A resilience framework for climate adaptation: The Shyamnagar experience

Abstract

This chapter tells the story of the application of a resilience framework in the climate vulnerable coastal area of Shyamnagar, Bangladesh. It documents how peoples' vision of the future of their communities was captured through the exploration of their daily struggles, past history and future outlook. This approach breaks away from typical linear project development and implementation models and adopts a framework based on integrating the existing dynamics of the complex social and ecological systems. The outcome is a climate change adaptation initiative that focuses on solutions to support positive changes through community-led interventions such as mangrove rehabilitation, freshwater availability, agricultural productivity and women's empowerment. This approach ignites peoples' imagination, binds people to a shared common vision and fosters the development of programmes around that shared vision and promises a sustainable and resilient future for the people of Shyamnagar and its environment.