Report of the Administrative Agent for the period 1 January - 31 December 2013

Transcription

1 Consolidated Annual Report on Activities Implemented under the Joint Programme Building Community Resilience through Integrated Water Management in Bangladesh Report of the Administrative Agent for the period 1 January - 31 December 2013 Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office Bureau of Management United Nations Development Programme 31 May

2 PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS International Labour Organization (ILO) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) World Food Programme (WFP) CONTRIBUTORS The Netherlands 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction Summary Component Background Rationale and objective Geographic area Expected outcome Social Economic Environmental Result Reporting Key challenges Way forward Component Background Rational and objective Geographic area Expected outcome Result Reporting Key challenges Way forward Component Background Expected outcome Result Reporting Key challenges, lessons learned, new opportunities of partnership Way forward Component Background Rationale Objective Geographic Area Expected outcome Result Reporting

4 5.7 Key challenges, lesson learn, new opportunities of partnership Way forward Component Background Rationale and Objective: Geographic area Expected outcome Result Reporting Planning, design and coordination Result matrix Key challenges and issues Lessons learnt New opportunities of partnership Way forward Consolidated Annual Financial Report of the Administrative Agent Definitions Financial Performance Sources and Uses of funds Partner Contributions Interest Earned Transfer of Funds Expenditure and Financial Delivery Rates Cost Recovery Accountability and Transparency List of Maps Map 1: Study Area Map of Char Kukri Mukri 14 Map 2: Area of intervention under component 2 21 Map 3: Area of Proposed Intervention under component 3 25 Map 4: Area of proposed intervention under component

5 Acronyms & Abbreviations BCCSAP Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan BCCTF Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund BMET The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board CBACC-CF Community Based Adaptation to climate change through Coastal Afforestation CBAECA Community Based Adaptation in the Ecologically Areas CCTF the Climate Change Trust Fund CDMP Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme CFS Core Family Shelter CNRS Center for Natural Resource Studies CREL Climate Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihood CWBMP Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project DAE Department of Agricultural Extension DFO Divisional Forest Officer DG Director General DLS Department of Livestock Services DoE Department of Environment DoF Department of Fisheries DoL Department of Livestock ER Effect of Climate change ERF Early Recovery Facility FD Forest Department FFF Fruit, Forest and Fish GEF Global Environmental Facility GoB Government of Bangladesh ICS Improved Cook Stove ILO International Labor Organization IWM Integrated Water Management LDC Least Developed Countries LDCF The Least Developed Countries Fund LGED Local Government Engineering Department LLP Local Level Planning MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest MoFL Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock MoWR Ministry of Water Resources MPTF Multi-Partner Trust Fund NPD National Project Director PL Post larvae RTPP Revised technical assistance project proposal SAA Standard Administrative Arrangement SDC Swiss Development Agency for Development and Cooperation TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training UDMC Union Disaster Management Committee UNDAF United Nations Development Assistance Framework UNDP United Nations Development Programme USAID United States Agency for International Development VCG Village Conservation Group WFP World Food Programme WMIP Water Management Improvement Project 5

6 1. Introduction 1.1 Summary The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) and three United Nations (UN) agencies: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have jointly developed a programme on Building Community Resilience through Integrated Water Management. There are five components of this programme worth about USD 7.89 million in two thematic areas - integrated water management; and water and environment -, which are priorities under EKN s Multi- Annual Strategic Plan These components are built on existing projects of the participating UN agencies of UNDP, ILO and WFP to achieve United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Pillar-5 Outcome 1 By 2016, populations vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters have become more resilient to adapt with the risk. These components are in implementation stage and Table 1.1 shows the detail of these components, results, budget and progress. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF Office) of the UNDP serves as the Administrative Agent for the Joint Programme. The MPTF Office receives, administers and manages contributions from the Contributor, and disburses these funds to the Participating UN Organizations in accordance with the decisions of the Steering Committee. The Administrative Agent receives and consolidates the Joint Programme annual reports and final report and submits it to the Steering Committee. This Consolidated Annual Report under the EKN UN joint programme on building community resilience through integrated water management in Bangladesh covers the period from 1 January to 31 December This report is in fulfillment of the reporting requirements set out in the Standard Administrative Arrangement (SAA) concluded with the Contributor. In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Participating Organizations, the Report is consolidated based on information, data and financial statements submitted by Participating Organizations. It is neither an evaluation of the Joint Programme nor an assessment of the performance of the Participating Organizations. The report provides the Steering Committee with a comprehensive overview of achievements and challenges associated with the Joint Programme, enabling it to make strategic decisions and take corrective measures, where applicable. Overall 55 percent progress has been made up to 31 December In all components, field preparations and mobilization work have been successfully completed; coordination with local administration and stakeholders have taken place; Government of Bangladesh (GoB) partners including new ones such as the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in some components are on board, and the technical design of water structures and embankments schemes have mostly been completed. In some components, the tasks involve complex tendering processes and mobilization of a large number of stakeholders both at national and local levels, which could not been achieved within the targeted period. The project was initially designed to be completed by 31 December However, the project steering committee following the discussions of review meetings proposed a six months extension to complete the project. This extension was needed because of the time of recession of monsoon, the political situation (i.e. election time start from October 2013 to January 2014), the 6

7 slow Government of Bangladesh (GoB) approval process in some components and finally to ensure quality of the activities and to monitor impact. This extension request was formally approved by the EKN on 18 September Based on this amendment of the agreement, all the component activities are now due to be completed by 30 June

8 Table 1.1: Summary matrix of project progress Component/ UN agency and budget Results Progress (December, 2013) Progress up to 31 st December Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through improved water management (UNDP) USD 0.98 M Increased protection from tidal surges and salinity intrusion in vulnerable targeted communities comprising 3,164 people out of estimated 6,632 people in the project site. Improved water management practices for sustainable livelihood options (though Triple F model for ecosystem based climate resilient livelihood options). Increased community resilience to external shocks (tidal surge and tropical cyclones). Field preparation and mobilization such as selection of intervention area, types and targeted beneficiaries identified, community consultation and their participation mechanism have been completed. Key GoB partners including BWDB have made on board and coordination mechanism and implementation arrangement established. Technical design for structural interventions has been completed and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study undertaken. Implementation process of embankment started and activities are expected to be completed by end of April % 2: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through rehabilitation of coastal embankments (UNDP) USD 1.11 M (plus 0.5 M USD from UNDP core fund) Increased protection from tidal surge and wave action for core family shelters (CFS) safeguarding 5,200 vulnerable families affected by cyclone Aila. Increased water security for 1,200 targeted vulnerable families. Livelihood improvement for 600 targeted vulnerable families. Field preparation completed and implementing partners including BWDB and LGED are made on-board. Coordination with key stakeholders including WB established. Planning, designing of structural interventions and tendering process have been completed. The construction of structural elements is expected to be completed by May % 3: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through 14,000 households in three upazilas of the Southern coastal zone have enhanced resilience to natural disasters through creation of community assets. This component shares 40% of the total EKN contribution of which 70% work have already been implemented and remaining work will be completed by 95% 8

9 creation of community assets (WFP) USD 3.07 M Increased income and livelihood opportunities for economic resilience of targeted families. February2014. Please describe the progress on the results in here All the project participants received cash grants for productive assets, training on income generation activities. Training on disaster preparedness has been completed 4: Adaptive natural resource management in ecologically critical areas (UNDP) USD 2.40 M 68 village conservation groups (VCGs) have strengthened management capacity in targeted Ecologically Critical Areas. Critical aquatic ecosystems in Cox s Bazar and Moulvibazar-Sylhet have been restored and rehabilitated. Alternative livelihoods support to the poor living in and around targeted ECA s for reduced reliance on natural resources. Improved governance of community based natural resource management at all levels. Long term protection of water ecosystems in the ecological critical area (ECA) of Hakaluki Haor (ecosystem restoration and protection activities at Hakaluki Haor only). Field preparation and mobilisation of stakeholders including consultation, planning and design of the physical intervention as well as capacity building for livelihood supports are arranged. However, the implementation has experienced an unusual delay in securing GoB clearance (approval of the trustee board of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund) and onset of early monsoon. Tendering process has started in early September and was competed through the GoB procurement process by November But the approval from the MoEF was not received within December The structural interventions such as excavation of beels (wetland), submergible dyke (green belt) for wave protection, installation of solar based tube-wells etc are awaiting dredging and earthwork after recession of monsoon water. UNDP stepped up its monitoring efforts, and the counterpart DoE as well as the implementing NGO partners are committed to engage more resources to meet the gap due to delay in physical progress. The interventions are expected to be completed by May % 5: Green livelihood skills for communities of threatened ecological areas USD 0.25 M (ILO) 500 vulnerable households across 68 VCGs involved in the management of Hakaluki Haor benefit from green livelihood options for income and livelihood security. Overall increased awareness of environmental principles and sustainable use in targeted communities. This is a relatively small component of USD 250, 000. ILO has brought the implementing partners and the contracts with the NGOs have been signed for implementation. This programme is expected to be completed by April % 9

10 Figure 1.1: Progress summary up to December Component Funding Amount Progress up to December % 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 1. Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through improved water management (UNDP) USD 0.98 M 30% 2: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through rehabilitation of coastal embankments (UNDP) USD 1.11 M (plus 0.5 M USD from UNDP core fund) 35% 3: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through creation of community assets (WFP) USD 3.07 M 95% 4: Adaptive natural resource management in ecologically critical areas (UNDP) USD 2.40 M 40% 5: Green livelihood skills for communities of threatened ecological areas USD 0.25 M (ILO) 55% 10

11 2. Component Background Char Kukri-Mukri, is one of the offshore islands of Bhola district having an area of 1,118 ha. It is under Char Kukri-Mukri union. The island, which existed at the time of the Revenue Survey ( ) and is now about 2.41 km from the mainland is frequently affected by severe cyclones and tidal bores. The age of this island is about 400 years, i.e. same as Bhola Island. The Buragourango and Shabaspur rivers, in the west and east respectively, the Bay of Bengal to the south-east and Forest to the north bounds the project. This island has one river, fifteen canals, many ponds and many seasonal beels and marine water surrounding it. These canals have an average length of 2 km and their depth is about 1 meter in low tide and 4-5 m in high tide. The tidal flow from the sea to flood plain through the canal brings a huge quantity of aquatic organism, which helps the floodplain fisheries. In the project area, about 6,332 people are living in the remote island and 60% are landless. About 80% populations are illiterate, 60% can afford only one meal a day, and safe drinking water and sanitation conditions are very poor. Fishing is the main occupation of the people followed by agriculture. Marine water brings a huge quantity of hatchlings and fry of different species into the project area. Many people also collect Post Larvae (PL) of shrimp and transfer to Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira districts for shrimp culture. The number of the fishing boats is more than 1,600. During the Hilsha fishing season, more than 70 percent of the people of the study area go for catching Hilsha. It is estimated that about 3,000 people are directly involved in fish catching and drying purpose and 2,500 people are partially involved in fisheries especially for Hilsha fishing and PL of shrimp collection during the wet season. Char Kukri Mukri is immensely suffering from cyclone and tidal surges and fresh water shortage. Over the periods, new land development due to the sedimentation process and settlement takes place. However, for developing housing and other facilities, a portion of the forest has been cleared while forest is providing protection from erosion and tidal waves. Therefore, the inhabitants of the island need protection from these natural disasters. In addition, a major share of the population of this island is composed of artisanal fishermen who usually catch fishes from the sea. Nevertheless, the fishermen often cannot go to the sea due to depression forms in the bay which ultimately reduces their income. Therefore, they need alternative income generating sources. On the top of these social settings, the island is exposed to many problems like: a) Tidal floodings, b) Cyclones and c) Saline water intrusion. The spring tidal during wet season submerges about 75 percent of the island. Local people reported that the temporal degree of submergence is gradually increasing. Tidal floodwater enters into the island through the surrounding Meghna and BuroGourango Rivers. These rivers are carrying sediments, which are deposited, in the tidal floodplain and as a result, the soil is enriched with heavy deposits of salt. Sedimentation is not only in the agriculture land but also in the rivers and khals but Khals sedimentation does not create problems for the island s people. This sedimentation is being washed out during the rainy season by high tidal waves. In recent years, the low atmospheric pressure in the Bay of Bengal has led to frequent storms causing small-scale damages all over the island. 11

12 Along the Buro Gaurango River, there is a considerable impregnation of salt from tides and a very high saline in the spring tide. Such soils produce very poor production of aman. In Char Kukri-Mukri, the annual agriculture production is about 3,000 tons. The annual loss of paddy crops and Rabi crops are 750 and 130 tons respectively mainly due to salinity, tidal flooding and cyclonic storm surges. Char Kukri-Mukri has a good growing mangrove coverage, with Keora (Sonneratiaapetala, under family: Sonneratiaceae) being the dominant species. These areas have high ecological value for wildlife and fisheries as breeding grounds and nursery areas. The growing mangroves play a vital role for protecting land, wildlife and people from cyclones and surges. The GoB declared 40 ha area of the island as wildlife sanctuary in the year 1981 under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act, The area is managed by the Forest Department (FD). Common mammals include deer (Axis axis), fishing cat (Felisviverrina) and oriental small-clawed otter (Aonyxcinerea), and more than eight species of heron breed in the sanctuary area. Other waterfowl include egrets, bitterns and grey pelican (Pelecanusphilippensis). Globaly important and monitoring species are reported from this sanctuary e.g. Varanussalvator, V. bengalensis and V. flavescens. The mudflat of the island supports a high density but low diversity of benthic (bottomdwelling) invertebrates. These are dominated by deposit feeders as well as detritus feeders and first order consumers. Birds are migrant user of the mudflat. The abundance of shells, worms and amphipods make the muddy inter-tidal system important as feeding area for a number of shorebirds. The most common birds found in association with mudflats are plovers, sandpipers, herons and gulls. It is indeed difficult to safeguard the biodiversity of the aquatic and terrestrial habitat of the island without improving livelihood. Hence, it is necessary to improve the livelihoods and resilience of poor vulnerable communities of Char Kukri-Mukri through integrated water resources management. The GoB is very conscious about the protection of the island. Already the Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) has allocated resources to protect this island by constructing an embankment through BWDB. However, to address the drainage issues in the island after embankment construction, UNDP comes up with a holistic approach and will finance to address the issue through EKN funding under EKN UN JP IWM. Moreover, to offer a better livelihood to the inhabitants of the island, UNDP is also implementing its FFF (Fruit, Forest and Fish) model that aims to address the fresh water crisis and provide fruits and fishes from the ponds. Nevertheless, capacity building training will also be provided to the inhabitants of the island to involve them in alternative livelihoods other than fishing in the sea which ultimately will contribute to improve people s livelihood. 2.2 Rationale and objective Char Kukri-Mukri has seven villages, including a cluster village where homeless and displaced people are rehabilitated by the government authority. Out of seven villages, four are exposed to sea or river channels and frequently submerged by tidal flood water and cyclone induced storm surges. The majority of the households of Char Kukri-Mukri are ultrapoor threatened by the risk of climate change and possess natural resource based livelihoods, 12

13 such as marine fishing, honey collection and livestock rearing. Through the incremental rise in climate-related threats, people are losing their native livelihoods and becoming increasingly vulnerable to climatic hazards. UNDP through its ongoing project Community Based Adaptation to Climate Change through Coastal Afforestation (CBACC-CF) funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF)/ The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), UNDP, GoB, Swiss Development Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and EKN will implement the activities with active partnership of BWDB, FD, DAE, DoF and Department of Livestock Services (DLS). This component aims to improve the livelihoods and resilience of targeted communities of Char Kukri-Mukri of the Bhola district through effective management of water resources, protecting land from tidal and storm surges and improved productivity of the agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry sectors. Due to the lack of embankment and drainage facilities, the involved communities are affected with tidal surges and salt-water intrusion, which also affects the existing project activities. The coordinated efforts between EKN and UNDP focused on the project site to create improved functioning of the water resource system to produce goods and services to the vulnerable community of Char Kukri-Mukri for adapting to climatic risks. While storm surge induced flooding and drainage congestion affected the internal drainage system of the project area, the EKN efforts through BWDB will keep line with the CBACC-CF project to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal communities. For component 1, (Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through improved water management),usd 0.98 million will be utilized to construct a 4.07 kilometer long single dyke structure to protect the most vulnerable communities in Char Kukri-Mukri of Bhola district from tidal surges and salinity intrusion. In addition, improved water management practices will be applied for creating sustainable livelihood options from agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry sectors. Therefore, the expected outcomes of component 1 are to increase protective measures for 6,632 vulnerable people of targeted communities for reducing risks from tidal surges and salinity intrusion; improving water management practices for sustainable livelihood options (including Trip F Model Forest, Fruit and Fish) and enhancing community resilience to external shocks (tidal surge and tropical cyclones). 2.3 Geographic area This project is located in between and north latitude and in between and east longitude under the Thana Char Fasson of Bhola District (Map 1). The project covers a gross area of 1,962 ha and a net area of 1,570 ha. The land elevation of the north eastern part is relatively higher than the southwestern part. The total up-land area in this project represents 85 percent of the total gross land. There are different important landscaping elements besides this Island. The ecosystems of the project area are forests, settlements, agricultural land, mudflat, sand bars, rivers and khals (Fig 2.1). A forest area is located in the west side of the char, which is also called Kukri- Mukri forest. A small canal has divided the island from the forest area. There are forest and Dhaier Khal in the North, forest and Monurer Khal in the south, forest on the east and the BuraGauranga River in the west. The bare floodplain is used for agriculture, settlement and cattle grazing. 13

14 Map 1: Study Area Map of Char Kukri Mukri Figure 2.1: Ecosystem of Char Kukri-Mukri 14

15 2.4 Expected outcome Social Livelihood of 640 vulnerable households will be improved through agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forest based adaptation interventions. Skill development training programmes will be conducted so that the targeted population will improve its knowledge to adapt measures for cultivating crops and fishes, livestock rearing and plantation management. Improved drainage system will reduce the risks of tidal surges, water logging and salinity, which affects and impacts on the livelihood adaptation measures. Rainwater harvesting creates fresh water sources for irrigation in agriculture, aquaculture and forestry practices Economic Livelihood diversification programme provides short, mid and long-term scale income generation opportunities through securing financial resources to adapt to climatic risks in vulnerable char areas. Introducing salt tolerant variety improves diversity of land uses and so additional income remains increasing throughout the seasons of a year. High yielding salt tolerant varieties of rice will be introduced and it will change the single cropping pattern of previously fallow paddy lands of vulnerable communities of Char Kukri-Mukri into double cropping pattern. Due to lower risks of drainage congestion and consequences, involved communities will be able to secure economic surplus and maintain household foods during extreme weather events like cyclones, storm surges as well as avoid the negative effects of salt-water in dry season Environmental A single dyke structure reduces the exposed area of Char Kukri-Mukri to the severe impacts of the tidal surges and faces the salinity stress in land uses. A drainage structure reduces the unintended environmental stress caused by storm surges and water logging on ecosystem health. Increasing the forest coverage on the dyke system increases protective coverage and reduces the exposure of the Char Kukri-Mukri community to the negative effects of the tidal surges. Rainwater harvesting options in reservoir system improves the ecosystem quality for land management above the salt-water threats in the areas. 2.5 Result Reporting This component 1 undertakes four major activities and progress has been shown in the Table 2.1. There is only a good progress in constructing the dyke and the drainage system and slow progress in the other activities. Since plantation along dyke cannot be started until the completion of dyke, there is no significant progress in this activity. Since there are changes in the intervention, especially in numbers, the time line for completing activities has also been changed as shown in Table

16 Table 2.1: Result Matrix Activity Indicators Planned Proposed revised Construction dyke and drainage system Water Reservoirs Irrigation Facility # km of dyke and drainage system Water Reservoir Irrigation Facility 4.07 km and 3 outlets/ water control structure 4.07 km dyke and 3 sluices /regulators Progress Towards Output Targets (up to 31 st December 2013) 35 % 4 nos 8 nos 30% Design and site selection completed. 4 LLP 4 LLP 0% Plantation along dyke Livelihood services Operation and Maintenance Plantation along dyke Livelihood services O&M 4.07 km 4.07 km 10% 640 HHs 640 HHs 30% 4.07 km and 3 outlets 4.07 km and 3 sluices/regulators and 4 reservoirs Table 2.2: Revised Timeline Activity Start Finish Remarks Revised TAPP approval Issue work order to the GoB Implementing partners (DAE, DoF and DoL) to conduct agriculture, fisheries and livestock activity MoU with BWDB to construct Embankment Tending of construction of the Embankment Implementation of the Embankment and Establishment of WMO 15 Oct Sep March Sep Dec 2013 GoB approval received through revision of the TAPP. Livelihood services (640 HH). DAE: Introduce salt tolerant variety, Conduct Farm level training and demonstration; DoF: Introduce culture fisheries suitable for the area and conduct demonstration to the selected ponds; and DoL: Introduce high yield Duck and hen, cattle fattening and conduct training 10 Sep 2013 Signed within the planned period. Engaged contractor through BWDB tendering process. 1 Dec May 2014 Construction of 4.07 km 16

17 MoU with Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) for the excavation work of the four reservoirs and Implementation Establish FFF model and Irrigation facilities Plantation along the Dyke Monitoring and Evaluation 15 Oct Dec Dec Feb April May Jun 2014 Through UDMC supported by Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP II) project of UNDP Establish Management Committee and hand over the resource to the poor vulnerable families and install 4 LLPs With the assistance from forest department. Figure 2.1: Progress summary of Component 1upto December 2013 Component 1: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through improved water management Activity Progress up to December % 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Construction dyke and drainage system 35% Water Reservoirs 30% Irrigation Facility 0% Plantation along dyke 10% Livelihood services 30% Operation and Maintenance 17

18 2.6 Key challenges As a nationally executed project, this project required a revision of Revised Technical Assistance Project Proposal (RTPP) to incorporate additional financing from the EKN and the GoB approval process took longer time than anticipated which impeded fund disbursement to implementing partners for undertaking the seasonal livelihood interventions of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry and the related adaptation practices. Changing the BWDB project document to include resource support from EKN for sustainable integrated water resource management in Char Kukri-Mukri was another major challenge that this component encountered. In this regard, several meetings were held with the Director General of the BWDB, the project director of the BWDB trust fund project, the design engineer of the BWDB and the secretary of Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). The BWDB and the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) formally agreed to conduct the implementation activities in a coordinated way. These ministries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to channelize the funds and implement the constructions on time. During the feasibility study of the BWDB project, it was estimated that the total cost of the project will be around 25 Crore Taka which includes the installation of the drainage system and the construction of the embankment to protect from flooding and storm surge. However, the trust fund allocated only 15 Crore Taka for this project which can cover only the cost of the embankment. Additional 4 Crore taka from the EKN - UN JP project has already been channelized for this activity, which will be spent for the installation of the drainage system. 2.7 Way forward The MoU with the BWDB to construct the dyke is already signed and dyke construction is already in progress. The key issues to be addressed include formation of community groups to maintain and repair the embankment and revision of the BWDB project document to include required water regulators. With the assistance from BWDB, a water management committee will be formed to manage and maintain the embankment. An arrangement will be made with Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) and the local community to construct the four reservoirs for local community. In addition, UNDP s Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP II) project and local administration are being consulted to address the issues of these 100 families living outside. 18

19 3. Component Background Over 30 percent of the cultivable area of Bangladesh is in the coastal region where transplanted Aman rice is cultivated as the major crop. The farmers in this region are frequently losing their major crop due to recurrent occurrence of cyclone and storm surges and consequently saline water intrusion. Therefore, in order to facilitate the rice production in this area, BWDB constructed the large-scale polders after 1970s. In addition to crop production, polders also serve to protect household asset, infrastructure, livestock etc. from different water related hazards including cyclone and storm surges. Polder 14/1 is one polder located in Koira upazila under Khulna district where people are predominantly depending on agriculture as their source of livelihood. Moreover, this region has historical tradition of shrimp farming. After 1990s people started shrimp culture intensively as initially shrimp is economically profitable. However, polders also provided an opportunity for intensive shrimp farming because it protects farms from flooding and people can control the salinity levels in their farm by regulating the saline water intrusion through cutting different parts of the polder, which ultimately made the polders weak. In addition, cyclone Aila and Sidr also caused damage to the polder eventually increasing the sufferings of the inhabitants inside the polder. Due to higher salinity, they are not getting desired output from the cropland, facing drinking water crisis etc. However, the GoB is taking this issue very seriously and in association with different development partners has already taken several initiatives, like constructing strong houses for the inhabitants, installing DTW as a source of safe drinking water etc. 3.2 Rational and objective In line with EKN s Multi-Annual Strategic Plan for Bangladesh, the proposed Building community resilience through integrated water management programme was developed as a joint EKN UN Programme to utilize EKN fund for in the thematic areas of integrated water management and water and environment. The proposed EKN funding of USD 1.11 million will be utilized to rehabilitate the earthen embankment in Koyra upazila of Khulna district benefiting 5,200 households. In addition, community based afforestation consolidating the earthen embankment complements the rehabilitation of the embankment structures in selected areas. The coastal area of Koyra upazila is by its location exposed to all kinds of influences with a potentially negative impact. In addition, tropical cyclone Aila, a category 1 cyclone, hit the Southwest coast of Bangladesh on 25 May Waves of tidal surges caused damage to the river and flood-control embankments and dykes, submerging many villages, predominantly in Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barguna, Patuakhali and Bhola. Of the 11 districts affected, Sathkira and Khulna suffered the most damage. The cyclone had a direct impact on the lives of 255,000 families; destroyed 165,000 households; and led to the displacement of an estimated 76,478 families, of whom 25,928 took shelter on damaged embankments. According to a recent assessment conducted by UNDP s Early Recovery Facility (ERF) project, shelter remains a priority for many distressed people. Additionally, around 70 km of embankment are in critical condition. Without repair and maintenance, it will be impossible 19

20 to sustain all development efforts undertaken jointly by the development partners and government. Additionally, sweet water for consumption and livelihood sustenance is not continuously available, due to climatic conditions, environmental hazards and salinity intrusion during tidal movements. Therefore, survival of residents and improvement of their livelihood critically depends on the improvement of the water provision schemes. The proposed intervention aims to provide effective protection of the greater Bedkhashi area (Koyra Upazila), including the core family shelter locations, from tidal and storm surges. The proposed interventions under UNDP-EKN are as bellow: a) To provide sustainable water supply in the area of Dhakkin Bedkhashi (Koyra upazila), inclusive the core family shelter locations. During its implementation, the project should provide income opportunities for local population, have a benefitting effect on local economy through procurement of materials, and labour force. b) To provide effective protection of the greater Bedkhashi area (Koyra upazila), inclusive the core family shelter locations, from tidal and storm surges. Components of the project will also support community-based initiatives, e.g. afforestation and maintenance. During its implementation, the project should provide income opportunities for local population, have a benefitting effect on local economy through procurement of materials, and labour force. 3.3 Geographic area The Project selects the most remote and vulnerable union, Dakkhin Bedkashi of Koyra upazila under Khulna district. The main occupations of people of Dakkhin Bedkashi are fishing, agricultural labour and wage labour. A large number of populations depend on the Sundarbans; mainly they collect firewood, honey, fishing etc., as Dakkhin Bedkashi is located very close to the Sundarbans. The total households are around 4,687 with a population of 27,902. The recent cyclone Aila has affected the population in the community. More than 90 percent of the houses were fully damaged. Out of 27.37km, km of the embankment was damaged. A portion of damaged embankment was maintained by the WB through the BWDB, but still a large portion of the embankment is critical and requires repair and reconstruction. 20

21 Map 2: Area of intervention under Component 2 21

22 3.4 Expected outcome Resilience against adverse effect of tidal surges, cyclones and climate change induced events of 5,200 families will be improved. In addition, the protected environment provides basic preconditions to improve livelihood in general due to more stable living conditions and complementarity with other programs. The project implementation is also expected to have a substantial impact on income generating opportunities for individuals and local economy in general. The project will also ensure access to safe drinking water and improve related livelihood restoration opportunities for 600 families in Dhakkin Bedkhashi area, Koyra upazila. In addition, the project will create income-generating opportunities for individuals and local economy in general. 3.5 Result Reporting Under this component, several changes have been made from the planned activities. The changes are rehabilitation and community afforestation of 2.92 km of embankment instead of 6 km, installation of Deep Tubewell (DTW) in addition to rainwater harvesting. According to Table 3.1, under the first activity, 2.92 km of embankment will be re-sectioned and within it, a 2 km area will be wave protected by CC block. Once it is completed, the community afforestation will start. Overall, the planning of all the activities is completed. All of these above changes were consulted with the EKN and were officially agreed. Based on the revised targets, embankment rehabilitation works have begun and by December 2013, 45% of the targeted activities were completed. Construction of DTW and water collection pond construction activities started in November 2013 and so far, 30% of the targeted activities have been completed. The progress of all the activities is shown in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Result Matrix Activities Indicators Planned Proposed revised Repair and rehabilitation of earthen embankments with concrete blocks Community based afforestation of the inner side of the embankment Construction of rain water harvesting units/tube wells for community based water use Capacity building of local communities for water based livelihood opportunities # km of embankment repaired/rehabilita ted # of km along the embankment covered by afforestation # of tube wells installed and # of HH water collection ponds # of households benefiting from water-based livelihood 22 Progress Towards Output Targets (up to 31 st December 2013) 6km 2.92 km Contract has been awarded on 24 th November % 3km 2.92 km Expected to be completed by 30 June units rain water harvesting 30 unit DTW and 250 units of HH rain water collection ponds 25% Contract has been awarded on mid- November, % 600 HHs 600 HHs Contract has been awarded on mid- November, %

23 Figure 3.1: Progress summary of Component 2upto December 2013 Component 1: Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through rehabilitation of coastal embankments Activity Progress upto December % 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Repair and rehabilitation of earthen embankments with concrete blocks 45% Community based afforestation of the inner side of the embankment 25% Construction of rain water harvesting units/tube wells for community based water use Capacity building of local communities for water based livelihood opportunities 20% 30% Since there were changes in the quantities of intervention, the budget has been changed. The budget has been increased from the original budget and the additional amount was funded from UNDP core resources. 3.6 Key challenges Integration between the GoB efforts, Water Management Improvement Project (WMIP) as well as Coastal Embankment Improvement Project (CEIP) of the World Bank and EKN UN JP Project is the key challenge for this project. The project team already had a series of meetings with the BWDB and consultants of the World Bank to communicate and coordinate the EKN involvement in polder 14/1. In the project proposal of Component 2, it targeted to reconstruct/repair the embankment with slope protection. Based on discussions with the vulnerable communities and beneficiaries of the UNDP s ERF project, the project team found that repairing activities of about 2.92 km of embankment will needed more resources than the estimated budget. UNDP CO provided the additional resources required to complete the activities. 3.7 Way forward A few changes have been made in the proposal (such as the length of embankment construction, tube well instead of pond sand filters). Following these changes, the procurement was approved and the contract was made in November 2013 to implement the intervention. These consequent changes slowed down the activities of this component. The revised plan has been agreed by the EKN. Overall, activities are expected to be completed by June 2014 except for the defect liability period of structural elements, which will run up to September

24 4. Component Background Bangladesh is facing a diverse range of challenges in achieving sustainable development. These are further compounded by emerging climate change impacts and increased disaster risks. A government report estimated that the cost of abnormal monsoon flooding in 2007 was USD 1.1 Billion and the directly attributable cost of Cyclone Sidr was USD 1.7 Billion. These figures are more alarming when the distributional impact is considered. Impoverished areas and marginalized communities, especially women and girls, suffer disproportionately due to greater vulnerability and limited resilience. High levels of inequality persist, with half of Bangladesh s 160 million people living on less than USD 1.25 per day and 80percent on less than USD 2 per day. As the most densely populated country in the world, population growth remains an on-going challenge. Agriculture employs more than half of the workforce, and approximately 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and disaster-prone countries in the world. The most food-insecure regions are river flood plains in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, cyclone-prone areas in the southern coastal belt of Khulna and Barisal divisions, and the south eastern part of Chittagong Division bordering Myanmar. World Food Programme (WFP), in cooperation with the GoB and other development actors, is assisting the ultra-poor population of the disaster prone areas through the Enhancing Resilience to Disasters and the Effects of Climate Change (ER), which is a key component of its country programme. The ER component of the WFP country programme has an annual budget of USD 23 million and is implemented jointly with LGED and local NGO s. LGED is a strong partner that provides technical and implementation assistance in the selection, construction and maintenance of the projects. LGED also provides the funding for the cash component of wages and is involved in monitoring and evaluation of the projects implemented by the local NGOs. The proposed project areas of Shyamnagar, Kalapara and Dakope upazilas under coastal districts are prone to cyclones and salt-water intrusion (Map 3). Bangladesh Poverty Map indicates high levels of poverty in these areas; community assets are fragile and vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. The building of community assets will mitigate salinity intrusion, protect the community from tidal surge, cyclone and flooding, and would provide drainage and irrigation facilities. In addition, cash transfers for investment and livelihood development will contribute to income and household food security. The community asset development schemes were identified through local level planning (LLP) where the project participants were also involved. Based on the LLP, 33 schemes including embankments, access roads and canals (embankment-28 km, road/road-cumembankment-20 km, canal-23 km) were implemented where the project participants worked 24

25 during January to June Two schemes implemented are presented in the photographs. Map 3: Area of Proposed Intervention under component 3 25

26 Photograph 4.1: 2.5 km Canal re-excavation work (Before and after re-excavation) Photograph 4.2: 4 km Canal re-excavation work (Before and after re-excavation) 4.2 Expected outcome The Food and Cash for Asset Activity has been completed recently and also the transfer of cash grants to project participants has been completed (by June/July 2013). The Food and Cash for Training has completed on December In this component, more than 70% of the 14,000 targeted direct beneficiaries (who receives training and cash grant) are women; hence, the interventions created opportunities for them to create an asset base which enhanced their leadership role within their family and in the community protecting their rights. Moreover, women are the greater share of the users groups and direct participant committees which enhances their role in decision making process. The follow up on Cash Grant provided for Investment and Consumption Support will continue up to May Although the project activities are still under implementation, and some have been completed recently, good results/outcomes are already evident in the programme areas: a. Social benefit: Improved communication (Road/water transportation) created easy access to different services 26

27 Increased women participation in the work and men and women work together, which contributed to improve the social bonding Increased social dignity of the participants especially women; enhanced women leadership & mobility; women raise voice to claim rights and they are now more assertive; this was revealed in the Food for Asset Survey 2013 and the gender assessment conducted by WFP Increased decision making power and control over resources of the women that are now more involved in decision making at household level; this was revealed in the Food for Asset Survey 2013 and the gender assessment conducted by WFP b. Environmental benefit: Improved drainage system Reduced the effect of saline intrusion and impacts of natural disasters Afforestation has become possible along the canal banks Increased access to fresh & drinking water Increased agricultural activities due to reduced water logging, improved irrigation sources Positively impacts in lives and livelihoods in coastal areas c. Economic benefit: Created employment opportunity for the ultra-poor; increased household income and food security status; and established easy access to market places Increased participation of the poor people/project participants in agricultural activities, increased income through wage labour and increased production of crops/cropping intensity Women are economically empowered and poor households are holding productive assets, which created an opportunity of additional earning for the family. 4.3 Result Reporting Overall, the progress of work as of December 2013 is about 95%, and the progress against all individual activities is also on track as per the work plan (please see Table 4.1 and 4.2). Table 4.1: Results Reporting Output Indicators Target Progress Towards Output Targets (up to December 2013) Household s productive assets and community resilience assets for disaster risk reduction and adaptation are built/restored and maintained. # of ultra-poor household with increased asset score (Group 1) 7,000 6,789 Of these 6789 project participants, more than 3289 received the cash grant for productive assets under EKN funding 96% 27

28 # of work days created for women and men to receive cash and food wages against employment (in 33 community assets schemes involving 7000 project participants- of which 50% resources funded by EKN)) Group 2 # people from targeted ultrapoor household received training on income generation and life skills (including disaster preparedness) Group 2 # of ultra-poor women involved in economic activities Group days works 95 days achieved (average) 100% 7,000 Training Completed 100% 7,000 6,789 (includes more than 3,289 who received cash grant from the EKN funding) Improved preparedness of communities and local institutions, including risk reduction plans to manage and mitigate risks. # of communities that have developed risk reduction plan 9 Union Disaster Management Committees, 60 community (Wards) 96% The Community Risk Assessment/Local Level planning and the associated training completed for all 9 unions. The ward level training on disaster preparedness has also been completed. 100% Table 4.2: Component 3-Revised timeline Activity Start Finish Remarks Food-and-cash-for-work (7,000 participants) Jan 2013 Jun 2013 Cash transfer for investment and consumption support (7000, of which 50% assisted by EKN funding) Jan 2013 Dec 2013 Food and cash for training for 7000 participants Jul 2013 Dec 2013 Monitoring and Evaluation March 2014 This activity was initially planned to be completed during January and June

29 Figure 4.1: Progress summary of Component 3upto December 2013 Component 3: : Enhanced resilience of coastal communities through creation of community assets Output Indicators Progress upto December 2013 # of ultra-poor household with increased asset score (Target 7000) 10 % 20 % 30 % 40 % 50 % 96% 60 % 70 % 80 % 90 % 100 % Household s productive assets and community resilience assets for disaster risk reduction and adaptation are built/restored and maintained. # of work days created for women and men to receive cash and food wages against employment ( 95 days achieved) # people from targeted ultra-poor household received training on income generation and life skills 100% 100% #of ultra-poor women involved in economic activities. 96% Improved preparedness of communities and local institutions, including risk reduction plans to manage and mitigate risks. # of communities that have developed risk reduction plan 100% Total budget mentioned in Table 4.3 reflects only the Direct Operation Costs (food, cash, Transportation and Other Direct Operational Cost as per the budget). It does not include Direct Support Cost (DSC) in addition to Indirect Support Cost (ISC) (GSM as per UNDP). Including US$463,854 of DSC and US$201,293 of ISC the total amount would be US$3,076,924 (which is same as the approved budget). Table 4.3: Financial Reporting up to December 2013 SN Activities as set out in project proposal Planned Budget 3 Component 3 29 Expenditure (USD) Utilization (%)

30 3.1 Food-and-cash-for-work (Jan-June 2013) 1,037, Cash transfer for investment and 814,736 consumption support 3.3 Food and cash for training for ,610 participants (July-Dec 2013) Sub total 2,411,777 ** Note: This EKN contribution to WFP through UNDP is registered under the approved Country Programme (CP ). The associated costs generated from this contribution are merged with the pool funding accumulated with the resources from other funding sources. The expenditure related to the associated costs is incurred during the implementation of the project from this accumulated pool fund. The reconciliation of the donor contributions is done for each project by HQs on a yearly basis and the expenditure is then reflected in the Standard Project Report (SPR) which would be shared with EKN as it is indicated in the agreement. It is therefore not possible to provide actual costs breakdown for all the items, inclusive of the associated costs. In preparing the table, it is assumed that the amount allocated would be fully utilized for all items except for the cash transfer for investment. For this item, cash grant was distributed to 3,289 households instead of 3,500 households. We propose to use the balance of US$40,703 under this item to purchase additional food for distribution during July-December It may be also noted that the actual achievement of work volume in food and cash for work schemes has been about 95-98%, although food purchased and the project participants were mobilized for full accomplishment. 4.4 Key challenges, lessons learned, new opportunities of partnership Challenges: Timely starting of physical work ( by January 2013) and volatile political situation and natural calamities like Mohsen Early rain in some places impeded the progress of work Timely payment (15 days interval) was little difficult at times Involvement of multiple stakeholders Establishing arrangements for O&M for the community assets schemes Some project participants under Group 1 were not available (211) due to migration to other areas and/or death cases. Strategy to implement on time with quality: Increase attention to ensure release of resources in a timely manner and organize the distributions more carefully Regular meetings with stakeholders in the upazilas/districts and quarterly meetings with LGED, NGO & WFP Increase monitoring and oversight Establish collaboration with other agencies and projects to build complementarity and synergy. 30

31 4.5 Way forward Operation &Maintenance plan for the physical interventions and follow up on assets grants/investment (if any) Formation of water resources management committee at local level and mobilize community people through UPs& NGOs Motivate/convince Upazila administration for their monitoring of the O&M arrangements and establish linkage with union Parishad/BWDB for regular maintenance Secure assistance from existing networks and services Establish linkage with department of agriculture, livestock and fisheries to secure technical support for successful entrepreneurship of cash investment women. Continue monthly allowance distribution among the cash grant women 31

32 5. Component Background To develop a participatory management system for conservation and sustainable use of significant biodiversity of the Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs), the Government of Bangladesh implemented the Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project (CWBMP) in four ECAs. The project was implemented between 2002 to 2011 by the Department of Environment (DoE) with assistance from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP Bangladesh. To strengthen the initiatives taken under CWBMP and to incorporate climate change considerations into ECA management system, from July 2010 the Department of Environment is implementing the CBAECA project with funding from the Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) and UNDP Bangladesh. The project puts special emphasis on diversification of livelihood options of local communities, making them resilient against climate change and restoring the ecosystems that they rely on. The CBAECA project is implemented through a participatory approach. To engage different stakeholders at National, District, Upazila and Union levels ECA Coordination Committees (ECACCs) have been formed including different stakeholders. Members of local communities are directly involved with project implementation through 68 Village Conservation Groups (VCGs) formed at village level in the ECAs. A LoA has been signed between the CBAECA project and UNDP to implement a set of activities of the UNDP-EKN joint program Building Community Resilience through Integrated Water Management. The activities will contribute towards conservation of biodiversity resources, restoration of habitats and reduce pressure from natural resources through creating alternative/supplementary income for local community. Bangladesh is a transitional zone of flora and fauna due to its geographical settings and climatic characteristics and considered as a biodiversity hotspot with a number of internationally recognized areas of significance. To protect and conserve the biologically rich areas that are under the greatest threat of destruction, delineation of ecologically critical area (ECA) is an important option for threatened ecosystems. In this regard, the Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) Act was enacted by the government to protect endangered biodiversity and forest cover. In 1995, the Government of Bangladesh has included a provision for the declaration of ECAs in the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act. When the degradation of environment and the ecosystem of any area has reached or is threatened to reach a critical state, the Government declares such areas as ECA. In Bangladesh, the government has designated twelve ECAs to bring them under a management strategy which will ensure their conservation and sustainable use. The Department of Environment (DoE) has implemented the Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project (CWBMP) in Four ECAs (three in Cox s Bazar and Hakaluki Haor) funded by UNDP/GEF. The project concerned with ensuring sustainable management of ECAs. After the success of this project, the Department of Environment (through the Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) and with technical assistance from UNDP) lunched and started to implement the "Community Based Adaptation in the Ecologically Critical Areas through Biodiversity Conservation and Social Protection (CBA-ECA)" project for biodiversity conservation. It provides alternative livelihoods at grassroots level, empowerment of VCGs and promoting sustainable climate change adaption. To strengthen 32

33 this project, UNDP is implementing the Adaptive natural resource management in ecologically critical areas project through the EKN-UN joint programme. Here, three ECAs have been considered for this project, Teknaf Peninsula, Sonadia Island and Hakaluki Haor. This project will establish and support the management of community water resources, wetland sanctuaries and swamp plantations and promote alternate and sustainable livelihood options for the poor who are living in and around the ECAs. Teknaf Peninsula is one of the longest sandy beach ecosystems (80 km) in the world and provides breeding areas for four globally threatened species of marine turtles and serves as a significant bird area. In addition, its inshore water host globally threatened marine mammals. Sonadia Island supports the remnant mangrove forest in southeast Bangladesh. Sonadia s mangroves are different from those found in the Sundarbans and can tolerate higher levels of salinity. The island supports a large number of marine turtles, water birds, mollusks and echinoderms. Hakaluki Haor presents a complex wetland system with more than 80 inter-connecting beels and supports one of the largest inland fisheries in Bangladesh. However, its fish stocks are now declining. 5.2 Rationale Biodiversity hotspots in Bangladesh are vulnerable to climate change because they are rich in endemic species and have restricted distribution. Possible threats to biodiversity include the loss of genetic resources and species, the loss of habitat and, as a result, a decrease in ecosystem services. Not all the possible threats relate to the natural environment; humans are also vulnerable. The terminal evaluation of the Coastal and Wetland and Biodiversity Management Project (CWBMP) found that in subsistence based economy dependent on ecosystem services, it would be challenging to adapt in the event of significant climatic changes. Agricultural practices would be forced to change and the habitats of various species, particularly those already endangered or with a restricted range such as migratory bird species would be further threatened. Community vulnerability to stresses caused by cyclones, floods, flash floods, water scarcity, food insecurity and waterborne diseases are exacerbated by climate change. Homestead and other resources are also under threat. 5.3 Objective Component 4 will primarily focus on community based natural resource management for protection of critical aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, it will be used to implement a set of well-targeted, pro-poor and community led interventions that will transform current practices and reduce the pressure of human interference on the ecological resource base. 5.4 Geographic Area The activities of Component 4 will be implemented in three government declared Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) of Bangladesh (Map 4). Two of the ECAs, Cox s Bazar- Tekanf Peninsula ECA and Sonadia Island ECA are located in coastal areas under the Cox s Bazar District. Four Upazilas of Cox s Bazar District constitute the Cox s Bazar-Tekanf Peninsula ECA, namely Cox s Bazar Shadar, Ramu, Ukhia and Teknaf. On the other hand, the Sonadia Island falls under Moheshkhali Upazila. The other ECA, Hakaluki Haor, 33

34 comprises of Borlekha, Juri and Kulaura Upazila of Moulvibazar District, and Fenchugonj and Golapgonj Upazila of Sylhet District. The Hakaluki Haor is a large and complex wetland ecosystem comprising of over 238 interconnecting small, medium and large perennial and seasonal beels (wetlands) located in the Northeast region of Bangladesh. The Haor is in a shallow basin with the Patharia and Madhab Hills to the east and Bhatera Hills to the west. During the dry season, the beels cover an area of approximately 4,400 ha. However, during the rainy season, the entire area floods, and the beels are united as one large lake, or haor, with an area of approximately 18,000 ha. This makes it the largest haor in Bangladesh. The lakes are mainly fed by the Juri, Kantinala and Kuiachari Rivers and drain through a single outlet, the Kushiara River. This 18,000 ha area represents the project focal area, as well as the defined area of the ECA declared for Hakaluki Haor. The site offers a very different type of ecosystem as well as a new set of management issues. 34

35 Map 4: Area of proposed intervention under component 4 35

36 Map 5: Location map of HakalukiHaor 5.5 Expected outcome The degrading natural resources of the ECAs have reached to an alarming state that is threatening the ecological balances as well as livelihood security of a big number of local people. Implementation of the Component4 will create the following types of benefits at social, economic and environmental benefits. i. The Micro Capital Grant support will enable local community members to adopt alternative/supplementary income generating activities, thus reduce their dependency on biodiversity resources and increase household income (See photo 5.1 and 5.2). The Grant will also strengthen the socio-economic status of the VCGs and contribute towards their long-term sustainability. Skills development training and direct material support for livelihood improvement will allow certain number of local community members to adopt new livelihood options and enhance their income. ii. Solar powered irrigation facilities will allow farmers to cultivate more land that they are not able to cultivate currently due to the lack of irrigation facility and will benefit the farmers. Moreover, it will reduce their cost for irrigation compared to the traditional irrigation system. The facilities may reduce carbon emission at a very low scale but will work as a demonstration of environment/climate friendly technology at local level. Observing the benefits of the technology may encourage others to adopt it. During the off-season the plants will supply water for drinking and household use. The plants can also supply electricity to some households. In 36

37 each case, the plants will generate some funds for the associated VCGs which will be utilized for different socio-economic development and environmental conservation activities. iii. Solar powered desalinization plants will ensure drinkable water for thousands of people in coastal areas where the only sources of drinking water are saline and contaminated. Thus, the plants will reduce prevalence of associated water borne diseases in the communities. iv. Re-excavation of wetlands and establishing wetland sanctuaries will enrich biodiversity and improve the aquatic ecosystem through improving habitat condition, enhancing dry season safe shelter for fish and other aquatic organisms. These activities will increase fish production and contribute to the local economy and livelihood. v. Plantation and protection of swamp will improve the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem system and will be instrumental in rebounding of birds, wildlife, fishes and other aquatic life forms. vi. The proposed Village Conservation Center will be a local center for conservation activities. The VCGs will also be able to use this facility for their meeting and other gatherings. The facility can also house school, provide venue for social events, training etc. Renting out the VCG offices for some social events and other purposes will help generate funds for the VCGs. In the coastal areas, the VCG offices will be used for shelter during the cyclone. Similarly, the watch towers placed in strategic locations will help generate income for VCGs through tourism. Photograph 5.1: Training on sewing machine Photograph 5.2: hand bags as the end product of the training 5.6 Result Reporting Under this component in activity 1, there has been only 15% achieved so far and community engagement, planning, obtaining approval of the sites from the competent authorities (DoE, MoEF) has been completed. Under this component, no revision has been made in accordance with the proposed plan. Table 5.1 shows the progress of the planned activities. 37