Unlocking a Greener Future: US$10 Million Funded to Boost Climate Resilience in the CHT Region

The Adaptation Fund Board has taken a major step in climate adaptation by approving the Green, Resilient, and Adaptive CHT Economy (GRACE) project in Bangladesh. This project, backed by a $10 million grant, aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable hill communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).

Supradip Chakma, an adviser for CHT Affairs, expressed gratitude for the funding, highlighting it as a testament to the country’s commitment to tackling climate change. He emphasized that the GRACE project will empower local governments and communities, promoting inclusive governance and nature-based solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The CHT is not just a beautiful region; it’s also ecologically significant and home to diverse tribal communities. However, it’s also one of the areas most affected by climate change, according to Bangladesh’s recent National Adaptation Plan. The region faces severe challenges, including diminishing water sources, increasing flash floods, and unstable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, the Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), noted that the GRACE initiative represents a commitment to locally-driven, science-based solutions for mountain communities. This initiative aims to create resilient infrastructure, restore water systems, and enhance sustainable agriculture tailored to the CHT’s unique landscape.

The GRACE project will roll out extensive nature-based solutions in the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. This includes improving retention ponds and groundwater recharge systems to combat water scarcity. It also focuses on training local governments and community members, especially women and youth, to participate actively in disaster risk reduction and development planning.

Moreover, to ensure effective climate finance management, the project will utilize a performance-based climate resilience grants mechanism through the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). This approach aims for equitable resource distribution and transparent oversight, which is crucial in underserved areas.

Initially, the project will support 25 sub-districts and plans to expand to the remaining 10 in the future. Led by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with ICIMOD, GRACE aims to align with national priorities and strategies for the CHT, ultimately supporting the implementation of Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan.

In recent conversations on social media, many have praised this initiative as a vital step toward addressing climate challenges in marginalized regions. The GRACE project showcases an important shift towards supporting communities that often bear the brunt of climate change, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs prioritized.



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