Implemented in the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Peninsula and Inani National Park, critical habitats for globally and nationally threatened species, the EARTH project addressed the combined pressures of climate change and the ongoing humanitarian crisis through community-led conservation, conflict mitigation, and livelihood diversification.

The project directly benefited 5,529 people, 57% of whom were women, including youth, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. It strengthened the Co-Management Committee (CMC) and trained 112 Community Patrol Group members, who rescued 424 wildlife and recovered 11 hectares of encroached forest. Four Elephant Response Teams, bio-fences, and demonstration plots were established to reduce human–elephant conflict (HEC) and crop raids.

Species conservation efforts protected red crabs and sea turtles, with a hatchery collecting 9,077 eggs and releasing 5,693 hatchlings. Community awareness was enhanced through sessions, interactive theater performances, and public events. In parallel, 180 individuals were trained in natural resource management, organizational development, and income diversification, supported by access to finance and the distribution of over 6,000 fruit and endangered native saplings.

By the project’s completion, biodiversity protection had been strengthened, climate resilience improved, and sustainable livelihoods expanded across one of Bangladesh’s most vital ecosystems.

The project is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

The project contributes to SDG : SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo SDG Logo
Location: Cox's Bazar

Related Projects

Plastic Reduction Initiative in Sundarbans Transboundary International Natural Ecosystems (PRISTINE)© AF/Jessie Namnika Daru

Plastic Reduction Initiative in Sundarbans Transboundary International Natural Ecosystems (PRISTINE)

The PRISTINE project tackled plastic pollution across both the upstream and downstream areas of the Sundarbans Reserve Forest by creating a recycling value chain for Single-Use Plastics (SUP) that is transparent, traceable, and inclusive. At its core was the development of a mobile application, called Wastex, to track plastic waste from collection to recycling, documenting the contributions of waste collect... Read more

Location: Bagerhat
Market Study for wood chips, sawdust and other wood products including furniture (demand and supply)© AF/Farhan Haque

Market Study for wood chips, sawdust and other wood products including furniture (demand and supply)

This nationwide study examines the growing demand and supply dynamics of wood-based products in Bangladesh, with a focus on wood chips, sawdust, and furniture. Driven by rapid urbanization and a furniture sector growing at 15–20% annually, the country faces increasing pressure on timber resources. While local production and imports contribute to meeting demand, restrictions on harvesting from natural forest... Read more

Location: Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Jhenaidah, Bogura, Dinajpur, Tangail, Mymensing, Gazipur, Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barisal, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Chattogram, Rangamati
USAID Ecosystems/Protibesh Activities© AF photo library

USAID Ecosystems/Protibesh Activities

Arannayk Foundation strengthened community-based conservation across key biodiversity areas (KBAs) through the facilitation and networking of Co-Management Organizations (CMOs). In the Sundarbans, this included the Sundarbans Region Co-Management Society (formerly the Sundarbans CMO Network), while in the northeast, the Greater Sylhet CMO Network brought together CMOs from Tanguar Haor, Hakaluki Haor, and H... Read more

Location: Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barguna, Khulna

Partners

Arannayk Foundation in the News

Arannayk Foundation to introduce OECM program to protect biodiversity Daily Sun
Businesses seek incentives for eco-friendly industrialisation The Business Standard
Plastic takes a toll on Sundarbans The Daily Star
Visit Newsroom

Recent Activities

Facebook August 17 at 12.11 PM

Missed it on TV? Missed it on TV? Watch our ED Dr Motaleb on "বাংলাদেশের সম্পদ" on YouTube. See more

Post Image View on Facebook
Facebook August 15 at 8.12 PM

World Elephant Day 2025 edition.

Inside: field stories,elephant quiz, and first episode of our flagship podcast #CONS... See more

Post Image View on Facebook
Facebook August 14 at 12.01 PM

When the monsoon rain soaked the hills of Bandarban last week, Dr. Abdul Motaleb, our Executive Director, was out there,... See more

Post Image View on Facebook
Facebook August 11 at 3.00 PM

They’ve walked these paths for centuries. Now, the paths are closing.
Watch 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤: 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟏 and see why pro... See more

Post Image View on Facebook

Join us

Jobs and consultancy
Jobs and consultancy

Be a part of our mission. Support communities, protect nature, and build a greener, fairer Bangladesh for today and tomorrow.

See Our Vacancies
Internship and Volunteers
Internship and Volunteers

Lend your time and skills to protect forests, empower communities, and make a real difference for people and the planet.

Join Us
Procurement © AF/Arifur Rahman
Procurement

Partner with us in transparency and trust. Supply goods and services that support conservation, community development, and sustainable impact.

See Advertisement