The Department of Environmental Science and Management of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) hosted a roundtable on November 30, 2024 at the IUB campus to explore the integration of Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) principles into the MSc in Climate Change and Development (CCD) program. The event, organized by the COLOCAL project, brought together experts, faculty, and students to design innovative academic modules focusing on Community-based Adaptation (CBA) and LLA.

The discussion was led by COLOCAL project coordinator, K Ayaz Rabbani, PhD, and project officer, Fahmid Mohtasin. They were joined by LLA specialists from the International Center for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), including Savio Rousseau Rozario and Rawnak Jahan Khan Ranon, alongside CCD M.Sc. students.

Participants agreed that the course must introduce the foundational principles, history, and evolution of CBA and LLA. The need for a balanced perspective, using both successful and unsuccessful case studies, was emphasized to enhance critical thinking. A practical approach to learning was proposed, focusing on community engagement and collaboration with external stakeholders rather than a traditional academic structure.

Key recommendations included incorporating field assignments in climate-vulnerable areas and regular paper presentations to ensure students stay updated with contemporary LLA literature. A dedicated module on tools and techniques for LLA was also proposed as essential preparatory content before fieldwork.

The roundtable also addressed potential administrative challenges and structural changes needed to support the course's success. The participants collectively envisioned a curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to address pressing climate adaptation challenges.

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