Upazila-Level Consultation Meetings on Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) in Patuakhali
JAGO NARI, under its Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) Project, successfully organized two Upazila Consultation Meetings at Kalapara on 9 September 2025 and Rangabali on 10 September 2025. The consultations aimed to share findings collected from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and sensitization workshops, as well as to gather further inputs from stakeholders on climate change impacts, existing adaptation strategies, and locally proposed solutions.
The meetings brought together Upazila-level government officials, Union Parishad chairmen, NGO representatives, journalists, women leaders, and community members, ensuring diverse perspectives and grassroots voices were reflected in the discussions. In Kalapara, participants emphasized the urgent need for increasing budget allocations to build sustainable and resilient embankments, improving accessibility to cyclone shelters through better communication roads, and upgrading shelter facilities with proper sanitation and gender-sensitive accommodation. They also stressed the importance of accurate post-disaster data collection on vulnerable and affected populations to guide effective response and recovery, along with creating alternative income opportunities for fishermen whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on climate-sensitive resources.
In Rangabali, participants highlighted the need to raise mass awareness about the LAPA so that it becomes a practical tool for communities rather than just a document. They called for improved WASH facilities in schools, training of local birth attendants to support pregnant women during and after disasters, and a targeted approach to identify and prioritize the most vulnerable areas. A particularly pressing issue raised was the unusual quality of groundwater in Rangabali, which often appears greenish or oily and is believed to contain high levels of lignin and tannin. Stakeholders recommended in-depth research to understand its potential impacts on human health and biodiversity.
Both consultation meetings proved to be highly participatory and productive, generating valuable recommendations that reflect the real needs, priorities, and solutions of local communities. The insights gathered will significantly contribute to developing a community-driven and inclusive Local Adaptation Plan of Action for Rangabali and Kalapara Upazilas in Patuakhali, ensuring that adaptation measures are practical, evidence-based, and rooted in local realities. Through this process, JAGO NARI continues to amplify community voices and strengthen resilience against the growing challenges of climate change.
Published on: Thursday, 11 September 2025, 02:33 am ▪ Total View of this Page: 40
