Plan International Bangladesh, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, organized an inception workshop for the Building Climate Resilient, Environment Sustainable Coastal Communities (ResCoast) project in Barguna Sadar Upazila.
The workshop brought together government officials, local government representatives, development partners and community stakeholders to introduce the project's objectives, strengthen coordination and identify opportunities for collaboration to build climate-resilient coastal communities.
Funded by Standard Chartered Bank under its Agriculture Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience, promote green livelihoods and advance environmental sustainability in vulnerable coastal communities.
Implemented in Barguna, the project will directly support 1,815 vulnerable coastal households across 6 climate-resilient villages, with a particular focus on young women and youths aged 18–24.
The workshop was attended by Md Shah Aziz, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Barguna Sadar, as chief guest and chaired by Md Anamul Hoque, director of the Resource Development Foundation (RDF).
Speaking as chief guest, Md Shah Aziz said: “Building climate-resilient communities requires more than individual efforts; it demands strong collaboration between government institutions, development partners and local communities. The ResCoast project presents an important opportunity to work together towards sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection and long-term resilience in Barguna.”
The workshop featured a presentation outlining the project's objectives, planned interventions and implementation approach. Key focus areas included climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries and livestock management, community-based climate resilience, youth leadership, gender equality and social inclusion.
Special guests welcomed the initiative, expressed their commitment to supporting its implementation and emphasized the importance of inclusive participation and coordination among relevant government departments and community stakeholders.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to establish a shared understanding of the project's priorities, identify areas for institutional collaboration, discuss potential risks and mitigation measures, and review key implementation milestones.
The project will work closely with relevant government departments and local stakeholders to promote coordinated interventions, strengthen community ownership and support the long-term sustainability of its outcomes.
Through ResCoast, Plan International Bangladesh aims to help climate-vulnerable coastal communities adopt sustainable livelihood practices, strengthen their capacity to adapt to climate change, and promote the meaningful participation and leadership of youths and women.