Sundarban Coalition Advances Locally Led Disaster Risk Reduction
The Sundarban Coalition is implementing Phase III of its locally led disaster risk reduction initiative to strengthen community preparedness, climate resilience and inclusive development across coastal Bangladesh.
Running from March 2025 to February 2027, Phase III builds on the Coalition’s previous experience of working with local organisations and climate-affected communities in the coastal region.
Strengthening Locally Led Action
The initiative places community priorities at the centre of programme planning and implementation. Coalition members engage with communities to identify climate and disaster risks, assess local needs and develop practical actions through Joint Action Plans.
This process helps ensure that activities reflect local realities and promote community participation, ownership and accountability.
Key Areas of Focus
Phase III focuses on:
- Strengthening community-led disaster preparedness
- Improving early warning and evacuation readiness
- Supporting inclusive access to cyclone shelters and essential services
- Promoting climate adaptation and resilient livelihoods
- Strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene facilities
- Increasing the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities
- Supporting local organisations to manage programmes and resources more independently
- Strengthening coordination with government and civil society
- Promoting advocacy, learning and resource mobilisation
Strengthening Coalition Governance
Alongside community-level activities, Phase III is strengthening the Coalition’s governance and institutional systems.
The Coalition has established a dedicated Secretariat, strengthened its working committees and introduced an Executive Committee to support more timely and accountable management of regular affairs.
Member organisations are also receiving organisational development support in areas such as governance, financial management, programme implementation, safeguarding, reporting and accountability.
Working Through Partnership
The Association of Voluntary Actions for Society (AVAS) currently serves as the Host Organisation and Grant Custodian for Phase III.
Coalition members, the Secretariat, governance bodies, communities and technical partners work collectively to improve programme quality, strengthen local leadership and promote sustainable action.
Looking Ahead
The Sundarban Coalition is working towards stronger institutional capacity, diversified funding, formal legal recognition and greater operational independence.
Through collective action and locally led solutions, the Coalition aims to contribute to safer, more inclusive and climate-resilient coastal communities.