1. Project description

The \"Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy\" project, spearheaded by Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh), is an ambitious and impactful endeavor aimed at promoting ocean literacy in Bangladesh and its vital role in achieving the country\\\'s Blue Ocean Economy. Launched in May 2023 with the support of a seed grant from the Korea SHE Foundation, the project has been making significant strides in creating awareness, imparting knowledge, and empowering communities to address climate change, environmental issues, and socio-economic challenges.

The primary focus of the project is to provide hands-on training to women, students, and unemployed youth in rural and coastal regions of Bangladesh. By the time of this project summary, which is in July 2023, several educational seminars, workshops, and training programs have been successfully implemented, with many more ongoing and planned for the future. Nirmol Bangladesh has proven its commitment to driving positive change and addressing pressing environmental and societal issues in the country. The project\\\'s timeline spans a duration of six months, commencing on 2nd May 2023 and concluding on 30th October 2023. During this period, the \"Ocean Literacy and Community Resilience\" (OLCR) team, led by Nirmol Bangladesh, has been actively engaging with coastal communities and educational institutions to build awareness, knowledge, and capacity.

 

One of the key highlights of the project was the immediate response to a tropical cyclone that hit Bangladesh in May. The OLCR team, closely monitoring the situation, promptly provided technical support and collected crucial data in the affected areas, particularly in the southern coastal districts, especially Cox\\\'s Bazar. This proactive approach demonstrated the project\\\'s commitment to resilience-building and sustainable recovery. Throughout the course of the project, Nirmol Bangladesh has organized various workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programs targeting different demographics. The OLCR team successfully launched a hybrid training course titled “Training Program on Building Research Career for Early Professionals and Students” in May, which continues to empower early-career professionals and graduate students through a comprehensive curriculum. By engaging resource persons from various institutions, the course aims to equip participants with valuable knowledge and skills for addressing climate change and ocean-related challenges. To maximize outreach and public engagement, Nirmol Bangladesh has utilized multimedia tools, including the creation of a short documentary film in Bengali. This impactful film highlights the impact of climate change and marine pollution, disseminating valuable information on social media platforms and during educational events. The project has also extended its reach to educational institutions, conducting seminars at schools and colleges to promote ocean literacy and climate resilience. One such seminar at Rupnagar Govt. Secondary High School in Dhaka drew 300 participants, including students, teachers, and staff, reinforcing the project\\\'s commitment to engaging the youth and promoting awareness. Recognizing the significance of World Ocean Day, the OLCR team collaborated with the Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, to organize a seminar and rally with approximately 350 participants. This event emphasized the importance of the ocean and its conservation, fostering discussions among students and faculty members. In their relentless pursuit of promoting ocean literacy and climate resilience, the OLCR team organized a workshop for high school students in Gohira AJYMS Bohu Mukhi High School, Chittagong. The workshop focused on climate change, environmental impacts, and the importance of ocean conservation, raising awareness among 250 participants. 

 

Looking ahead, Nirmol Bangladesh has outlined an ambitious plan for the remaining three months of the project. The team aims to organize awareness-creating workshops and seminars in coastal districts, particularly targeting women\\\'s participation and collaborating with other NGOs and government bodies. Additionally, skill development and environmentally friendly startup training programs will empower educated women and unemployed youth to pursue sustainable initiatives. In its commitment to environmental stewardship, the project will conduct a beach cleaning program at Kuakata Beach, combating pollution and preserving the coastal environment. Lastly, the project\\\'s grand culmination is planned as a National (or potentially international) Seminar on \"Ocean Literacy and Its Importance in Fighting Climate Change: Experience from the Science and Policy Interface,\" bringing together experts, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore and exchange insights on climate resilience.  

 

The \"Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy\" project embodies Nirmol Bangladesh\\\'s dedication to fostering sustainable practices, empowering communities, and addressing critical environmental challenges. By promoting ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental awareness, the project envisions a brighter, more resilient future for Bangladesh, where communities thrive in harmony with the ocean and natural resources.

 

2. Project progress up to now

As of now, the \"Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy\" project, undertaken by Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh), has made commendable progress in its endeavors to promote ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental awareness. The project, which commenced in May 2023, has successfully implemented several activities, each contributing to the organization\\\'s mission and objectives.

 

1. Post-Cyclone Support:

Who: The OLCR (Ocean Literacy and Community Resilience) team led by Nirmol Bangladesh, comprising experts in marine science, education, and environmental conservation.

What: Responding to a tropical cyclone in May, the team closely monitored the situation and immediately visited the affected coastal areas, primarily Cox\\\'s Bazar. The focus was on providing technical support and collecting demographic, socio-economic, and damage data for further analysis.

When: Shortly after receiving funding in May 2023.

Where: The southern coastal districts of Bangladesh, particularly Cox\\\'s Bazar.

Why: The cyclone\\\'s impact highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities to climate-related events, underscoring the importance of the project\\\'s mission in fostering climate resilience and promoting ocean literacy.

How: A 12-member team was deployed for a week in the affected area, engaging with local administrative bodies, NGOs, fisherfolk, farmers, students, service holders, and community leaders. This field-level interaction allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the situation.

 

2. Capacity Building Program:

Who: Nirmol Bangladesh and the OLCR team.

What: The project launched a capacity-building program in May 2023, targeting early-career professionals and graduate students. The hybrid course, incorporating both online and offline components, aims to enhance knowledge and skills related to climate change and ocean literacy.

When: Running from May to August 2023.

Where: Multiple institutions across Bangladesh.

Why: The program aims to empower individuals with expertise in climate resilience and sustainable practices, fostering a generation of knowledgeable leaders.

How: The course involves resource persons from various institutions delivering lectures, and participants undergo continuous assessment to ensure effective learning.

 

3. Awareness Documentary:

Who: Nirmol Bangladesh and the OLCR team.

What: A short documentary film (3 minutes 45 seconds) was produced to raise awareness about climate change and marine pollution in the Bengali language. The film is shared on social media platforms and presented during workshops, seminars, and other educational events.

When: Prepared and disseminated as part of the project\\\'s awareness-building efforts.

Where: Shared on various social media platforms, reaching a wide audience.

Why: The documentary serves as an impactful tool to educate the masses about the importance of ocean conservation and its implications for climate resilience.

How: The documentary was created using compelling visuals and messages to engage and inform the audience effectively.

 

4. School Seminars and Rally:

Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, students, teachers, and staff.

What: Seminars were organized at Rupnagar Govt. Secondary High School in Dhaka, engaging 300 participants. Additionally, a rally with approximately 350 participants focused on the importance of the ocean and its conservation.

When: The events were conducted in June 2023.

Where: Rupnagar Govt. Secondary High School, Dhaka, and the surrounding area.

Why: The events aimed to raise awareness among students, teachers, and staff about ocean literacy, climate change, and environmental conservation.

How: Invited speakers delivered motivational and awareness-building presentations, encouraging active participation and discussions.

 

5. High School Workshop:

Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, high school students, and teachers.

What: A workshop was conducted at Gohira AJYMS Bohu Mukhi High School, Chittagong, focusing on climate change, environmental impacts, and the importance of ocean conservation.

When: The workshop was held in late June 2023.

Where: Gohira AJYMS Bohu Mukhi High School, Chittagong.

Why: The workshop aimed to raise awareness among high school students about the impact of climate change on ocean health and the environment.

How: The workshop involved interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions to engage participants effectively.

 

6. Young Climate Leaders Program:

Who: Nirmol Bangladesh, the OLCR team, university students.

What: The \"Young Climate Leaders\" program was initiated to promote ocean and climate literacy on different university campuses. Over 20 leaders were appointed, with more planned to be involved. The program aims to train students in ocean and climate literacy and encourage them to organize awareness-building seminars and workshops in local educational institutions.

When: The program began in June 2023 and is ongoing.

Where: Different universities across Bangladesh.

Why: The program seeks to create a new generation of climate-conscious leaders who can disseminate knowledge and information among local communities and stakeholders.

How: Selected students receive specialized training on ocean and climate literacy, and they are encouraged to organize events in educational institutions to spread awareness.

The \"Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy\" project has displayed significant progress so far, with numerous impactful events and activities contributing to its goals of ocean literacy promotion, climate resilience, and environmental awareness. By engaging diverse stakeholders and adopting innovative approaches, Nirmol Bangladesh has effectively carried out the preparation and execution of the project, leaving a positive impact on communities and nurturing a more ocean-literate and climate-conscious society.

 

3. Project plan forward

With three months remaining to accomplish the objectives of the \"Building a Resilient Community through Ocean Literacy\" project, Nirmol Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh (Nirmol Bangladesh) has outlined a comprehensive plan to optimize the remaining time effectively. The organization seeks to further enhance the impact of its initiatives and create a lasting positive change in ocean literacy, climate resilience, and environmental awareness. The forward plan includes a mix of awareness-building activities, skill development programs, and high-level events to engage diverse stakeholders and maximize outreach.

 

1. Awareness-Creating Workshops and Seminars:

Nirmol Bangladesh plans to conduct workshops and seminars in coastal districts during August. These events will target secondary schools and colleges, inviting the participation of students and teachers. Special emphasis will be placed on encouraging women\\\'s participation in these programs. Collaboration with other NGOs and government bodies will be pursued to ensure a broader impact and sustainable outcomes.

 

2. Skill Development and Environmentally Friendly Startup Training Program:

In September, the organization will focus on empowering educated women and unemployed youth through skill development and environmentally friendly startup training. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to initiate environmentally conscious businesses, fostering sustainable practices and promoting climate resilience.

 

3. Beach Cleaning Program:

In September, Nirmol Bangladesh plans to organize a \"beach cleaning\" program at Kuakata Beach, which is a popular tourist destination facing pollution from plastic and biological waste. The event will involve local communities, tourists, and volunteers in a collective effort to clean and preserve the coastal environment, raising awareness about the impact of waste on marine ecosystems.

 

4. National (or International) Seminar:

The project\\\'s culminating event in October will be a high-level seminar focusing on \"Ocean Literacy and Its Importance in Fighting Climate Change: Experience from the Science and Policy Interface.\" The seminar aims to bring together experts, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from various fields to share insights, experiences, and best practices. The goal is to foster collaboration and strengthen the integration of science and policy in addressing climate change challenges.

 

Improvements:

Nirmol Bangladesh seeks continuous improvement in the project\\\'s implementation and impact. They will assess the effectiveness of their current activities, seeking feedback from participants and stakeholders to identify areas of improvement. The organization will make necessary adjustments to enhance the engagement and effectiveness of future events.

 

Cautions:

Nirmol Bangladesh will be cautious of any potential challenges that may arise during the remaining period. They will closely monitor external factors such as weather conditions, social and political dynamics, and logistical constraints. Mitigation plans will be in place to address unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the smooth execution of planned activities.

 

Expectations for Future Activities:

The organization expects that the upcoming workshops, seminars, and training programs will further strengthen the ocean literacy and climate resilience of the targeted communities. They anticipate higher participation and engagement from women, students, and unemployed youth in the skill development initiatives, creating a pool of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. The beach cleaning program is expected to raise awareness among tourists, local communities, and volunteers about the need for responsible waste management and preservation of coastal ecosystems.

The culminating seminar in October holds the potential to make a significant impact by facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering partnerships, and inspiring collective action. Nirmol Bangladesh expects the event to yield actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, laying the foundation for future collaborative efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable ocean practices.

Overall, the project plan forward demonstrates Nirmol Bangladesh\\\'s commitment to creating a sustainable future by engaging communities, empowering individuals, and raising awareness about the importance of ocean literacy and climate resilience. The organization\\\'s strategic approach and dedication to continuous improvement are likely to yield positive and lasting outcomes in their mission to build a resilient community and protect the oceans and natural resources of Bangladesh.

 

 4. Photos

1. After Cyclone_Survey_ in Coast

 

2. Climate_OceanLit_Training Course_ Inaugruation

3. Climate and Environment Resilience_seminar

   

4. Ocean Day Rally

 

5. Workshop at Chittagong