The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed memoranda of agreement (MoAs) with 12 partner organizations under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP) in Dhaka on Thursday to support community-led environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods across Bangladesh.
The GEF Small Grants Program, implemented by UNDP, supports civil society and community-based organizations in developing locally driven solutions to environmental challenges while improving livelihoods.
The newly selected projects aim to strengthen community participation, encourage local innovation and create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities.
Selected through a competitive evaluation process, the 12 projects will be implemented across 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.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sonali Dayaratne, acting resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasized 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.
Earlier, welcoming the participating organizations, Sarder M Asaduzzaman, assistant resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of 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 formalize the roles and responsibilities of UNDP and the partner organizations, establishing a framework for implementation, innovation, accountability and sustainable project outcomes.
Particular emphasis was placed on expanding successful community-led solutions and ensuring lasting environmental benefits.
In association 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 Program.
The 12 new partnerships aim to demonstrate how locally driven initiatives can contribute to national environmental priorities while improving livelihoods and protecting vulnerable ecosystems across Bangladesh.