BRAC and the Royal Danish Embassy in Dhaka have signed an agreement to launch a new initiative called "Rain for Life." The agreement was signed by Denmark’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, His Excellency Christian Brix Møller, and BRAC’s Executive Director, Asif Saleh, during a ceremony held on Thursday, 12 December 2024, at the Embassy of Denmark in Dhaka.
This bilateral development cooperation project, aligned with Denmark’s Strategic Framework for Bangladesh 2022-2028, will run from January 2025 to December 2027. With a total budget of approximately BDT 64 crore (38 million Danish Kroner), the initiative aims to reduce climate change risks for local communities in Bangladesh’s coastal regions. It will implement integrated climate-adaptive water and agricultural solutions, nature-based approaches, and risk minimisation measures. Alongside addressing climate-induced challenges, the project seeks to maintain ecological balance.
Representing BRAC at the event were Dr. Md. Liakath Ali, Director of the Climate Change Programme; Mafruza Khan, Director of Global Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships; and Abu Sadat Moniruzzaman Khan, Programme Head of the Climate Change Programme. Senior Advisor Bitalie Taskin Islam and Programme Advisor Syed Matiul Ahsan represented the Danish Embassy.
The "Rain for Life" initiative draws on insights from BRAC's Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA)-funded rainwater collection project in Mongla and responds to the needs of local populations. By the end of 2027, it is anticipated that 30% of the climate-affected population in Assasuni, Mongla, and Patharghata upazilas will achieve improved resilience.
The project primarily addresses the drinking water crisis faced by communities in climate-vulnerable coastal areas. It also aims to empower farmers to adopt climate-resilient methods for crop cultivation, fisheries, and livestock production. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen environmental resilience through biodiversity and nature conservation efforts, while raising awareness at local, national, and international levels about water accessibility challenges faced by communities at risk from climate change.
“Rain for Life” exemplifies the enduring bilateral partnership between Denmark and Bangladesh in tackling climate change challenges. The initiative seeks to build a sustainable and resilient future for vulnerable communities.
