YPSA organized an inception meeting of “Resilient Homestead and Livelihood Support to the Vulnerable Coastal People of Bangladesh (RHL)” project at Ramu Upazila Officers Club Auditorium on May 16, 2024. This project will be implemented with funding from “Green Climate Fund (GCF)” and in collaboration with “Palli Karmo Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)” to improve the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities exposed to climate change risks.
The RHL project will be implemented in Ramu Upazila to reduce the risk to life and property of the most vulnerable communities living in the coastal areas of Bangladesh and to provide them with improved and sustainable livelihoods to face the risks of extreme climate change.
Mr. Md. Rashedul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Ramu, was present as the chief guest while Mr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive, YPSA presided over the meeting. Mr. Mohammed Shahidull Islam, Assistant Director and Head of Response Program, YPSA gave a welcome speech at the event. Mr. Mohammed Harun, Focal Person- YPSA, Cox’s Bazar, conducted the inception meeting.
Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan, Deputy Director, YPSA presented the main article and project introduction in the said inception meeting. He said, under this project climate change resilient houses will be constructed/reconstructed/settlement raised, Crab hatchery/nursery will be set up and climate change tolerant crabs will be farmed, Goat/sheep rearing will be carried out under loft/macha system, Salinity tolerant vegetables will be grown in the homestead of the residence and trees will be planted in the homestead and mangrove afforestation in the crab hatchery enclosure. The project will directly and indirectly benefit approximately 362,475 vulnerable people/household in seven coastal districts (Cox’s Bazar, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Khulna).
In the speech of the chief guest, Mr. Md. Rashedul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer(UNO), Ramu, said that it is possible to improve the quality of life of the vulnerable and helpless people through this project. The project is very much in line with government plans and policies to address the adverse effects of climate change. Upazila administration and all government departments related to the project will provide necessary support to this project.
YPSA’s Chief Executive said, the RHL project will play an important role in improving the quality of life of coastal communities and making them more resilient to climate change. We are committed to working closely with the government, local communities and others to successfully implement this project.
Among others spoke at the meeting, the meeting was addressed among others by Mr. Sushanta Deb Nath, Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer, Ramu; Mr. Faruq Hossain, Marine Fisheries Officer, Upazila Fisheries Office, Ramu; Mr. Shahadat Karim, SALO, Upazila Livestock Office, Ramu; Mr. Al Galib, Upazila Social Service Officer, Ramu; Union Parishad Chairman (Fatekharkul, South Mithachari, Khunia Palang and Chakmarkul Union parishad), Women UP member, Crab hatchery owner, representatives of various NGO’s; journalist, local public representatives and elite persons.
Speakers in the meeting said that if the RHL project is properly implemented, the quality of life of the people of the Upazila will improve. In the meeting, the project manager discussed in detail about the RHL project. At the end of the meeting, Chief Executive and Deputy Director, YPSA answered everyone’s questions and gave detailed information about the future programs under the project. At the end of the meeting, the president thanked and thanked everyone present and announced the end of the meeting.