ACCESS4ALL Group

1. Who holds the most influence, and who benefits the most from the project’s outcomes?In the Sundarban Resilience Project, the stakeholders with the highest influence are government agencies and donor organizations. Government bodies such as the Forest Department and local disaster management authorities influence policies, permissions, and regulatory frameworks. Donor organizations and international development partners influence project direction through funding decisions and monitoring requirements. However, the primary beneficiaries of the project are the local communities living in the Sundarbans, including fishermen, farmers, women, and vulnerable households who face climate risks such as cyclones, salinity intrusion, and flooding. Although these communities benefit the most from improved resilience, their influence in decision-making processes is relatively low compared to institutional stakeholders.

2. Stakeholder roles, potential benefits, and level of influenceGovernment agencies play a regulatory and policy-making role. They provide permissions, technical guidance, and institutional support for project implementation. Their influence is high because they control the legal and administrative environment in which the project operates. They benefit through improved environmental governance and disaster management outcomes.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and implementing partners act as facilitators and implementers. They mobilize communities, conduct training, manage resources, and ensure project activities are implemented effectively. Their influence is moderate to high because they connect policy-level stakeholders with local communities and translate plans into practical actions.

Local communities are the primary participants and beneficiaries. They contribute local knowledge, participate in climate adaptation activities, and adopt resilience-building practices. Their potential benefits include improved livelihoods, better disaster preparedness, and increased environmental sustainability. However, their level of influence is usually low to moderate.

Researchers and academic institutions contribute by providing scientific knowledge, climate data, and technical analysis. They support evidence-based planning and help evaluate project outcomes. Their influence is moderate because they inform decision-making but do not usually control funding or policy decisions.

3. Contribution and dependency among stakeholder groupsDifferent stakeholder groups contribute to the project in complementary ways. Government agencies provide policy support and regulatory oversight. NGOs and civil society organizations implement field activities and ensure community engagement. Local communities contribute indigenous knowledge, labor, and participation in resilience initiatives. Researchers provide scientific insights and data for climate adaptation planning.

At the same time, these groups depend on each other. NGOs depend on government approval and donor funding. Communities depend on NGOs and government programs for resources, training, and infrastructure support. Researchers rely on local communities for field data and practical insights. This interdependence is essential for achieving sustainable climate adaptation outcomes.

4. Power imbalances and overlooked voicesA major challenge in many development projects is the imbalance of power between institutional actors and local communities. Government agencies and donors often dominate decision-making processes, while vulnerable groups such as women, small-scale fishers, and marginal farmers may have limited representation. If these voices are overlooked, project interventions may not fully address local needs or cultural realities. Ensuring inclusive participation through community consultations and participatory planning is therefore crucial for the success and sustainability of the project.

5. Determining power and influence of stakeholdersThe power and influence of stakeholders were determined using a stakeholder mapping approach, particularly the power–interest matrix. Stakeholders were assessed based on their ability to influence project decisions (power) and the extent to which they are affected by project outcomes (interest). Government agencies and donors were categorized as high-power stakeholders due to their control over funding and policy decisions. NGOs were placed in the moderate to high influence category because of their operational role in project implementation. Local communities were identified as high-interest but low-power stakeholders, as they are directly affected by the project but have limited control over strategic decisions. Researchers were considered moderate influence stakeholders because they contribute knowledge and evidence that guide project planning.

6. Peer response (comparison with another stakeholder mapping)In reviewing a peer’s stakeholder mapping, I noticed that they placed NGOs as the most influential stakeholders in the project, whereas in my analysis government agencies and donors hold the highest level of influence. While NGOs play a critical role in implementation and community mobilization, their actions are often guided by funding priorities and government regulations. This difference in perspective highlights how stakeholder influence can vary depending on whether one focuses on policy control or field-level implementation. It also reveals that climate adaptation efforts rely on strong collaboration among multiple actors, and understanding these relationships is essential for effective project design and sustainable outcomes.