Over 100 voices unite to address climate impacts in the Barak-Meghna River basin at the Meghna Knowledge Forum (MKF II)

On the theme of “Building Community and Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change”, MKF II brought together over 60 speakers from diverse backgrounds, including government representatives, indigenous peoples’ organisations, think tanks, as well as youth and women leaders. Over three days, they shared challenges and solutions facing communities living along the Barak-Meghna River basin.

Home to over 50 million people, including a significant number of indigenous communities who are reliant on forestry, fisheries and agriculture sectors, the increasing impact of climate change is putting pressure on these communities and the vital source of their livelihoods. The impacts are exacerbated by the loss and degradation of forests and wetlands which is reducing the ecological buffer than protect communities from climate impacts.

During the inaugural opening at MKF II, Ms Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Water Resources, Bangladesh, emphasised that the wellbeing of river-dependent communities is inseparable from the health of the river itself. She urged greater recognition of the “rights of the river” as essential to securing the rights of the people who rely on it. With climate action as well as local and regional planning at its center, H.E Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), highlighted the unique platform BIMSTEC provides for regional cooperation through forums like MKF. 

An exhibition organised by seven partners showcased an array of posters, brochures and product that reflect community-led efforts to protect biodiversity and sustain local livelihoods along the basin. A standout feature of the exhibition was two "wetland spotlights" curated by IUCN’s Youth for Meghna (Y4M) network, featuring visuals and data from recent field visits to Tanguar Haor (Bangladesh) and Rupaibali Lake (India) — climate hotspots identified through IUCN-led research.

Y4M also led an engaging interactive session where participants role-played various stakeholders to design proposals grounded in community priorities. The exercise challenged participants to navigate real-world complexities, including climate disruptions, while fostering dialogue across generations and sectors. The session aimed to inspire collective ownership of efforts to co-create resilient and equitable futures for riverine communities.

Rivers are the pathway to our future

The message remained consistent throughout day two and three: rivers are the pathway to our future. Participants were encouraged to keep this message in mind as they journeyed along thematic deep dives focused on livelihood resilience and ecosystem protection. Side events covered private sector engagement, regional trade, and scenario-driven basin planning tools. Representatives from the private sector emphasised their readiness to invest in initiatives that restore ecosystems while protecting livelihoods along the Barak-Meghna River basin.

Private sector representatives at MKF II explored how businesses can contribute to climate resilience in the Barak-Meghna Basin. Discussions focused on environmental, social, and governance strategies; how private sector perceives Nature-based Solutions (NbS); as well as the need to build partnership with communities and CSOs to reduce environmental footprints and support local adaptation. The session highlighted the growing role of private investments in ecosystem restoration and inclusive development. “Access to finance is critical for meeting economic shocks and creating resilience," concluded Mr Rahul Bist, Co-founder M2i Consulting, New Delhi.

‘Conservation efforts and reduction of climate related vulnerabilities of communities will be more effective and sustainable with participation of the private sector, particularly the financial service providers.

Champions of community-led conservation

When exploring the application of NbS to societal challenges, speakers emphasised the deep, time-tested knowledge held by communities—particularly Indigenous groups—and the importance of centering these perspectives in all projects and research.

At the forefront of a 20,000-woman group is Dr Purnima Devi Barman, Founder of the Hargila Army in India. She’s bringing people and science together to protect the Greater Adjutant, a stork species native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. “Conservation is a package. It will be successful only if it’s connected with livelihoods and poverty reduction,” she shared during the forum.

As the forum draws to a close, IUCN will continue to work with partners to identify opportunities to bring together key stakeholders to share their learnings across river basins.