Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is implementing the Extended Community Climate Change Project-Drought (ECCCP-Drought) aimed at increasing the resilience of drought-affected communities in the Barind region of Bangladesh.
 
The project, co-funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), will provide various services and technologies to address climate change impacts in Naogaon, Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts, said a press release.
 
In this regard, the PKSF signed agreements with the 18 local NGOs for implementing the project at the grassroots level on Wednesday.
 
Additionally, an orientation session for the NGOs' focal persons for ECCCP-Drought was conducted at PKSF Bhaban.
 
The major activities of the project include capacity building of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority in addressing climate change issues, assisting establishment of a Managed Aquifer Recharge Centre, re-excavation of ponds, canals/creeks and pond-based groundwater recharge.
 
Also, drought-smart cropping patterns and fruit/forest plantation will be promoted through the project.
 
After the signing ceremony, PKSF managing director Dr Nomita Halder said Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
 
"The government is already formulating and implementing various strategies and policies to prevent the adverse effects of climate change. Through this project, PKSF will play a leading role in protecting the poor and the ultra-poor, especially the ethnic minorities, who are most vulnerable to climate change fallout," she added.
 
PKSF's deputy managing director Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed and general manager (Environment and Climate Change) Dr AKM Nuruzzaman were present, among others, there.