Short Description of the project
The project focuses on promoting ocean literacy in Bangladesh and its importance in achieving the country’s Blue Ocean Economy. The project aims to provide hands-on training to village women, students, and unemployed youth, with a target of training around 10 million people on ocean literacy. The project will adopt various techniques such as training, conferences, field visits, and surveys to increase public participation in ocean literacy. The program will be segmented into different parts, including pre-planning, trainee selection, workshops, seminars, field level training, reporting, and mass engagement & spreading. This project has the potential to contribute significantly to climate resilience in various sectors, including climate regulation, transportation, tourism, economy, food, and medicine. The involvement of local NGO’s, government officials, academic experts, and social activists will also help in achieving the project’s objectives effectively.
The objectives of the “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project by Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh) are as follows:
Creating Awareness about the Climate and Ocean among the Youth of the Country: One of the primary objectives of the project is to raise awareness about climate change and ocean-related issues among the youth in Bangladesh. By imparting knowledge and understanding about the interconnectedness of climate and ocean health, the project aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness in the younger generation.
Engaging the Youth and Women in the Knowledge & Information Dissemination Process: The project seeks to actively involve youth and women in the dissemination of knowledge and information related to ocean literacy and climate resilience. By engaging these segments of the population, the project fosters active participation in environmental conservation efforts and empowers them to become agents of change in their communities.
Empowering Local Stakeholders (Students, Teachers, and Youth) to Enhance Climate Resilience: Another objective of the project is to empower local stakeholders, including students, teachers, and youth, to enhance climate resilience in their respective communities. By providing training, workshops, and capacity-building programs, the project equips these individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to address climate change impacts effectively.
Project’s Expected Outcome:
Engaging More than 10 Million Coastal People and Creating an Ocean-Literate Community: Through its various activities, the project aims to reach and engage more than 10 million coastal people in Bangladesh. By fostering ocean literacy and awareness, the project envisions creating a community that understands the importance of protecting the marine environment and its impact on climate resilience.
Economic Stability, Climate Resilience, and Employment for More than 10,000 People Affected by Climate Change: The project intends to positively impact the lives of over 10,000 individuals affected by climate change through skill development, capacity-building programs, and environmentally friendly startup training. By empowering these individuals, the project aims to enhance economic stability and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Publication of Primary and Secondary Level Books for the Mainstream Education System of the Country: The project seeks to contribute to the mainstream education system in Bangladesh by publishing primary and secondary level books related to ocean literacy and climate resilience. These educational materials will play a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness among students and fostering a culture of sustainability from a young age.
In summary, the objectives of the project revolve around promoting ocean literacy, raising awareness about climate change, and empowering communities, particularly youth and women, to actively participate in building climate resilience. The expected outcomes focus on creating an informed and engaged community that recognizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices in Bangladesh.
The area of project implementation for the “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project by Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh) primarily encompasses the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.
The coastal regions of Bangladesh are of significant importance as they face unique challenges and opportunities related to ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental conservation. Some key aspects of the project implementation area include:
Geographical Diversity: Bangladesh’s coastal region stretches over approximately 580 kilometers (360 miles) along the Bay of Bengal, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes. It includes sandy beaches, mangrove forests (such as the Sundarbans), tidal estuaries, and river deltas. The topography and biodiversity of these areas play a crucial role in the project’s focus on ocean literacy and conservation.
Climate Vulnerability: The coastal areas of Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, cyclones, storm surges, and extreme weather events. These challenges pose significant threats to communities’ livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure, and overall socio-economic well-being.
Coastal Communities: The project implementation area is home to numerous coastal communities that are heavily reliant on marine resources for their livelihoods. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism are key economic activities in these regions. However, the sustainability of these practices is threatened by environmental degradation and climate change.
Educational Institutions: The project involves collaboration with educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, to engage students and teachers in ocean literacy and climate resilience activities. These institutions serve as essential platforms for disseminating knowledge and promoting awareness among the younger generation.
Tourism Sites: Bangladesh’s coastal regions, particularly popular tourist destinations like Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata Beach, attract a large number of domestic and international tourists. Tourism contributes to the local economy but also poses challenges in terms of waste management and environmental conservation.
Biodiversity Hotspots: The Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the world and is located within the project implementation area. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, and plays a crucial role in protecting the coastline from natural disasters.
Government and NGO Involvement: The area of project implementation involves collaboration with government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and social activists working towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Overall, the coastal regions of Bangladesh present a unique and challenging context for the “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project. By focusing on this area, Nirmol Bangladesh aims to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of coastal communities, promote sustainable practices, and build resilience in the face of climate change and environmental challenges.
The “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project by Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh) holds significant importance due to its focus on promoting ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental awareness in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Several factors highlight the importance and relevance of this project:
Addressing Climate Vulnerability: Bangladesh’s coastal regions are highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, cyclones, and extreme weather events. By promoting ocean literacy and climate resilience, the project aims to empower communities with knowledge and skills to mitigate and adapt to these challenges effectively.
Protecting Marine Ecosystems: The project emphasizes the importance of conserving marine ecosystems, including mangrove forests and coastal biodiversity. Healthy marine environments are essential for sustaining fisheries, preserving biodiversity, and providing ecosystem services that support livelihoods and food security for coastal communities.
Empowering Youth and Women: The project places a special focus on engaging youth and women in environmental conservation efforts. By empowering these segments of the population, the project fosters a generation of informed and proactive leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and climate action.
Creating Ocean Literacy: Ocean literacy is crucial for understanding the interconnectedness of the ocean and climate systems. By promoting ocean literacy among coastal communities, the project seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards marine resources and their role in regulating the climate.
Sustainable Economic Opportunities: The project’s emphasis on skill development and environmentally friendly startups aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for coastal communities. By equipping individuals with knowledge and expertise in climate-resilient practices, the project fosters economic stability and job creation.
Mainstreaming Climate Education: Through the publication of primary and secondary level books for the mainstream education system, the project integrates climate and ocean-related topics into the formal education curriculum. This integration will ensure that future generations are educated about climate change and its impact from an early age.
Enhancing Public Awareness: The project’s activities, such as workshops, seminars, and documentary film dissemination, help raise public awareness about climate change, ocean pollution, and the importance of conservation. Increased awareness can lead to more informed decision-making and behavior changes towards sustainable practices.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The project promotes collaboration between government organizations, non-governmental entities, academic experts, and social activists. This collaborative approach allows for knowledge sharing, best practices, and a more comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges.
Resilient Tourism: By organizing beach cleaning programs and promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices, the project aims to preserve the beauty and attractiveness of coastal tourist destinations like Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata Beach. Sustainable tourism practices can lead to long-term economic benefits for local communities.
Overall, the “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project is of paramount importance for Bangladesh’s coastal regions. By fostering ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental awareness, the project contributes to building a sustainable and resilient future for coastal communities, protecting marine ecosystems, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
This project is funded by Nirmol Bangladesh. This project is segmented on 5 Phases.
- 1st Phase: July 2021 to June 2023. [Partially Funded by Korea SHE Foundation, fund period 6 Months, Amount $3000]
- 2nd Phase: July 2023 to June 2025. [Currently we are on this phase]
- 3rd Phase: July 2025 to June 2027.
- 4th Phase: July 2027 to June 2029.
- 5th Phase: July 2029 to June 2030.
The “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy: Empowering Women, Students, and Unemployed Youth” project by Nirmol Bangladesh achieved several notable milestones:
Post-Cyclone Support:
Who: OLCR (Ocean Literacy and Community Resilience) team led by Nirmol Bangladesh.
What: Responded to a tropical cyclone in Cox’s Bazar, providing technical support and collecting crucial data.
Outcome: Engaged with local communities, demonstrating the project’s relevance in addressing immediate climate-related challenges.
Capacity Building Program:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh and the OLCR team.
What: Launched a hybrid course targeting early-career professionals and graduate students.
Outcome: Enhanced knowledge and skills related to climate change and ocean literacy among 40 young researchers.
Awareness Documentary:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh and the OLCR team.
What: Produced a short documentary film on climate change and marine pollution.
Outcome: Shared on social media platforms, reaching a wide audience and raising awareness about ocean conservation.
Seminars and Rally:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, students, teachers, and staff.
What: Organized seminars and a rally at Rupnagar Govt. Secondary High School, Dhaka.
Outcome: Raised awareness among 300 participants about ocean literacy, climate change, and environmental conservation.
High School Workshop:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, high school students, and teachers.
What: Conducted a workshop at Gohira AJYMS Bohu Mukhi High School, Chittagong.
Outcome: Raised awareness among more than 300 participants about the impact of climate change on ocean health.
Young Climate Leaders Program:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, university students.
What: Initiated the “Young Climate Leaders” program to train students in ocean and climate literacy.
Outcome: Over 20 leaders appointed, promoting awareness on different university campuses.
Community & Tourist Engagement towards Ocean Literacy:
Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team.
What: Organized an awareness campaign in Cox’s Bazar, focusing on beach cleaning, environmental protection, and climate change.
Outcome: Directly engaged 110 individuals and indirectly impacted more than 10,000 through publicity and awareness activities.
Women and Youth Empowerment Training:
Who: Organized by Nirmol Bangladesh.
What: Conducted the “Ocean Literacy for Climate Resilience” Training Program.
Outcome: Empowered 20 individuals with skills for scientific data collection in the coastal regions, contributing to meaningful research.
These achievements collectively reflect the project’s success in promoting ocean literacy, empowering communities, and fostering climate resilience in Bangladesh. The diverse range of activities and engagement strategies contributed to creating a more informed and proactive society in addressing environmental challenges.
The project, titled “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy: Empowering Women, Students, and Unemployed Youth,” undertaken by Nirmol Bangladesh, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting ocean literacy and climate resilience in Bangladesh, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. The project strategically targets women, students, and unemployed youth, recognizing them as key agents for community development.
Activities encompass a wide range, including educational workshops, seminars, and field training programs. Notably, the project introduces the “Young Climate Leaders” program, fostering a new generation of informed advocates who will spearhead awareness campaigns on university campuses.
The innovative use of tools like Kobo Toolbox empowers participants with skills for scientific data collection, addressing critical aspects such as coastal conservation, afforestation, gender dynamics, and socio-economic conditions. The project’s impact extends to post-cyclone support, addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and enhancing the region’s resilience to climate-related events.
Through community and tourist engagement initiatives, the project strives to instill a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and local communities, underscores the collaborative approach.
In response to challenges faced during the project, such as weather constraints and resource limitations, there is a recognition of the need for further scaling, collaboration with local governments, and seeking additional support. The project’s long-term vision includes sustained efforts to enhance climate literacy, create skilled manpower, and expand the “Young Climate Leaders” program beyond national borders.
In summary, Nirmol Bangladesh’s project represents a multifaceted approach to building climate resilience, fostering ocean literacy, and empowering marginalized communities. Through strategic activities and partnerships, the project envisions a positive and lasting impact on the socio-economic and environmental landscape of coastal Bangladesh.
The “Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy” project, led by Nirmol Bangladesh from May to October 2023, aimed to enhance climate resilience and environmental awareness, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh. Supported by a seed grant from the Korea SHE Foundation, the initiative engaged over 10 million individuals through varied activities including workshops, seminars, rallies, and a specialized “Young Climate Leaders” program in universities. This program effectively trained students as advocates, fostering leadership and community awareness.
The project adopted a flexible approach, notably converting a beach cleaning initiative into an awareness campaign at Cox’s Bazar, involving local communities and tourists to promote sustainable practices. Capacity-building activities, including a hybrid course on climate change, aimed at developing a skilled workforce knowledgeable about environmental sustainability.
Key successes included post-cyclone support efforts, impactful seminars and workshops in high schools and universities, and an awareness documentary that reached over 100,000 viewers. Challenges encountered included logistical issues due to the monsoon season, funding constraints, and timing conflicts, which limited some planned activities, such as skill development programs.
Looking forward, Nirmol Bangladesh plans to expand the Young Climate Leaders initiative, deepen community engagement, and seek diversified funding sources. The organization emphasized continued collaboration with local governments and stakeholders to sustainably embed ocean literacy and climate resilience into community practices. The project successfully laid the groundwork for long-term environmental advocacy, highlighting adaptability and community empowerment.
Please find the full report in the following links: