The Adaptation Fund Board has approved the Green, Resilient, and Adaptive CHT Economy (GRACE) project, a significant step forward in climate adaptation in Bangladesh.

The project will use US$ 10 million funding to help the most vulnerable hill communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) become more resilient to climate change.

"The GRACE project marks a pivotal chapter for the Chattogram Hill Tracts - an ecologically rich yet acutely vulnerable region of Bangladesh. This transformative initiative opens the door to meaningful investment in climate resilience while upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of the ethnic minorities inhabiting this area," Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said.

"We deeply appreciate the approval of the Adaptation Fund's US$ 10 million investment, which is evidence of Bangladesh's national leadership in climate adaptation," Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma said.

He said the GRACE Project will enable local governments and empower the CHT dwellers for a resilient future founded on inclusive governance and Nature-based Solutions aligned with SDGs in the CHT.

The GRACE project will provide extensive nature-based and community-driven climate adaptation strategies throughout the Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban districts, Bangladesh Country Focal Point at Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Kabir Uddin told BSS.

The project will help to establish climate-resilient infrastructure, improve retention ponds, restore springs and groundwater recharge systems in water-scarce upazilas, he said.

Kabir Uddin, also the GRACE project lead, said the initiative will promote sustainable land utilisation by applying climate-resilient agriculture methods suited to the region's unique topography.