Community-Led Mangrove Restoration in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh
An effective case of community-based adaptation is the mangrove restoration program in the Sundarbans area of Bangladesh whereby the local people collaborate with NGOs and local governments to minimize the effects of floods and cyclones.
The plan was formulated keeping the local population heavily involved where local knowledge was used to determine vulnerable areas, and appropriate sites where mangrove could be planted. The vulnerability was determined using participatory mapping and livelihood risks, environmental degradation discussions.
The project embodies the community values because it is a restoration of mangrove that is important in fishing, fuelwood availability and natural coastline protection. It deals with such crucial issues as storm surges, erosion and livelihood losses. The first land-use disputes were solved using community meetings and negotiation where all parties agreed on areas to restore.
The program satisfies the community needs through enhancing safety, livelihoods, and local jobs during planting and maintenance. It equally enhances adaptive capacity through the development of local skills, improvement of natural defenses as well as the process of collective decision-making.
In general, this example proves that sustainable climate adaptation and planning can be successful when the community is taken into account.