In order to achieve the sustainable development goals, it is essential to ensure effective knowledge-sharing and empower all stakeholders. Keeping this in mind, United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, organised a two-day Progress Review and Lessons Learned Workshop at the Hotel Grand Park in Barishal on 18-19 April 2019, as part of its Integrating Community-based Adaptation into Afforestation and Reforestation (ICBAAR) Programme.

Chaired by Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Project Director of ICBAAR Project, the event engaged various stakeholders from ministries of forest, livestock, fisheries, along with officials from Cyclone Preparedness Programme, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, and UNDP officials.

In his presentation, Dr Md Muzammel Hoque, Project Manager of ICBAAR said, “This is an important workshop for all partners. We aim to formulate effective policies for future implementation and we will share best practices, observations and suggestions after our two years intervention.”

Launched on March 23, 2017, this four-year long project has already introduced an innovative diversified plantation mechanism for establishing sustainable coastal greenbelt, introduced climate resilient alternative livelihood options, developed an integrated approach involving government’s seven ministries and departments, and established a co-management approach in remote upazila sites.

Over 50% beneficiaries of the project are women, who also participate in decision-making through a community-based approach.

In his speech, Shamsur Rahman Khan, Deputy Secretary of MoEFCC said, “The success of this project depends on effective participation of local community. Project personnel and govt partners will work together to achieve its goals.”

Arif M. Faisal, Program Specialist of Environment and Energy said, “Bangladesh is a pioneer in creating coastal greenbelt. After independence, the forest department planted about 2 lac hectares of mangrove in five decades. We are still working to protect coastal forests.”

In the concluding speech, Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury said “We want the vulnerable population of coastal areas to become more aware and adaptive to climate change. Local government will play a key role here. We aim to increase biodiversity and create a sustainable coastal greenbelt.