A Sample Proposal on ”Community-Based Climate Adaptation for Coastal and Flood-Prone Regions ”

Executive Summary

Coastal and flood-prone regions are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise, cyclones, storm surges, river flooding, erosion, and salinity intrusion. Climate change has intensified these risks, threatening livelihoods, food security, housing, and public health.

This proposal focuses on community-based climate adaptation to strengthen resilience in coastal and flood-affected areas. The approach emphasizes nature-based solutions, early warning systems, climate-resilient livelihoods, and local governance strengthening.

The model is affordable, scalable, and suitable for NGOs, district administrations, CSR programs, and climate adaptation funds.l

Problem Statement

Communities in coastal and flood-prone areas face:

• Repeated flooding and crop damage
• Loss of livestock and assets
• Salinity intrusion affecting agriculture
• Poor drainage systems
• Limited early warning access
• Weak disaster preparedness plans
• Economic instability after disasters

Women, children, small farmers, fishers, and informal workers are particularly vulnerable.

Project Goal

To enhance resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable coastal and flood-prone communities through community-led planning, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient livelihoods.

 Objectives

• Increase climate adaptation awareness among 1,200 community members.
• Develop local flood and coastal risk management plans.
• Promote ecosystem-based adaptation (mangroves, wetlands, plantations).
• Strengthen early warning and emergency preparedness systems.
• Support climate-resilient livelihood diversification.

Target Beneficiaries

• Smallholder farmers
• Fishing communities
• Women-led households
• Youth groups
• Local governance institutions

Project Components

• Component 1: Climate Risk Assessment & Community Planning
  • Flood and coastal vulnerability mapping
  • Participatory risk assessments
  • Development of Community Adaptation Plans
  • Identification of safe evacuation routes
• Component 2: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
  • Mangrove or coastal plantation drives
  • Wetland restoration awareness
  • Riverbank stabilization using vegetation
  • Promotion of salt-tolerant crop varieties

(Nature-based solutions reduce flood intensity and protect biodiversity.)

• Component 3: Early Warning & Preparedness Systems
  • Establish community emergency committees
  • Install basic flood markers
  • SMS/WhatsApp alert groups
  • Conduct mock evacuation drills
• Component 4: Climate-Resilient Livelihood Support
  • Training in diversified income sources
  • Promotion of aquaculture, climate-smart agriculture
  • Support for women-led micro-enterprises
  • Access to micro-savings and insurance
• Component 5: Water & Sanitation Resilience
  • Awareness on safe drinking water storage
  • Elevated water storage solutions
  • Flood-resilient sanitation practices

Implementation Timeline

Expected Outcomes

• 1,200 people trained in climate adaptation
• 3 community adaptation plans developed
• 5,000 trees/mangroves planted
• Reduced livelihood losses during flooding
• Improved emergency response coordination

Short Budget Table

 Sustainability Strategy

• Integration with local disaster management authorities
• Community-led maintenance of plantations
• Strengthen self-help groups for financial resilience
• Train local climate volunteers

Alignment with Global Frameworks

• SDG 13 (Climate Action)
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
• SDG 15 (Life on Land)
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

 Conclusion

Coastal and flood-prone communities require proactive and locally driven adaptation strategies. By combining ecosystem restoration, livelihood diversification, and early warning systems, communities can reduce risks and build long-term resilience.

This small-budget, high-impact proposal offers a practical and scalable solution for climate adaptation at the grassroots level.