Strengthening capacity for Nature-based Solutions in Sunamganj, Bangladesh

IUCN Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), facilitated a two-day Nature-based Solutions (NbS) strategy write shop in Dhaka on 13-14 June 2026. The objective of the write shop was to share results of Sunamganj district climate vulnerability and ecosystem services trends assessments and engage participants in the co-development of a district-level NbS strategy for enhancing flood resilience and community livelihoods. 

The rivers and wetlands of the Sunamganj district support millions of people through the provision of fisheries, agriculture, and navigation. However, climate projections indicated shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns, earlier monsoon onset, and loss of perennial water bodies, increasing flash flood risks. Studies suggest that climate change, along with ecosystem degradation, hydrological alterations, and unsustainable land-use practices, is reducing the district’s capacity to cope with climate shocks. NbS if applied at district scale can help better deal with the water-related climate impacts such as floods; however, there is limited capacity and understanding of how to implement NbS at a district or basin scale. Therefore, IUCN is facilitating joint research on land use, climate vulnerability and ecosystem services and engaging the stakeholder in the development of district-level NbS strategy for enhancing flood resilience and livelihoods in Sunamganj district. 

As a part NbS strategy development, IUCN and CEGIS facilitated research to support decision-making. This includes a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) and ecosystem assessments which engaged more than 100 households, facilitated 24 focus group discussions across all 12 upazilas (sub-district). 

The cost of flooding in Sunamganj is high. Based on the inputs from household surveys, the Expected Annual Flood Loss (EAFL) has been estimated at approximately BDT 1,468.29 crore (≈120.35 million USD) for Sunamganj, with infrastructure damage accounting for the largest share of losses. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated solutions that combine ecosystem restoration, resilient infrastructure, and livelihood protection, reinforcing the relevance of a district-level NbS strategy. 

More than 25 representatives from 20 different organisations – including the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Land, Department of Fisheries, Water Resources Planning Organization, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Board, Local Government Engineering Department, Department of Environment, Department of Agricultural Extension, academia, NGOs, and members of the Youth for Meghna (Y4M) joined the workshop. Together, they shared knowledge, learned from each other’s experiences, and engaged in group work identifying NbS actions that could strengthen flood resistance, restore ecosystem services, and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Sunamganj district. 

Through thematic group work, participants explored the relationships between climate change, ecosystem services, biodiversity, livelihoods and landscape connectivity.

1. Restoring ecological connectivity and critical habitats was identified as a priority for reducing climate risks and sustaining biodiversity. Participants emphasised the restoration of wetlands, beels, kuas, swamp forests, and fish sanctuaries to improve ecosystem functioning and resilience. 
2. Strengthening sustainable and inclusive livelihood systems is essential for long-term resilience. Participants highlighted the need to promote climate-adaptive livelihood opportunities, strengthen cooperatives, improve access to services and social protection, and increase the participation of women in ecosystem restoration and tourism value chains. 
3. Stronger governance and coordinated landscape management are required to address the underlying drivers of degradation. Participants stressed the importance of regulating environmentally harmful activities, integrating traditional ecological knowledge, and improving institutional coordination across sectors to support sustainable resource management.

Participants also emphasised the importance of community participation, institutional collaboration, livelihood diversification, and the meaningful inclusion of women and vulnerable groups. 

The write-shop marked an important milestone in mainstreaming NbS within climate-resilient landscape planning in Bangladesh. Developed through a participatory and science-based process, the strategy contributes to district-level spatial planning by building a common understanding among stakeholders on the role and application of NbS across the Sunamganj landscape. Aligned with the National Adaptation Plan, the Haor Master Plan, and other national priorities, the strategy is expected to strengthen the resilience of both ecosystems and communities while offering a scalable model for other climate-vulnerable Haor districts across the country.