Drinking water scarcity in coastal districts of Bangladesh is a pressing and pervasive issue exacerbated by climate change. Rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and increased salinity levels have rendered many traditional water sources undrinkable, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of coastal communities. Addressing this challenge requires united initiatives, and innovative solutions that prioritize sustainable freshwater access and community resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

The participants in a workshop ‘WaterHackathon2.0: Stratconnect2023’ expressed their grave concern about this burning issue which is impacting the coastal demographics of Bangladesh. Jointly organized by Participatory Research & Action Network- PRAAN and ActionAid Bangladesh, this two-day event was held at the CSS Ava Center in Khulna from August 30th to 31st, 2023. This event brought together a diverse group of individuals passionate about addressing the critical water-related challenges faced by coastal Bangladesh including representatives from organizations working with water and environment-related issues, academicians, journalists, students and young people working with communities.

With a focus on climate change, community engagement, and innovative solutions, this event aimed to foster collaboration and inspire action among participants.

The event commenced with a reflective session where the journey of the WaterMove Campaign was shared. Later on, the participants got engaged in self-reflection and peer group discussions, encouraging personal growth and fostering connections among attendees. This session emphasized the importance of understanding one’s role and responsibilities in addressing water-related issues in their working agenda.

This two-day workshop contained several sessions including Climate Change Impact on Coastal Bangladesh, Story of development, commercial intervention and saltwater in coastal areas, Region-based Problem Mapping, Designing Future Campaigns and promotion of locally-led water management system, Community-based youth Plan etc. Mr. Ahmad Salahuddin, Senior Associate Scientist IRRI, Professor. Dr. Dilip Kumar Datta, Former Head, of the Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University, Mr. Gouranga Nandy Director of the Center for Environment and Participatory Research (CEPR), Mohon Kumar Mondol Founder and Executive Director of LEDARS facilitated several sessions in the workshop.

In the final session, participants worked together to develop community-based plans aimed at addressing water-related challenges in their respective areas as well as developing some shared calls to be included in the election manifesto of the upcoming national election. Through insightful sessions, inspiring stories, and collaborative work, participants left with a heightened sense of purpose and a commitment to taking meaningful action.

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