Bangladesh experiences recurrent floods, cyclones and river erosions. In the last 8 years the intensity of natural disasters was very high which can be attributed to the negative impacts of climate change. Among the worst affected areas are the southern part of the country, especially Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat. The cyclone SIDR last year alone affected about 4 million people in this region, while cyclone AILA affected 7.5 million. Moreover, heavy rains in August of this year caused flooding of most low-laying areas of the country. The situation in the south region deteriorated even more because of water-logging, siltation in rivers connected to the Bay of Bengal and high tidal surge due to atmospheric depressions. Moreover, unplanned construction of embankments has caused permanent water-logging in this region putting poor people in tremendous jeopardy.

The project “Enhance Resilience of Dalits and Indigenous Communities to Cope with Climate Change in Satkhira and Khulna Districts, Bangladesh” aims to address the vulnerabilities of Dalit and Indigenous populations in these regions by implementing targeted initiatives for climate resilience. These communities, often marginalized and economically disadvantaged, face heightened risks due to the adverse impacts of climate change, including increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to agricultural practices.

The project focuses on building the adaptive capacity of Dalit and Indigenous groups through a multifaceted approach. This includes the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices that are resilient to changing climate conditions, providing access to climate-resilient livelihood options, and enhancing community-based early warning systems. Additionally, the project emphasizes the importance of empowering these communities through capacity-building initiatives, education, and awareness programs to ensure active participation in decision-making processes related to climate resilience.

By integrating traditional knowledge with modern climate adaptation strategies, the project aims to create a holistic framework for enhancing the resilience of Dalit and Indigenous populations. This approach not only seeks to mitigate the immediate impacts of climate change but also aims to build long-term sustainable solutions that enable these communities to thrive in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Ultimately, the project envisions a more resilient and empowered Dalit and Indigenous population in Satkhira and Khulna Districts, capable of effectively coping with the impacts of climate change and contributing to the overall sustainable development of the region.

Dalits are one of the most marginalized communities and socially excluded people concentrated in this area. They suffer from discrimination, worst effects of climate change, lack of resources etc. resulting in extreme poverty and indignity. There are at least .5 million Dalit’s living in this region. However, hardly any concrete steps had been ever taken either by the government or by non-government institutions to mitigate the sufferings of the Dalit community and improve their livelihoods.