In the Sundarbans Resilience Project (SRP), the distribution of power and influence creates a clear distinction between those directing the strategy and those whose lives are most impacted. The Primary Decision-Makers, including National Government Agencies and International Donors, hold the highest level of influence because they control the project’s financial resources, regulatory frameworks, and overarching objectives. Their role is to manage the project "closely," ensuring that disaster-resistant infrastructure like embankments and mangrove restoration targets are met. In contrast, the Local Communities, identified as Rights Holders, hold the most significant interest as they benefit directly from the project’s success through stabilized shorelines and new, sustainable income pathways. While these communities may have lower institutional power, their "informed participation" is vital to prevent a "shallow understanding of the vulnerability context," which can occur when adaptation is simply retrofitted into existing development agendas.
To ensure lasting resilience, the project must navigate existing power imbalances, specifically by "creating a safe space" for women and marginalized groups whose voices are often overlooked in traditional decision-making. NGOs and Researchers serve as critical bridge-builders in this dynamic; they contribute specialized ecological monitoring and help facilitate the "consultation and relationship building" necessary for inclusive engagement. Ultimately, determining the power and influence of each stakeholder required a systematic analysis of who holds the duty to act (Government) versus who holds the right to benefit (Communities). By aligning the high-level authority of decision-makers with the local knowledge and dependency of the residents, the SRP can transform the Sundarbans into a truly resilient protective barrier.
This is a strong and well-articulated analysis that clearly distinguishes between power holders and rights holders within the Sundarbans Resilience Project. I particularly appreciate how the text moves beyond a simple stakeholder listing and instead frames the project through a power interest lens, highlighting the tension between strategic control and lived vulnerability.
The emphasis on “informed participation” is especially relevant, as it recognizes that community involvement must go beyond consultation to avoid technocratic or top-down adaptation approaches. The role assigned to NGOs and researchers as bridge-builders is also convincing, as it reflects their practical function in translating policy objectives into locally grounded action.
One area that could be further strengthened is an explicit example of how community voices especially women’s groups are institutionalized within decision-making structures (e.g. representation in project committees or monitoring mechanisms).; This would reinforce the argument that power imbalances are not only acknowledged but actively addressed in practice.
Overall, the comment demonstrates a solid understanding of climate adaptation governance, effectively linking authority, accountability, and local knowledge as key pillars for long-term resilience in the Sundarbans.