A new initiative, Biodiversity Ecosystems Restoration for Community Resilience (BERCR), was launched today, 4 March 2025, at the Rangamati Hill District Council Conference Room. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from Global Affairs Canada, the initiative aims to restore biodiversity and strengthen community resilience in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). It will benefit 182,000 people, including members of the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura communities, with a strong emphasis on empowering women-led households and enhancing climate adaptation measures.

The event was attended by H.E. Mr. Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Agriculturist Kazi Talukder, Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council. The event was chaired by Prodip Kumar Mahottam, NDC, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

Speaking at the event as the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, said, "Canada is proud to support the Biodiversity Ecosystems Restoration for Community Resilience project, which will empower communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to protect their environment while strengthening their resilience to climate change. By investing in biodiversity restoration, we are not only safeguarding natural ecosystems but also ensuring sustainable livelihoods for future generations. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to environmental conservation, gender equality, and inclusive development in Bangladesh."

Speaking at the event, Stefan Liller emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in restoring biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development in the CHT. “In the CHT, Canadian development assistance has been vital in supporting work that promotes self-reliance, decentralization, and sustained peace, significantly impacting thousands by breaking down educational barriers for girls and women and enhancing climate resilience through nature-based solutions. The BERCR initiative represents a crucial step towards building climate resilience, reducing environmental degradation, and improving livelihoods for thousands of people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This is a powerful example of how partnerships between governments, development agencies, and local communities can create lasting change,” he said.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts face complex development challenges, including poverty, deforestation, land degradation, and climate change vulnerabilities. In response, the BERCR initiative will introduce nature-based solutions to combat these threats, focusing on sustainable land management, water conservation, and reforestation.

The launch event underscored the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Government of Bangladesh, Canada, and local communities to drive impactful change in the CHT.

Among others, Chakma King Debashish Roy, Naie U Prue Mary,  Rangamati Hill District Councillor, Prodip Kumar Mahottam, ndc, Additional Secretary, MoCHTA, Kazal Talukdar, Chairman Rangamati Hill District Council also spoke.