Our Footprint in Southeastern coast of Bangladesh
Research, Development and Humanitarian impact
Our Journey Began with protecting our ancient mariners: Sea Turtle Conservation and Community Awareness
Photo: CNRS,2003
Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS) has been implementing sea turtle conservation activities at the southeast coastal regions of Bangladesh since October 1998. The activities are ongoing with funding from USDA and Cairn Energy.
The goal of the project was to conserve the sea turtle population in Bangladesh through involving local communities and related stakeholders. The project activities are being implemented at the southeastern coastal areas of Bangladesh, St. Martin’s Island, Shaparir Dwip, Inani Beach in Ukhia and in Kutubdia upazila with the local communities.
Cairn Bangladesh has been supporting the Sea Turtle Conservation and Awareness Initiative since 2005 as part of our efforts to make a positive contribution to biodiversity. This project is particularly important as all five of the turtle species found in Bangladesh waters are endangered: two of them critically, and action is urgently needed if we are to conserve these species for the future. We are impressed that this project encompasses both practical conservation measures, for example through protection of turtle nesting sites and care and release of turtle hatchlings, as well as awareness raising activities which are vitally important for reducing the threats in the longer term. We are delighted to continue supporting the Centre for Natural Resource Studies in this valuable project.’’
- Robert Jones, Country General Manager, Cairn Energy PLC
A Total of 37,966 Hatchlings were released during October’98 to June’02:
A Total of 37,966 Hatchlings were released during October’98 to June’02:
- 3,088 hatchlings during October’98-June’99
- 7,928 hatchlings during July’99-June’00
- 8,363 hatchlings during July’00-June’01
- 18,587 hatchlings during July’01-June’02
Photo: The World Environment Day’99 (5th June) was observed at the site with students, teachers and community with the theme: “Our Sea, Our Resources, We Must Protect” | Awareness campaigns at grass roots in the coast line | Campaign with students and teachers
Awareness Campaigns
CNRS have been conducting a variety of activities including awareness campaigns targeting communities of different occupational groups in the south-east coastline, preparing and distributing awareness materials including leaflets, posters, sun-caps and t-shirts; and placing billboards and signboards at different hot spots. Their experiences have been shared in many national and international forums.
The purposes of the awareness campaigns were to reduce the stealing and destroying of turtle eggs, disturbing and killing of nesting females and hatchlings, and killing of turtles in the sea by entanglement in fishing nets. The campaigned sites were schools, UP Office premises, Madrasa and courtyards. UP Chair and members, Imam, schoolteachers and project staff facilitated the sessions. Eight such sessions were conducted covering 7 different topics on ecology, environment, benefits and conservations of sea turtles.
CNRS has developed many awareness materials based on activities and experiences gained stating benefits and conservation messages such as handbook, booklets, posters, billboards and signboards. The IEC material developed on Sea Turtles and their conservation awareness were distributed among people and placed in public places.
By June 2006, CNRS had released about 85,000 hatchlings into the Bay of Bengal.
Photo: CNRS poster on Sea Turtle conservation activities presented by Dr M Mokhlesur Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of CNRS at the ASEAN Sea Turtle Symposium at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Advocating for Sea Turtle conservation globally
CNRS had gained experience on sea turtles and its conservation in Bangladesh and shared in national as well as international forums. The experiences the approaches of CNRS in conservation of sea turtles have been shared with peers through presenting oral paper and posters at “International Sea Turtle Conservation and Biology Symposium” held in 2000 and 2001 in Orlando, USA and in Philadelphia, USA and the Second ASEAN Sea Turtle Symposium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia respectively in 1999. People within the project area are now aware of sea turtle conservation. From this CNRS was also able to draw the attention of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, as a result they have started sea turtle conservation activities at St. Martin’s Island.
Recent Context
The southeastern coastal communities of Bangladesh of Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, and the offshore islands, are among the country’s most climate-exposed and socio-economically marginalized populations. These low-lying, erosion-prone areas face a complex web of environmental and human challenges, exacerbated by their proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Sea level rise, salinity intrusion, and increasingly frequent cyclones severely threaten lives, homes, freshwater sources, and livelihoods.
At the same time, environmental degradation such as the loss of mangroves, deforestation, and waterlogging, undermines natural defenses. Communities here struggle with poverty, food insecurity, poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and education, as women, children, and marginalized groups face heightened risks, while climate-induced displacement continues to erode social cohesion and cultural identity. These interlinked challenges demand an urgent, localized, and inclusive response that centers on resilience-building, livelihood diversification, and sustainable development tailored to the realities of southeastern coastal Bangladesh. can this be more refined and enriched with climate action.
The challenges faced by coastal communities in Southeast Bangladesh are complex and interconnected, driven by climatic, environmental, socio-economic, and institutional factors. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that combines climate action, livelihood diversification, infrastructure development, good governance and inclusive community empowerment. By focusing on resilience-building and inclusive development, it is possible to improve the quality of life for the vulnerable populations living in these climate change hotspots.
Projects implemented in Southeast Coastal Bangladesh
1. Integrated Services for Peace, Resilience, and Empowerment (INSPIRE) Project
Donor: DFAT
Duration: March 2025 – December 2025
Value: BDT 27,989,959
Location: Ukhiya, Teknaf
2. Agri-Infrastructure Component of “Provide Food, Nutrition, and Self-Reliance Assistance to Crisis-Affected Population” Project
Donor: WFP/HELVETAS
Duration: April 2025 – January 2026
Value: BDT 84,400,731
Location: Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ukhiya
3. Client-Centered Humanitarian Response: Improving the Lives of Crisis-Affected People
Donor: SIDA
Duration: April 2025 – March 2026
Value: BDT 15,772,565
Location: Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf
4. Strengthening Community Capacity in Nursery Management
Donor: FAO
Duration: December 2024 – December 2025
Value: BDT 20,520,153
Location: Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf
5. Design of Canal Restoration Using Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Project Design Support to Integrated Services and Livelihood for Displaced People from Myanmar and Host Communities Improvement Project (As Joint Venture Member)
Donor: ADB (JV with Nippon Koei)
Duration: January 2025 – May 2025
Value: USD 224,960
Location: Rohingya Camps of Cox’s Bazar
6. Assessment and Piloting of Reliable, Affordable and Clean Alternatives to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Donor: FAO
Duration: August 2024 – March 2025
Value: BDT 16,123,000
Location: Ukhiya and Teknaf (Host and Camp), Cox’s Bazar
7. Enhancing Recognition of Women Fisherfolk with Fisherfolk Identity and Access to Government Subsidies under “Empowering Women Through Civil Society Actors in Bangladesh” (EWCSA) Project
Donor: EU/OXFAM
Duration: July 2024 – June 2025
Value: BDT 4,499,600
Location: Chandpur Sadar Upazila, Chandpur District, Chittagong
8. Technical Support Services to Increase Farm Production of Marginal and Smallholder Farmers in the Bangladeshi Community and to Train Rohingya Households on Homestead Vegetable Gardening
Donor: FAOBD
Duration: July 2024 – March 2025
Value: BDT 9,978,544
Location: Cox’s Bazar
9. Community Empowerment Promoted Through Skills Development Initiatives
Donor: UNHCR
Duration: January 2024 – December 2024
Value: BDT 205,566,456.91
Location: Cox’s Bazar
10. Process Monitoring of Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Improvement (RELI) Project of SDF
Donor: SDF/World Bank
Duration: November 2023 – April 2026
Value: BDT 96,000,000
Location: Barishal, Chandpur, Dinajpur, Khulna, Kurigram, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Nilphamari, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rangpur, Sherpur, Chapainawabganj, Chattogram, Jhenaidah, Kishoreganj, Lakshmipur, Lalmonirhat, Magura, Netrokona
11. Dried Fish Matters (DFM)
Donor: University of Manitoba
Duration: June 2023 – December 2024
Value: BDT 6,077,468
Location: Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Chattogram, Kishorgonj, Dhaka
12. Climate Action Through Bamboo Afforestation in Restoring Degraded Landscapes of Cox’s Bazar (Bamboo for Climate Resilience / B4CA / Bamboo Climate Action in Cox’s Bazar)
Donor: Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Duration: April 2023 – March 2026
Value: BDT 288,111,241
Location: Cox’s Bazar
13. Disaster Risk Reduction and Agricultural Infrastructure – Host
Donor: WFP
Duration: May 2022 – December 2022
Value: USD 1.6 million / BDT 290,900,000
Location: Camps # 3, 5, 6, 8W, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18 and KMC Primary Drainage, Ukhiya, Moheskhali, Ramu, Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar District
14. Site Maintenance Engineering Project (SMEP), Plantation
Donor: WFP
Duration: May 2022 – December 2022
Value: BDT 61,400,000 (USD 0.75 million)
Location: Camps # 3, 5, 6, 8W, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18 and KMC Primary Drainage, Ukhiya & Teknaf Upazilas, Cox’s Bazar District 15. Community Empowerment Promoted 15. Through Livelihoods and Skills Development Initiatives
Donor: Global Affairs Canada (GAC)/UNHCR
Duration: August 2022 – December 2024
Value: BDT 134,081,219
Location: Rohingya Refugee Camp-21, Camp-26 and Camp-27, Teknaf
16. Developing Inclusive Risk Mitigation Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction
Donor: Union Parishads of Uttar Sreepur and Dakshin Sreepur
Duration: July 2022 – April 2023
Value: BDT 6,444,032
Location: Dacope, Kutubdia, Rangabali, Hatiya, Sarankhola, Char Fassion, Assuni (Khulna, Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Bagerhat, Bhola, Satkhira)
17. Study on Exploration of Possibilities for Building the Resilience of Coastal Fishers in Bangladesh
Donor: World Bank
Duration: April 2022 – June 2022
Value: BDT 4,200,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar, Bhola, Barguna, Pirojpur
18. Livelihood Improvement for Enhancing Resilience in Host-Communities in Cox’s Bazar (Life)
Donor: JICA/IC Net
Duration: March 2022 – May 2024
Value: BDT 21,030,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar District (Southeast Coastal Areas)
19. Strengthening Resilience in Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) Through the Provision of Holistic Health, Livelihood and Child Protection Services
Donor: BMZ (German Government)/Save the Children
Duration: April 2022 – (Ongoing)
Value: BDT 40,100,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar District (Southeast Coastal Areas)
20. Community Improvement Promoted Through Livelihoods & Self-Reliance Along with Nature-Based Solutions
Donor: UNHCR
Duration: January 2022 – December 2022
Value: BDT 103,960,000
Location: In and Around Rohingya Refugee Camp and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar District
21. Enhancement of Self-Reliance of a Women Group in Host-Community in Cox’s Bazar under MUNAKATA Grant
Donor: ICNet Limited, JAPAN
Duration: May 2022 – October 2022
Value: BDT 630,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar
22. Supporting and Promoting the Localization Agenda for NRM and Agriculture Emergency Response and Resilience
Donor: FAO
Duration: August 2022 – November 2022
Value: BDT 4,710,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar
23. BGD Strengthening Resilience and Social Cohesion of Rohingya and Host Community in Cox’s Bazar Through Integrated Social Services and Improved Livelihoods
Donor: Save the Children / BNZ
Duration: November 2022 – December 2024
Value: BDT 41,190,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar
24. Survey of Cyclone Guard Piloting Program Project
Donor: PEDECO-JAICA
Duration: July 2022 – April 2023
Value: BDT 6,444,032 (USD 690,432)
Location: Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar District; Hatiya, Noakhali District; Charkurkimurki, Bhola District; Rangabali, Patuakhali District; Asasuni, Satkhira District
25. Improvement of Natural Environment, Augmented Self-Reliance and Peaceful Co-Existence for Refugees & Host Communities
Donor: UNHCR
Duration: January 2021 – December 2021
Value: BDT 101,900,000
Location: In and Around Rohingya Refugee Camp and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar District
26. Country Gender Assessment of Agriculture and Rural Sector in Bangladesh (GRMS Supplier Number #39892)
Donor: FAO
Duration: December 2021 – March 2022
Value: BDT 3,800,000
Location: Kurigram, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nator, Pabna, Sirajgonj, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Sunamgonj, Netrokona, Borguna, Bagerhat, Madaripur, Dhaka
27. Start Fund for Rohingya Camp Massive Fire Incident Response Project
Donor: Christian Aid/START Fund
Duration: April 2021 – May 2021
Value: USD 150,000 / BDT 12,800,000
Location: Rohingya Camp-09, and Host Community (Telepara, Gatirbil, Balukhali, Jamir Chhora), Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar
28. Improved Natural Environment and Peaceful Co-Existence for Refugees & Host Communities
Donor: UNHCR
Duration: January 2020 – December 2020
Value: BDT 112,010,000
Location: In and Around Rohingya Refugee Camp and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar District
29. Site Maintenance Engineering Project (SMEP)
Donor: WFP
Duration: April 2020 – August 2023
Value: BDT 301,200,000
Location: Camp 1E, 1W, 2W, 2E, 4, 4Ext, 5, 6, 7, 8W, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 20Ext, 21, 24, 26, NRC, KRC and Host Communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar
30. Creating Livelihoods Opportunities for Host Communities Through Environmental Rehabilitation
Donor: FAO
Duration: October 2020 – March 2021
Value: USD 60,000 / BDT 5,500,000
Location: Ukhiya, Teknaf, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Chakaria
31. Waste Management Services Letter of Contract (LoC) for Use in Kanchan-1
Donor: Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation
Duration: January 2020 – March 2022 (Up to Drilling Completion)
Value: BDT 9,070,000
Location: Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar District
32. Improved Natural Environment and Peaceful Co-Existence for Refugees & Host Communities
Donor: UNHCR
Duration: January 2019 – December 2019
Value: BDT 58,670,000
Location: In and Around Rohingya Refugee Camp and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar District
33. Watershed for Social-Ecological Resilience (W4SR)
Donor: FAO
Duration: August 2019 – March 2020
Value: USD 70,000 / BDT 6,500,000
Location: Ukhiya Upazila, Cox’s Bazar District
34. BGD Sida Local Child Protection Rohingya 2018–2020
Donor: Save the Children/Sida
Duration: May 2019 – December 2020
Value: BDT 26,129,088
Location: Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar District (Rohingya and Host Community)
35. Baseline Survey for Cox’s Bazar Resilience Programme under OSRO/BGD/802/NET
Donor: FAO
Duration: June 2019 – August 2019
Value: BDT 4,700,000
Location: Ukhiya, Teknaf, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Sadar,
36. Strengthening Resilience Through Child-Centered Programming (SRCCP)
Donor: Save the Children/Sida
Duration: May 2019 – June 2020
Value: USD 200,000
Location: Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar District (Rohingya and Host Community)
37. Disaster Risk Reduction Through Food Assistance for Assets
Donor: WFP
Duration: December 2018 – December 2021
Value: BDT 380,900,000
Location: Rohingya Camps and Host Communities, Ukhiya & Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar
38. Imparting Trainings and Organizing Workshops at Different Ecologically Critical Areas of Sylhet-Moulvibazar and Cox’s Bazar Districts
Donor: UNDP
Duration: October 2017 – December 2017
Value: BDT 3,400,000
Location: Ecologically Critical Areas of Sylhet-Moulvibazar and Cox’s Bazar Districts
39. Scoping Study on Halda River under Environmental Governance for Climate Compatible Conservation of Water Quality in Rivers and Wetlands Project
Donor: UNDP (Aug 2016 – Dec 2016), CNRS (for the rest of the period)
Duration: August 2016 – December 2019
Value: BDT
8,000,000
Location: Khagrachari, Chittagong
40. Environmental Governance for Climate Compatible Conservation of Water Quality in Rivers and Wetlands Project
Donor: UNDP
Duration: 2016 – 2017 | Value: BDT 7,890,000
Location: Chattogram
41. Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation through Value Chain Analysis, Early Warning Needs, Collaborative Resource Management in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh
Donor: UNDP
Duration: November 2013 – September 2014
Value: USD 0.06 million
Location: Htiya, Noakhali; Charfassion, Bhola; Barguna Sadar, Barguna; and Anwara, Chittagong
42. Follow-up Stakeholder Survey and Perception on Pollution
Donor: BEISP, DoE/ CIDA
Duration: August 2010 – October 2010
Value: USD 0.004 million
Location: Dhaka, Kaliakoir, and Chittagong. 43.
43. Management Plan for Coastal Afforestation Project
Donor: IUCN/ UNDP-LDCF/FD
Duration: September 2010 – June 2011
Value: BDT 3,500,000
Location: Borguna, Bhola, Chittagong, Noakhali districts
44. Partnership Initiative Program (PIP) Survey
Donor: Bangladesh Environmental Institutional Strengthening Project – BEISP
Duration: 2010 – 2011
Value: BDT 700,000
Location: Dhaka City, Kaliakoir, and Chittagong City
45. Short Term Consultancy on Environmental and Land Management Appraisal for Laxmichari, Khagrachari
Donor: Helen Keller International
Duration: 2009 – 2010
Value: BDT 180,000
Location: Laxmichari, Khagrachari districts (Chittagong Hill Tracts)
46. Study on People/Fishers Livelihood on Sea & Open Water
Donor: CARE/ USAID
Duration: 2006 – 2007
Value: BDT 1,130,000
Location: Chattogram
47. Sea Turtle Management
Donor: USDA, Shell, Cairn, CNRS own
Duration: 2005 – ongoing
Value: BDT 30,000,000
Location: St. Martin Island in Cox’s Bazar district
48. District Development Plan
Donor: CEGIS
Duration: 2004 – 2006
Value: BDT 3,030,000
Location: Bhola and Cox’s Bazar (coastal districts)
49. Empowerment of Coastal Fishing Communities (ECFC 2003–04)
Donor: DoF/ FAO/ UNDP
Duration: 2003 – 2004 | Value: BDT 12,000,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar (coastal area)
50. Sea Turtle Conservation and Community Environmental Awareness Project
Donor: Shell Bangladesh Exploration B.V.
Duration: August 2001 – July 2002
Location: Coastal area, 4 upazilas under 3 districts in Bangladesh
51. Fishermen Community Survey (2001)
Donor: Shell
Duration: 200 | Value: BDT 3,000,000
Location: Feni, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar districts
52. BREAD (Bangladesh Rural Enterprise/Environment and Agricultural Development)
Donor: Winrock International/ USDA
Duration: 1998 – 2001
Value: BDT 2,830,000
Location: Cox’s Bazar and Sunamganj districts
