Biodiversity ecosystems restoration for community resilience in the CHT region

This project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation and build resilient ecosystems and communities. It benefits over 180 000 people in climate-vulnerable and marginalized communities particularly indigenous communities in all 3 districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The project works with these communities to develop and implement community-based biodiversity conservation plans. Project activities include: (1) conducting capacity development training for community-based organizations networks and environmental groups. This includes specific training for women on biodiversity restoration ecosystem management sustainable resource use and livelihood development; (2) providing technical support for biodiversity ecosystem restoration in forests wildlife habitats waterbodies and homesteads; (3) providing financial support for households to implement sustainable livelihoods activities particularly in ecosystem-based occupations; and (4) providing technical training to promote alternative livelihood options for ecosystem-dependent communities.

Expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased women’s role in decision-making and implementing inclusive biodiversity ecosystem restoration plans with local government agencies in 3 districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts; (2) improved biodiversity ecosystems restoration by vulnerable households especially women in 3 districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts; and (3) enhanced resilient alternative livelihoods of biodiversity ecosystems-dependent communities especially the poorest and most vulnerable women and girls in the 3 districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.