, Resilient, and Adaptive CHT Economy (GRACE) - LoCALplus, scheduled to launch in January 2026, will be implemented by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

With a budget of US$10 million approved in April by the Adaptation Fund Board, the initiative represents a major step towards addressing climate vulnerabilities and socio-economic disparities in the CHT-home to diverse ethnic communities and fragile ecosystems.

"We expect to begin the project in early 2026," said Kabir Uddin, ICIMOD's Bangladesh focal point.

"GRACE will promote an inclusive local economy in the hill districts by combining nature-based solutions with performance-based climate finance mechanisms."

GRACE seeks to reverse environmental degradation and climate vulnerability by rehabilitating ecosystems and empowering local communities.

The project will focus on springshed restoration, agroforestry, watershed management, and the conservation of Village Common Forests (VCFs)-natural assets that are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting indigenous livelihoods.

Officials from the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA) welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with the government's push for sustainable economic development and green growth in the region.

"The GRACE project will contribute significantly to promoting green economy and sustainable tourism in the CHT," said Prodip Kumar Mahottam, an Additional Secretary (Development) at the MoCHTA.

"This isn't just about climate adaptation-it's about long-term transformation."

At the heart of GRACE is a strong focus on inclusivity, particularly the empowerment of women and ethnic minority communities, many of whom are disproportionately affected by climate change but often left out of planning processes.

Through community-driven approaches and localised adaptation planning, the project intends to build social sustainability while also strengthening decentralised governance structures. GRACE will also deploy advanced data systems such as the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) and the Localised Information System for Adaptation (LISA) to inform planning and enable early warning systems for floods, landslides, and lightning-all of which pose growing risks in the CHT due to erratic weather patterns.

By improving local government capacities, the project aims to create a scalable model of climate resilience that aligns with Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) and other long-term national strategies.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com