LocationsEmpowering Vulnerable Communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Through Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Local Leadership
©UNV Bangladesh
In the remote hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, where green landscapes meet the challenges of extreme weather, a group of UN Community Volunteers is quietly reshaping the future and transforming the lives of vulnerable communities. Their dedication to climate resilience is part of the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC), supported by Denmark and Sweden. This initiative is jointly implemented by the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
One such volunteer, Anita Chakma, stands as a witness to the transformative power of knowledge and community support. As a Community Mobilization Facilitator (CMF), Anita’s role involves more than just helping climate vulnerable communities in practicing Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALO) practices Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALO) practices; to utilize Community Resilient Fund (CRF); she is a bridge between the community and crucial stakeholders' resources, she is a bridge between the community and crucial stakeholders' resources, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change.
A whole day spends moving between the remote hills of Sapchari Union, of Rangamati district where she works closely with one of the climate vulnerable household member like Rika Chakma in Deppoachori, who once struggled with unpredictable weather and poor harvests. Rika says “The soil was eroding, and the floods ruined our crops every year.” But with Anita’s guidance, Rika Chakma and many others have learned to implement adaptive techniques, such as sustainable crop rotation, ensuring their livelihoods are more resilient to floods and droughts.
©UNV Bangladesh
Anita's impact goes beyond building resilience. She also helps local community to tap into government climate adaptation funds, ensuring that they receive the support they need to build better homes. “Without Anita, we wouldn’t know where to turn for help,” Rika Chakma says. “She has shown us that we can rebuild, even after the worst of storms.”
Rika Chakma also shares, 'with the support of Anita, we are currently rearing Black Bengal goats for long-term profit. For regular income, we are weaving on a backstrap loom, a process that takes 1-2 weeks and can be sold in the market. Anita has also helped us with market linkage, guided us where to sell the products, which supports our ability to meet regular family needs. Additionally, Anita provided training on goat rearing and market management'.
With 44 dedicated UN Volunteers working across 22 unions and engaging with 7,500 beneficiaries, these volunteers are ensuring that no one is left behind. The volunteers, supported by the UNV’s Special Voluntary Fund (SVF), are reaching the most marginalized communities in the region, teaching them how to adapt to climate change while securing sustainable income sources through 310 entrepreneurial initiatives.
In the face of adversity, the UN Community Volunteers are not just providing a lifeline, they are empowering communities to take charge of their own future. Their work, built on trust and solidarity, is creating a ripple effect, ensuring that Chittagong Hill Tracts’ inhabitants are better prepared for the challenges ahead, with the skills and resources to thrive in an ever-changing climate.
Through their dedication, these volunteers are turning resilience into a shared experience, one that will echo through the generations, ensuring that the hills of Chittagong stand strong, no matter the weather.
