UNDP signed agreements with 12 partner organisations in Dhaka today (16 October) to support community-led biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods across Bangladesh.
The memoranda of agreement were signed under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, which supports civil society and community-based organisations in developing local solutions to environmental challenges while improving livelihoods, according to the press release.
Selected through a competitive evaluation process, the 12 projects will operate in ecologically significant areas, including the Sundarbans, the Cox's Bazar–Teknaf coastal region, Saint Martin's Island, Hakaluki Haor, Tanguar Haor, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Barind region.
The projects aim to strengthen community participation, encourage local innovation and create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities.
Activities will focus on mangrove and wetland restoration, sea turtle conservation, elephant habitat protection, community-based waste management, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Several projects will also introduce circular-economy solutions, renewable energy, resource-efficient aquaculture, and alternative income opportunities for communities dependent on natural resources.
Sonali Dayaratne, acting resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of translating the partnerships into lasting environmental and social benefits.
"The real success of these partnerships will be measured by the improvements they bring to ecosystems and to the lives of people who depend on them. Our focus must be on delivering results that communities can sustain long after the projects are completed," she said.
Welcoming the participating organisations, Sarder M Asaduzzaman, assistant resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted community ownership and collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
"These agreements mark the beginning of partnerships built on shared responsibility, local innovation and a commitment to sustainable development. By empowering communities to address environmental challenges through locally driven solutions, we can strengthen resilience and create lasting opportunities for women, young people and vulnerable groups," he said.
The agreements formalised the roles and responsibilities of UNDP and its partners, creating a framework for effective implementation, innovation, accountability and sustainable outcomes.
The agreements placed particular emphasis on expanding successful community-led solutions and ensuring lasting environmental benefits.
UNDP, in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, implemented the GEF Small Grants Programme, connecting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience with inclusive economic development.
The 12 partnerships aim to show how locally driven initiatives can support national environmental priorities while improving livelihoods and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.