ACCESS4ALL Group

A successful example of community-centered adaptation comes from the Sundarbans region in Bangladesh, where communities face frequent flooding, cyclones, and salinity intrusion. The adaptation plan focused on community-led mangrove restoration to reduce storm impacts, protect livelihoods, and enhance biodiversity.

Design and Implementation

Local residents, village councils, and NGOs co-designed the project, deciding which areas to plant mangroves and which species to prioritize.

Training workshops taught planting techniques and maintenance, ensuring knowledge transfer.

Community monitoring teams were established to track mangrove survival and ecosystem recovery.

Community Values

The plan aligned with local values of stewardship, collective action, and reliance on natural resources for fishing and honey collection.

Addressing Challenges

It addressed storm surges, coastal erosion, and livelihood threats by creating natural barriers that reduce flooding impacts and saltwater intrusion.

Vulnerability Assessment

The project identified the most vulnerable villages and households, ensuring that high-risk areas received priority support.

Conflict Resolution

Disputes over planting areas were resolved through village councils and participatory decision-making, ensuring fair access to resources.

Community Needs and Expectations

The plan met community expectations by protecting homes, fisheries, and agricultural land while creating opportunities for income through eco-tourism and sustainable honey collection.

Adaptive Capacity Contribution

By combining local knowledge with ecological restoration, the project strengthened long-term resilience to climate impacts, enhanced disaster preparedness, and fostered community cohesion.

Conclusion:

The Sundarbans mangrove restoration demonstrates that community-centered adaptation works best when it reflects local values, involves participatory decision-making, and addresses both environmental and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.