Researchers from the Department of Environmental Science & Management of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) conducted a climate adaptation needs assessment on July 21-22, 2025 in three cyclone-prone areas of Cox’s Bazar. The areas are Najiratake, Khuruskhul, and Chowfaldandi.

The assessment, part of the Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in Least Developed Countries (COLOCAL) Project, aimed to identify local knowledge gaps and resilience needs through qualitative data collection via group discussions and interviews with farmers and fishermen. The activity was conducted in partnership with Nirmol Bangladesh, a non-profit organization, to support community access and participation.

The IUB team was led by Fahmid Mohtasin, Project Officer, COLOCAL, under the supervision of Dr. K. A. Rabbani, Dean of IUB’s School of Environment and Life Sciences. One undergraduate student, Md Shahadat Hossain Shahal (Spring 2022 batch), also participated. Approximately 60 participants were engaged in Najiratake, 30 in Khuruskhul, and 80 in Chowfaldandi.

The assessment sites included South Kutubdiapara and Basinnapara (Ward 1, Cox’s Bazar Sadar) under Najiratake; Jaliapara (Ward 3) under Khuruskhul Union; and Chowfaldandi village and Uttar Maij Para (Wards 3 and 5) under Chowfaldandi Union.

The data collected will be used to develop training modules and support a co-creation workshop planned for September 2025. The workshop will serve as both a training session and a communication platform to strengthen engagement between community members, Upazila-level officials, and NGO stakeholders.

The COLOCAL project is implemented under the NORHED programme with IUB as an academic partner.

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