ACCESS4ALL Group

After comparing my stakeholder mapping with the reference matrix provided, I found that the categorization of stakeholders according to their levels of power and influence is largely consistent and reflects the actual governance structure of the project.

1. Who holds the most influence, and who benefits the most from the project?

Government institutions, main international donors, and the SRP project management hold the highest level of power and influence over the project. They control financial resources, regulatory frameworks, and strategic decision-making processes.

However, local communities in the Sundarbans benefit the most directly from the project outcomes, particularly through improved coastal protection, ecosystem restoration, and diversified livelihood opportunities. Their benefits depend largely on how well their needs and local knowledge are integrated into the project.

2. Roles, potential benefits, and level of influence of each actor

• Government agencies

  
  

  Provide policy direction, regulation, and national coordination. They benefit from enhanced coastal resilience and national climate adaptation capacity. Their level of power and influence is high.

• International donors

  
  

  Supply financial resources and shape project priorities through funding conditions. Their influence is high, although their direct involvement in daily operations is limited.

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

  
  

  Act as intermediaries between institutions and communities by supporting community engagement, capacity building, and advocacy. Their influence is moderate to high, but their formal decision-making power is limited.

• Local communities and community leaders

  
  

  Are the primary beneficiaries and holders of local knowledge. While they have limited formal power, their social influence is high, as their participation and acceptance are critical to project success.

• Researchers and technical experts

  
  

  Contribute scientific data, ecological monitoring, and technical solutions. Their influence is mostly indirect but essential for the long-term sustainability of the project.

3. Contributions and dependencies among stakeholder groups

Government agencies and donors contribute funding, policies, and strategic oversight, but they depend on NGOs and local communities for effective implementation on the ground.Local communities depend on the project to strengthen their resilience, while the project itself depends on their engagement and cooperation.Researchers support the project with evidence-based insights while relying on access to local data and field sites.

4. Power imbalances and neglected voices

A clear power imbalance exists between actors with high decision-making authority and local communities, who have high influence but limited formal power. If the voices of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and small-scale resource users are not adequately included, this could undermine the long-term sustainability and local ownership of the project.

5. How power and influence were determined

Power and influence were assessed based on:

• control over financial and material resources,

• regulatory and institutional authority,

• involvement in decision-making processes,

• and the ability to shape community engagement and project outcomes.

This approach helps distinguish institutional power from social influence, both of which are critical in climate adaptation initiatives.