Introduction
The project aims to increase the knowledge and empowerment of the National Society (BDRCS), local government, stakeholders, and targeted urban communities to adapt to and mitigate climate-induced coastal risks. This is achieved through two outcomes. Enhancing understanding of climate-induced risks through city-level assessments and collaboration with technical agencies and academia. Reducing climate-induced risks in urban communities and city systems by implementing appropriate solutions in partnership with local government and stakeholders. At the country level, the project contributes to the global goal of the Coastal Cities Project by building climate resilience in two secondary cities within vulnerable coastal districts of Bangladesh. Additionally, the project seeks to establish a foundation of practice and knowledge that can be scaled and replicated.
Project Inside
Bangladesh, specifically targeting the Bagerhat and Satkhira districts. These areas face numerous climate-related risks, including sea level rise, cyclones, floods, and coastal erosion, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The project, led by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) in collaboration with the IFRC and American Red Cross, seeks to empower local communities, government institutions, and stakeholders to adapt to and mitigate these risks. By focusing on disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts aligned with national plans and policies, the project aims to build resilient communities and strengthen the capacity of BDRCS to respond effectively to natural disasters. The geographic scope includes selected wards within the target districts, where vulnerabilities to urban disaster and climate threats are most pronounced. Overall, the project aligns with broader international strategies for climate action and disaster risk management, emphasizing the importance of localized, inclusive approaches to building resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.
The Coastal Cities Project in Bangladesh aims to enhance the resilience of urban communities to climate-induced coastal risks. It seeks to empower the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), local government, stakeholders, and urban communities through knowledge-building and capacity-building activities. The project will start with a six-month inception period, focusing on partnership building and detailing project activities in a participatory manner. It will strengthen existing multistakeholder platforms, such as Town Level Coordination Committees (TLCC), which include government officials, citizens’ groups, and disaster management actors. These platforms will work with various disaster management committees to implement solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. The project will also identify and target the most vulnerable groups in each city and collaborate with academic partners to enhance knowledge and practice in addressing climate risks.
| Activity Title (Global level) | Coastal City Resilience and Extreme Heat Action Project (CoCHAP) |
| Country level Activity title (short title) | BDRCS Coastal Cities Bangladesh Project |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Implementing agency | Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) |
| Technical and Strategic Partner(s) | IFRC Bangladesh,
American Red Cross RCRC Climate Centre Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief City Authorities / Local Governments |
| Geographic locations | Municipal areas of Satkhira and Bagerhat districts in Southwest Bangladesh |
| Timeline | 1 March 2023 to 30 June 2026 (40 months) |
Project Goals:
The overall goal of the Project is to make the National Society (BDRCS), local government and stakeholders and the targeted urban communities be more knowledgeable and empowered to be able to adapt to and reduce climate-induced coastal risks.
Outcome 1: Capacity of the National Society, local government, stakeholders, and urban communities to understand climate-induced risks are increased through conducting city level assessments and analysis in collaboration with technical agencies and academia.
Outcome 2: Climate-induced risks of the urban communities and city systems are reduced through applying appropriate solutions in partnership with local government and stakeholders.
Result Statements
- Urban communities use climate risk information to take protective action in the case of climate risk events.
- Climate-induced risks of the urban communities and city systems are reduced through applying appropriate solutions in partnership with local government and stakeholders.
Cross-cutting elements
Beneficiary Targeting: The project utilizes Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) guidelines to engage diverse community groups, including under-served and marginalized communities. It focuses on Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) considerations, with a specific emphasis on individuals in informal settlements. A Collective Feedback Mechanism (CFM) is established to gather input from beneficiaries and ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
Learning and Knowledge Exchange: The project develops a learning agenda to showcase good practices and facilitate knowledge dissemination. It fosters city-to-city networking opportunities and participation in global events to share experiences and lessons learned. Various communication products are developed and distributed through multiple channels to promote local solutions and inspire urban and humanitarian professionals.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Oversight: The project establishes a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) plan to track progress and outcomes at various levels. It adheres to IFRC minimum standards and includes accountability and learning activities as integral components. Oversight of local partners is ensured through adherence to partnership principles and regular monitoring of capacity and implementation schedules. Compliance procedures are followed to ensure alignment with regulations and standards set by relevant authorities.