Objective

To enhance disaster resilience and climate change adaptation in coastal communities of Bangladesh by strengthening local leadership, school-based preparedness, and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that vulnerable populations are equipped to respond to and recover from climate-induced disasters.

Project Summary

The SHIELD project, implemented by JAAGO Foundation Trust in the Khulna and Bagerhat districts, is a comprehensive initiative designed to address the increasing climate vulnerabilities of coastal Bangladesh. As a region frequently impacted by cyclones, tidal surges, and salinity intrusion, there is a critical need for integrated disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies. At the heart of this project is the belief that building community resilience requires a multi-layered approach that empowers children, school authorities, and local government representatives to lead emergency response and preparedness efforts.

The project will target over 1,910 direct participants and reach approximately 20,600 indirect beneficiaries through a series of structured interventions. A significant component of the program focuses on school-based DRR, engaging 1,200 children and 180 school authorities to create safer learning environments and foster a culture of preparedness from a young age. These groups will be trained to identify risks and implement safety protocols, ensuring that schools serve as resilient hubs during emergencies. Additionally, the project will strengthen local governance by training 40 local government representatives to integrate climate-smart planning into their administrative frameworks.

One of the central components of this initiative is the mobilization of Community-Based DRR Committees (CBDRRC) and Community-Based Emergency Response Teams (CBERT). By training 80 dedicated emergency responders and 60 committee members, the project establishes a grassroots frontline capable of rapid mobilization during disasters. Furthermore, SHIELD promotes economic resilience by supporting 350 women and youth in climate-smart livelihoods. These participants will receive training in adaptive agricultural practices and alternative income-generating activities to mitigate the economic impact of climate change. By diversifying livelihoods, the project helps families build the financial buffer necessary to recover quickly from environmental shocks.

The overarching goal of the SHIELD project is to bridge the gap between national climate policies and grassroots implementation in the coastal belt. By fostering local leadership and ensuring that marginalized voices—particularly women and youth—are at the forefront of disaster management, the project ensures that community response is both inclusive and sustainable. Furthermore, this project will help build an environment where local institutions not only manage crises but also influence long-term climate adaptation strategies. Ultimately, the SHIELD project will build a stronger, more resilient future for the communities of Khulna and Bagerhat, where local leaders and citizens are active contributors to the nation’s climate security.