Coastal women lead climate resilience efforts in Dacope: UNDP

Ahead of the upcoming COP30 Climate Conference, UNDP Bangladesh Goodwill Ambassador Jaya Ahsan and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller visited Dacope, Khulna, on 4 November to witness firsthand how climate change is transforming lives in Bangladesh's coastal belt.

The visit aimed to highlight how local communities are adapting to climate impacts and rebuilding their livelihoods through community-led resilience and sustainable practices. The message was clear — urgent global action is needed to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen adaptation in climate-affected countries like Bangladesh.

During the visit, the delegation observed the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNCDF, with support from the Government of Bangladesh, Sweden, and Denmark. The project strengthens local governance and empowers climate-vulnerable communities, particularly women, to drive locally led adaptation actions.

At Tildanga Union in Dacope, Jaya Ahsan and Stefan Liller met with residents and saw how women are leading adaptation efforts — from securing access to safe water to developing alternative livelihoods for their families.

Reflecting on her visit, Jaya Ahsan said, "Here in Dacope, climate change is not just a headline — it's a daily reality. Yet despite challenges like salinity, water scarcity, and recurring cyclones, people are rebuilding their lives with incredible resilience. The way communities are rising again and again with support from UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh is deeply inspiring. These are stories of courage and hope."

Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, added, "It's powerful to witness the realities of climate change here in Dacope, where it is not a distant concern but a daily struggle. Yet what stands out most is the strength and leadership of women in these communities. Through initiatives like LoGIC, we are working with the Government of Bangladesh and partners to turn challenges into opportunities. As we move toward COP30, the world needs to hear Bangladesh's story — one of courage, innovation, and community-driven solutions."

Reaffirming its commitment to stand with climate-vulnerable communities, UNDP said the visit underscores a shared call for a sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future for all.