Background
Name of the Donor: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), under the European Union (EU) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) partnership.
Project Duration: May 2026 – August 2027
Climate change and environmental degradation are putting growing pressure on communities in the Ganges and Indus River Basins. Extreme weather, water shortages, and declining natural resources are affecting livelihoods and food security. These challenges can also create social tensions and make vulnerable communities less secure. Many communities lack the knowledge, resources, and support to prepare for future climate risks. Their voices are often missing from local adaptation planning. There is a need to understand both current and future risks and develop solutions based on local needs. To address these challenges, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is implementing the PROAACT initiative in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan under the EU–UNEP partnership. In Bangladesh, LEDARS is implementing the project in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira District. The project focuses on identifying future climate and environmental risks and helping communities take early action before these risks become more serious. It uses participatory foresight and climate risk assessments to understand possible future challenges. Based on the findings, communities and local government institutions will jointly develop Local Adaptation Plans and identify priority actions, with a focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The initiative also promotes knowledge sharing and cooperation to strengthen community resilience, protect natural resources, and support social stability.
Goal of the Project
Objectives
Major Interventions
1) Community Capacity Building on Climate and Environmental Risk Assessment:
LEDARS will organize training for community members, local leaders, and local government representatives on climate and environmental risk assessment. Participants will learn to identify climate risks and their impacts on livelihoods and natural resources. Through group discussions and practical exercises, they will assess local risks and vulnerabilities. The Systematic Participatory Foresight approach will help them explore possible future climate and environmental changes. They will also discuss how these changes may affect their lives and identify ways to prepare. Special attention will be given to women and marginalized groups. This training will help communities understand present and future risks and take part in local adaptation planning.
2) Climate and Socio-Ecological Risk Assessment:
LEDARS will conduct climate and socio-ecological risk assessments through community consultations, focus group discussions, and participatory tools such as hazard mapping, resource mapping, seasonal calendars, and vulnerability assessments. Community members will identify climate hazards, environmental changes, and their impacts on livelihoods, natural resources, and social stability. Local knowledge and scientific information will be used to understand current and future risks. The findings will help communities identify adaptation needs and prepare Local Adaptation
3) Development of Local Adaptation Plans (LAP):
LEDARS will organize planning workshops at union and upazila levels to prepare Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs). Community members, Union Parishad representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders will take part in these workshops. Participants will review climate risk assessment findings, identify local adaptation needs, and select priority actions. Special attention will be given to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address climate and environmental risks. The plans will reflect community priorities and guide locally led adaptation efforts.
4) Prioritization of Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA):
LEDARS will share the findings of the climate risk assessments and Local Adaptation Plans through workshops at upazila and national levels. Community representatives, Union Parishad representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders will review the findings and identify priority adaptation actions. Special attention will be given to Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Participants will select priority actions based on community needs, feasibility, and long-term benefits. These workshops will help build a common understanding and encourage joint action to address climate and environmental risks.
5) Implementation of Local Adaptation Plans through Nature-based Solutions:
LEDARS will support communities to implement priority Nature-based Solutions (NbS) identified in the Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs). Community members, Union Parishads, Upazila Administration, and other stakeholders will work together to select suitable locations and plan the activities. LEDARS will provide technical support in coordination with ICIMOD. Local communities will also take part in monitoring and maintaining these initiatives. These efforts will help reduce climate risks, protect natural resources, and strengthen community resilience.
6) Regional Knowledge Exchange and Learning on Climate Adaptation:
LEDARS will document project experiences, lessons learned, and good adaptation practices through reports, case studies, and other learning materials. LEDARS will also join national and regional learning workshops organized by ICIMOD. Organizations from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan will share their experiences, discuss common challenges, and identify practical solutions. Participants will explore how successful practices can be used in their own working areas. The lessons will also be shared with local communities and stakeholders to improve adaptation planning and implementation. These activities will help strengthen regional cooperation and learning on climate adaptation.