An Initiative for Better Home4BetterLife

After the devastating blow of Cyclone Remal, hope is finally beginning to return to the coastal communities of Dacope, Khulna. The Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), with generous support from the Korea Green Foundation, has launched and successfully implemented a Shrimp Fingerlings Distribution Program—designed to revive aquaculture livelihoods shattered by the storm.

Cyclone Remal, which swept across the Sundarbans and southern Bangladesh in late 2024, left widespread destruction in its wake. More than 3.7 million people were severely affected, and Dacope's shrimp farmers were among the hardest hit. With embankments breached and pond systems flooded, many families were left without a source of income. In response, BEDS stepped in with a targeted, sustainable solution: distribute high-quality shrimp fingerlings and guide farmers in restoring their ponds and practices.

From December 2024 through April 2025, BEDS conducted a comprehensive recovery program. It began with careful coordination with local representatives and the selection of 20 cyclone-affected farmers from Dhangmari village. These were smallholder Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) farmers, most of whom owned less than half a hectare of pond area. Their ponds were assessed in December, and technical workshops were provided in January and February to prepare the sites for fingerling release.

On April 29, 2025, the major milestone was achieved—over 100,000 certified shrimp post-larvae (PL), sourced from Desh Bangla Hatchery, were safely transported and distributed to the 20 farmers. The BEDS team ensured that each delivery was made with care, using oxygenated bags to reduce stress during transit. On-site acclimatization was overseen by aquaculture expert S.M. Mahfuzur Rahman, who also provided hands-on training to ensure the PL were properly introduced into the pond environments.

The distribution marked not just the beginning of a new farming cycle, but the start of renewed optimism. Many farmers expressed deep gratitude for the support. “This was more than a gift—it was a lifeline,” said one recipient farmer. “Without this intervention, I wouldn’t have been able to restart my pond this year.”

Currently, the project is in its post-distribution monitoring phase, running from May through July 2025. BEDS field staff are conducting regular visits to track shrimp survival and growth rates while offering technical advice on feed management and water quality. Minor salinity and embankment issues noted during the early stages are being addressed with ongoing support.

While the initiative has faced logistical challenges—such as damaged rural roads and fluctuating weather conditions—it has remained on track thanks to strong local coordination and the resilience of the farming community. BEDS is already considering future improvements, such as introducing climate-resilient shrimp strains and strengthening market linkages for harvested products.

In total, the program supported 20 farmers and rehabilitated 20 shrimp ponds, with 100,000 fingerlings released across Dhangmari village. These early signs of recovery not only point to a successful intervention but also reinforce the importance of community-based resilience efforts in disaster-prone coastal regions.

As this chapter of recovery unfolds, BEDS continues its commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and ensuring that no farmer is left behind in the face of climate adversity. The organization also expresses sincere thanks to the Korea Green Foundation, whose timely funding made this vital initiative possible.