ACCESS4ALL Group

The Government of Bangladesh (Ministry of Environment and coastal authorities) and the international donor agencies hold the greatest influence because they control funding, regulatory approval, and strategic priorities. The local communities benefit most from the project outcomes, gaining improved disaster protection, diversified livelihoods, and long-term environmental security. There is a clear power imbalance between donors/government authorities and local communities. Marginalized groups such as women, small-scale fishers, and informal workers risk being underrepresented in decision-making. If not actively included, this imbalance may reduce community ownership and long-term sustainability.