Although highly climate-vulnerable, Bangladesh in South Asia is known as a
pioneer of climate change adaptation. Recent national policies have
recognized the importance of community-based and locally-led adaptation (LLA). Where LLA interventions have been used by international
and national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), they have proven practical and widely accepted by local communities. Yet significant gaps
remain in implementing LLA nationally due to legislative, administrative, and
conceptual limitations. Meeting Bangladesh’s ambitious national targets will
require better coordination within the government and with NGOs so that each
can benefit from the other. Building on recent examples, this briefing
showcases existing interventions that are replicable and scalable and
presents three key action areas requiring further government support. The
lessons are also relevant to LLA practitioners in Bangladesh and other Least
Developed Countries.