Bangladesh

The Resilient Infrastructure for Adaptation and Vulnerability Reduction Project aims to reduce vulnerability to riverine and flash floods in targeted communities and enhance disaster preparedness. The project supports afforestation activities, including planting trees and grass, to reinforce soil, reduce surface run-off, and improve resilience to flood risks.

The objectives of the project implemented by the Government of Bangladesh are to: (a) increase the area protected in selected polders from tidal flooding and frequent storm surges; (b) improve agricultural production by reducing saline water intrusion; and (c) improve the Government’s capacity to respond promptly and effectively to crisis or emergency. These objectives will be achieved by strengthening and upgrading embankments as part of an integrated approach to improve the polder system in the coastal area.

The project increased the afforested/reforested areas through participatory forestry and co-management approach in the degraded forestland, marginal, fallow and newly accreted land in coastal and hilly areas. This included the use of mangroves and other species. The project also used alternative livelihoods and capacity building to support the work.

The project will promote green infrastructure technologies for seafood production that support broader ecosystem services and coastal defenses, such as mangrove rehabilitation, sea grass, and oyster beds. Importantly, the design of coastal infrastructure will aim to optimize adaptation benefits and avoid maladaptation, including by linking fish habitat restoration to nature‐based coastal protection solutions and ensuring climate‐resilient value chain infrastructure development.