A stakeholder consultation meeting titled “Locally Led Adaptation and Climate Resilience in Patuakhali” was held on 29 June to strengthen climate resilience, enhance local adaptive capacity, and promote sustainable development in Bangladesh’s coastal district of Patuakhali.
The day-long event was jointly organized by Lal Sabuj Society (LSS) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) of the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). The consultation brought together representatives from local government, government agencies, researchers, development practitioners, environmental activists, youth leaders, women representatives, and members of civil society organizations.
The event featured keynote discussions by Dr. K. Ayaz Rabbani, Dean of the School of Environment and Life Sciences at IUB. Sessions were facilitated by Fahmid Mahtasin, Research Officer of ICCCAD’s COLOCAL Project, Al Mamun Rakib, General Secretary of Lal Sabuj Society, and Momona Shifa Rumki, Project Manager of LSS.
Discussions focused on the impacts of climate change on agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, while exploring locally driven adaptation strategies. Government officials highlighted key challenges, including increasing salinity, sustainable fisheries management, and climate-resilient livestock practices.
LSS also presented the findings of its Needs Assessment, which documented the experiences, priorities, and adaptation needs of local communities affected by climate change. Participants further engaged with “Sumaiya’s Journey,” an animated film portraying the realities faced by coastal communities, followed by an interactive discussion on locally led solutions.
A dedicated dialogue session enabled youth representatives, women leaders, researchers, and government officials to exchange perspectives on climate risks, livelihoods, public health, and community resilience. Participants emphasized that adaptation planning should be guided by local knowledge and community participation.
In his closing remarks, Dr. K. Ayaz Rabbani commended the active engagement of local communities, particularly young people, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to advance inclusive and locally led climate adaptation initiatives in Patuakhali.