The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed agreements with 12 organisations to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods across Bangladesh.
The Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) were signed in Dhaka on Thursday under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), which supports locally driven environmental solutions through civil society and community-based organisations.
The 12 projects, selected through a competitive evaluation process, will be implemented in ecologically significant areas, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf coastal region, Saint Martin’s Island, Hakaluki Haor, Tanguar Haor, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Barind region.
The initiatives 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-generating opportunities for communities dependent on natural resources.
The programme aims to strengthen community participation, encourage local innovation and create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sonali Dayaratne, acting resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, stressed the importance of ensuring lasting environmental and social benefits from the partnerships.
“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.
Earlier, 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 define the roles and responsibilities of UNDP and the partner organisations, providing a framework for project implementation, innovation, accountability and sustainable outcomes.
The programme also seeks to expand successful community-led solutions and ensure long-term environmental benefits.
Working with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, UNDP continues to link biodiversity conservation and climate resilience with inclusive economic development through the GEF Small Grants Programme.
The 12 new partnerships are expected to support national environmental priorities while improving livelihoods and protecting vulnerable ecosystems across Bangladesh.