In the Sundarbans Delta, where lives are shaped by rising seas, repeated cyclones, and flooding, communities are finding their own ways to adapt. Our yearlong ethnography in Pratapnagar, a coastal union, reveals people are reclaiming their lands and livelihoods from commercial shrimp farming.

Communities are choosing agroecology—pushing for pro-agriculture policies and taking initiatives, voting for it, negotiating for it with local council and power brokers. They are nurturing the soil, water system, and the nature for a better future and sustainable livelihoods.

Their story of collective resilience reminds us that real climate adaptation begins with the people who face the impact daily.

To support and scale this transformation, as part of the ENGAGE4Sundarbans project, we blended traditional knowledge with innovation, facilitating farmers grow high-value crops, add value by processing them locally, and connect with urban markets.

In his presentation at the Regional Climate Change Conference (RCCC) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 13–15 October 2025, Nurul Islam Biplob, Lead Researcher at SAJIDA Foundation, shared the full story. He highlighted how communities in Pratapnagar are driving locally led climate adaptation where women are at the forefront.

By engaging in global knowledge-sharing platforms like #RCCC2025, SAJIDA Foundation continues to champion inclusive, evidence-based, and community-led climate solutions.