Dhaka:The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has entered into agreements with 12 organizations to advance biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in Bangladesh. These initiatives are part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, which supports community-driven environmental solutions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the agreements were signed in Dhaka and the projects will be implemented in ecologically vital areas such as the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar-Teknaf coastal region, Saint Martin's Island, Hakaluki Haor, Tanguar Haor, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the Barind region.
The projects, chosen through a competitive evaluation process, will address a range of environmental issues, including mangrove and wetland restoration, sea turtle conservation, elephant habitat protection, and community-based waste management. They will also promote sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient livelihoods, and introduce circular economy solutions, renewable energy, and resource-efficient aquaculture.
The programme is designed to boost community participation, foster local innovation, and generate sustainable economic opportunities, with a particular focus on women, young people, and vulnerable groups. UNDP Bangladesh's acting resident representative, Sonali Dayaratne, emphasized the aim of achieving lasting environmental and social benefits from these partnerships.
At the signing ceremony, Sarder M. Asaduzzaman, assistant resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of community ownership and collective responsibility. He noted that these agreements mark the start of partnerships based on shared responsibility and a commitment to sustainable development.
The agreements outline the roles and responsibilities of UNDP and its partners, setting a framework for project implementation and sustainable outcomes. The programme aims to expand successful community-led solutions to ensure long-term environmental benefits. Working with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, UNDP continues to align biodiversity conservation and climate resilience with inclusive economic growth through the GEF Small Grants Programme.