CNRS Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihoods (B4RL) in Bangladesh
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The project, Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihoods (B4RL) in the Modified Delta of Bangladesh - Inception Phase, will be implemented over a 16-month period, from April 2023 - July 2024, with a budget of SEK 4 900 000. The proposed implementing partner is the Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), established in 1994, and considered as one of the foremos...
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The project, Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihoods (B4RL) in the Modified Delta of Bangladesh - Inception Phase, will be implemented over a 16-month period, from April 2023 - July 2024, with a budget of SEK 4 900 000. The proposed implementing partner is the Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), established in 1994, and considered as one of the foremost environmental NGOs in Bangladesh. During this inception phase, CNRS will do the following: 1. conduct biodiversity monitoring (wetlands, village forests, and mangroves), and biophysical, socioeconomic and vulnerability assessments focusing on both climate-disaster and non-climate contextual drivers that make society and the ecosystem vulnerable to collapse. 2. assess policy execution gaps and institutional responses to the needs of local communities (this includes an analysis of the role of local government institutions and indicators on democratic local governance). 3. pilot some priority ecosystem restoration and climate-smart livelihood interventions in one site (preferably in the coastal site). The main output of the inception phase will be a concept for a long-term program on “climate-biodiversity-livelihood action” backed by a detailed, updated baseline developed on the basis of the assessments named. The proposed project primarily responds to the overall objective of Sweden's international development cooperation to create opportunities for people living in poverty and oppression to improve their own conditions. The Strategy for Sweden's development cooperation with Bangladesh 2021-2025 identifies environment and climate change as one of four thematic priorities. This project responds to all three environment and climate objectives of the strategy: "Improved conditions for preservation and restoration of biodiversity", "Improved conditions for reduced environmental impact and sustainable use of natural resources" and "Limited climate impact and strengthened resilience to climate change and natural disasters". This contribution has also the role of bringing the vital issue of biodiversity value for local, district and national economy to prominence (see climate/environment perspective below). In addition, it will also contribute to two of the the three objectives under democracy, human rights, the rule of law and gender equality, namely: "Enhanced capacity to promote democratic governance and human rights" (through establishing improved environmental governance and strengthening the rights-based approach to natural resources management) and "Better prospects for a gender-equal society" (through the promotion of women's leadership in the management of biodiversity and natural resources). CNRS' project is expected to directly contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the National Adaptation Plan 2022 (NAP) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) of Bangladesh. The Embassy assesses the project to be highly relevant, with significant potential to contribute to the implementation of the Swedish development cooperation with Bangladesh. There is clear basis for considering CNRS as the right CSO partner for this intervention and that the proposed approach and methodology will help create good conditions for people living in deep poverty, dependent on nature and biodiversity for their livelihoods, and thus under threat to climate-induced and other natural disasters. The use of community-led approaches to natural resources and biodiversity management is integral to this project, and will produce a number of measurable evidence for a longer-term program intervention. The identified risks are assessed as a medium-level risks, with some mitigation strategies in place and additional actions planned by the Embassy.
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Total aid 4,822,861 SEK distributed on 0 activities
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Result
This contribution (Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihoods in the Modified Ganges Delta of Bangladesh) was designed to improve climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. The assessment of the results in relation to its objectives, financial spending, and scope is as follows: Achievement of Objectives Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience: (i) Implemented early warning systems and improved infrastructure for disaster preparedness. (ii) Despite funding challenges, outreach efforts were successful in engaging communities. Water Resource Management: (i) Rainwater harvesting and re-excavation of canals significantly mitigated salinity issues and improved irrigation. (ii) However, conflicts over water usage and elite land capture hindered full success. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livelihoods: (i) Climate-smart agriculture techniques, sustainable fisheries, and alternative livelihoods were introduced. (ii) However, pest infestations and extreme weather led to lower-than-expected yields in some areas. Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems: (i) Wetland and mangrove restoration were carried out, improving biodiversity and resilience. (ii) Land conflicts slowed down progress in some sites. Governance and Institutional Strengthening: (i) Local adaptation committees were formed and officials trained on climate resilience. (ii) However, political instability from JulySeptember affected implementation. Budget Utilization and Financial Assessment The total proposed budget was BDT 30.75 crores allocated across multiple sectors: DRR and Climate Resilience BDT 5.07 crores Water Resource Management BDT 2.05 crores Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock BDT 7.03 crores Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation BDT 3.57 crores Infrastructure and Housing BDT 10.05 crores Governance and Capacity Building BDT 4.57 crores. The project largely stayed within budget, but some planned activities were delayed due to inflation and unforeseen environmental challenges (e.g., cyclone damage, extreme rainfall). Scope and Purpose Evaluation The intervention focused on climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and livelihood improvement in flood-prone and saline-affected areas. While some lower-level targets (e.g., full pest control in agriculture) were not met, the overall impact on community resilience and ecosystem restoration was highly relevant to the project's purpose. The project was deemed satisfactory, despite challenges, due to its high relevance and long-term sustainability efforts. Assessment of Sustainability Governance and Local Capacity: Project Implementation Committees (PICs) were established to manage restored wetlands, canals, and mangroves. Local government and community members were trained in maintenance, conflict resolution, and sustainable resource use. Economic Sustainability: Introduction of climate-resilient crops, sustainable fishing, and eco-tourism initiatives provided ongoing income opportunities. Microfinance initiatives and climate adaptation funds were introduced, though long-term financing remains a challenge. Environmental Sustainability: Mangrove and wetland restoration efforts created natural barriers against flooding and salinity. Water resource management structures (e.g., re-excavated canals) will continue providing irrigation and freshwater access. Social and Institutional Sustainability: Women and indigenous groups were actively engaged in decision-making, ensuring long-term social inclusion. Knowledge-sharing platforms and community training increased resilience against future climate shocks. Conclusion (i) The project delivered satisfactory results despite setbacks, successfully increasing climate resilience and improving livelihoods. (ii) Challenges such as elite land capture, unpredictable weather, and funding limitations partially hindered full implementation, but the project's core purpose was fulfilled. (iii) The sustainability plan, including community governance structures and financial mechanisms, suggests a lasting impact, though continued external support may be needed for long-term success.
The project goal is "Social-ecological resilience through integrated climate and biodiversity actions in the selected areas of the modified lower Ganges Delta of Bangladesh". The expected project outcomes are: Outcome 1 Community consensus on integrated climate-biodiversity-livelihood action is built through co-creating knowledge and co-developing a baseline on biophysical and socioeconomic features, including assessing vulnerabilities. Outcome 2: Climate-biodiversity-livelihood actions are co-developed and piloted through limited priority interventions, and a monitoring protocol is in place for assessing the effectiveness of climate-biodiversity-livelihood interventions/community action. Outcome 3: A longer-term integrated climate-biodiversity-livelihood project proposal developed through inception phase results assessment leading to the designing of further actions and submitted to the Embassy of Sweden as a financing partner.
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