ACCESS4ALL Group

1. Who Holds the Most Influence and Who Benefits the Most?

The Government of Bangladesh and international donor agencies hold the highest influence in the SRP because they control project funding, policies, regulations, and implementation priorities. These actors decide how resources are allocated and what strategies are adopted for mangrove restoration, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness.

However, the local communities living around the Sundarbans benefit the most from the project outcomes. They gain improved coastal protection from storms, restored mangrove ecosystems that support fisheries and livelihoods, and new income opportunities through livelihood diversification programs. While they have lower decision-making power, they are the primary beneficiaries of the adaptation measures.

2. Stakeholder Roles, Benefits, and Level of Influence

Government Ministries (Environment, Water Resources, Disaster Management): Role: Provide policy direction, approve regulations, and coordinate national climate adaptation efforts. Benefit: Strengthened coastal protection and progress toward national climate goals. Level of Influence: High

International Donor Agencies: Role: Provide funding and technical guidance for climate adaptation strategies. Benefit: Achievement of development and climate resilience objectives. Level of Influence: High

Local Government Authorities: Role: Implement infrastructure projects and coordinate local activities. Benefit: Improved local infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Level of Influence: Medium–High.

Local Communities (fishers, farmers, etc.): Role: Participate in restoration activities and adopt alternative livelihoods. Benefit: Increased livelihood security, reduced disaster risk, and improved ecosystem resources. Level of Influence: Low influence but high interest.

NGOs and Community-Based Organizations: Role: Facilitate community engagement, training, and awareness programs. Benefit: Stronger community capacity and environmental advocacy impact. Level of Influence: Medium

Vulnerable or Marginalized Groups: Role: Promote inclusive participation and livelihood diversification. Benefit: Economic empowerment and improved social resilience. Low–Medium

Researchers and Universities: Role: Conduct environmental monitoring and provide scientific knowledge. Benefit: Research opportunities and data for climate adaptation. Level of Influence: Low–Medium

3. How Different Groups Contribute to or Depend on the Project

   Different stakeholder groups contribute to the SRP in complementary ways:

   
   

   Government agencies provide regulatory authority, strategic direction, and coordination for climate adaptation policies.

   
   

   International donors supply financial resources and technical expertise, making large-scale restoration and infrastructure improvements possible.

   
   

   NGOs and community organizations serve as bridges between policymakers and local communities, ensuring participation and knowledge transfer.

   
   

   Local communities contribute traditional knowledge, labor, and local stewardship of the mangrove ecosystem, which is essential for long-term sustainability.

   
   

   Researchers and universities generate scientific data and monitoring tools that guide evidence-based adaptation strategies.

4. Power Imbalances

   A key challenge in the SRP is the power imbalance between decision-makers and local communities. While governments and donors hold decision-making authority, local communities who are most affected by environmental changes often have limited influence over project design and resource allocation.

   
   

   Certain groups may also be underrepresented, including:

   
   

   Women, who play key roles in household livelihoods but may have limited participation in decision-making.

   
   

   Marginalized or landless households, which rely heavily on forest resources.

   
   

   Indigenous or traditional forest users, whose ecological knowledge may not be fully integrated.

5. How the Power and Influence of Stakeholders Were Determined

   
   

   The power and influence of stakeholders were determined based on several factors:

   
   

   Control over financial resources – Donors and government agencies provide funding and therefore hold significant influence.

   
   

   Regulatory authority – Government institutions have the legal power to enforce environmental policies and approve projects.

   
   

   Implementation responsibilities – Local governments, NGOs, and project management teams influence how activities are carried out.

   
   

   Dependency on project outcomes – Local communities have high interest because their livelihoods and safety depend on project success.

   
   

   Knowledge and technical capacity – Researchers and environmental experts influence decisions through scientific evidence and monitoring.