Annual Progress Report (July 2023-June 2024)

The Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, a collaborative effort between the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, UNCDF, the Embassy of Sweden, and the Embassy of Denmark, aims to bolster the capacity of vulnerable communities, local government institutions, and civil society organizations in planning and financing climate change adaptation solutions. Originally slated for four years, the project has received extensions until June 2025 following an independent assessment affirming its success.
In 2023, LoGIC transitioned from its initial phase to a bridging phase, expanding its geographical scope to include new climate change hotspots in Rangamati and Bandarban Districts. The project also adapted a strategic shift in implementing Performance Based Climate Resilience Grants (PBCRG) from the union to the Upazila level. Additionally, the formation of 247 Climate Resilient Cooperatives aimed to enhance access to financial markets and green enterprise development for Community Resilience Fund (CRF) beneficiary groups. New initiatives introduced in 2023 include the establishment of an Adaptation Innovation Center, financial inclusion for CRF beneficiaries, climate risk insurance, nature-based solutions for PBCRG-funded schemes, and NAP localization etc.
During the reporting period, through LoGIC interventions, 7,500 new vulnerable households were selected as CRF beneficiaries in Rangamati and Bandarban, and 5,176 of them were provided small grant support. Also, 1,657 beneficiaries received training to start their climate adaptive livelihood options (CALO). A partnership has been established with Rangamati Hill District Council (RHDC) and Bandarban Hill District Council (BHDC) to implement community-level activities of CRF interventions. In plain land, 35,000 women beneficiaries of the CRF from seven Districts have experienced positive economic transformation through improved job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and climate-adaptive livelihood options.
Aligned with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) of Bangladesh, LoGIC has played a key role in enhancing climate resilience at the Upazila Parishad level through the development of a Performance-Based Climate Resilience Grant investment menu, tailored to address specific vulnerabilities across different climate zones in Bangladesh. LoGIC project is working on localizing the NAP at the Upazila level and has developed the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) guidelines based on the NAP at the Upazila level.
The project was awarded the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) Locally Led Adaptation Championship Award for Bangladesh, showcasing its innovative approaches in devolving finance at COP28 in Dubai. LoGIC has helped to reshape a major policy change from traditional fund allocation to vulnerability-based allocation for LGIs through its innovative Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI). The revision of the national allocation process has been approved by the Minister, and the issuing of a circular is in process. The successes of LoGIC can be largely attributed to the dedication of its stakeholders including beneficiaries, GOB and broader project team, demonstrating effectiveness in addressing climate-related challenges through meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to robust risk-informed strategies.