Implemented in the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Peninsula and Inani National Park, critical habitats for globally and nationally threatened species, the EARTH project addressed the combined pressures of climate change and the ongoing humanitarian crisis through community-led conservation, conflict mitigation, and livelihood diversification.

The project directly benefited 5,529 people, 57% of whom were women, including youth, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. It strengthened the Co-Management Committee (CMC) and trained 112 Community Patrol Group members, who rescued 424 wildlife and recovered 11 hectares of encroached forest. Four Elephant Response Teams, bio-fences, and demonstration plots were established to reduce human–elephant conflict (HEC) and crop raids.

Species conservation efforts protected red crabs and sea turtles, with a hatchery collecting 9,077 eggs and releasing 5,693 hatchlings. Community awareness was enhanced through sessions, interactive theater performances, and public events. In parallel, 180 individuals were trained in natural resource management, organizational development, and income diversification, supported by access to finance and the distribution of over 6,000 fruit and endangered native saplings.

By the project’s completion, biodiversity protection had been strengthened, climate resilience improved, and sustainable livelihoods expanded across one of Bangladesh’s most vital ecosystems.

The project is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

The project contributes to SDG : SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo
Location: Cox's Bazar

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