ENGAGE4Sundarbans Showcased at Frugal Innovation Forum 2025

SAJIDA Foundation and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) had the honour of jointly showcasing the ENGAGE4Sundarbans project at the Frugal Innovation Forum (FIF) hosted by BRAC in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 25-26 July 2025. The forum brought together researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, policy makers and development partners working on climate adaptation to discuss emerging climate challenges and solutions in the Global South. This year, the Forum centred around climate adaptation in agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. 

SAJIDA Foundation’s Lead Researcher presenting the ENGAGE4Sundarbans project to Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh

During FIF 2025, Nurul Islam Biplob, Lead Researcher at SAJIDA Foundation and Faisal Imran, Senior Research Associate, ULAB, shared insights from ENGAGE4Sundarbans’ Living Lab approach, emphasising how community-driven, gender-responsive agroecological practices are helping restore degraded lands in Protapnagar, a climate-vulnerable union located in the Sundarbans delta.  

“Our goal was to strengthen social resilience for communities living near the Sundarbans, while also supporting local biodiversity and ecosystems,” SAJIDA’s Lead Researcher explained. He also reflected on the importance of listening to local, indigenous knowledge and co-creating adaptation strategies with communities who experience climate vulnerability firsthand.

Presenting ENGAGE4Sundarbans to Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, during FIF 2025.

This participation was significant as it created space for dialogue with key policymakers and development actors. The presentation received thoughtful engagement from climate leaders, including Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh; and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC. 

  • Snapshots from FIF 2025

ENGAGE4Sundarbans’ participation at FIF 2025 reflects our commitment to climate justice, locally led innovation, and building social and climate resilience for the most affected populations. 

 Watch ENGAGE4Sundarban’s session highlight from FIF 2025 ⬇️