United Nations Development Proramme (UNDP) under its Integrating Community-based Adaptation into Afforestation and Reforestation Programmes in Bangladesh (ICBAAR), has taken an initiative to strengthen the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) of the government of Bangladesh, by building the capacity of 6000 volunteers in four cyclone-prone coastal districts. During an inauguration of a two-day training programme on 9-10 November, organized by UNDP, 2000 CPP volunteers from Patuakhali and Barguna districts received different equipment and training for better cyclone preparedness.  Attending the training programme, Shahidul Islam a CPP volunteer said, “In 1970’s cyclone took lives of five lac people but now due to the CPPs role, the number of deaths has been reduced significantly. The equipment and training will help us to better perform our duties.”

Md Shah Kamal, secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in his remarks as the chief guest said, “The number of CPP volunteers is still very low. Government is working to increase the number to one lack by June 2019 and to cover all the coastal districts.” He urged UNDP to increase the number of volunteers as well.

Integrating Community-based Adaptation into Afforestation and Reforestation Programmes aims to reduce vulnerability of communities to the adverse impacts of climate change through participative design, community-based management, and diversification of afforestation and reforestation programmes. Altogether, over 60,000 vulnerable people will benefit from this. Among others, Utpal Kumar Das, Additional Secretary (MoDMR), Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Project Director, Abu Syed Mohammad Hashim, Director General of the Department of  Disaster Management and Relief, Arif Abdullah Khan. Programme Specialist, UNDP, Ahmadul Hoque, CPP Director Admin and Nur Islam Khan, Director Operation also spoke at the opening session.