In 2005, the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Project was launched in Tahirpur Upazila, Sunamganj, Bangladesh, as a collaborative initiative between Oxfam-GB and the local organization ERA. Spanning four years until 2009, the project aimed to empower local communities to proactively manage and reduce disaster risks in this flood-prone region.
Key components of the project included:
- Community Mobilization: Engaging residents in participatory vulnerability assessments to identify local hazards and capacities.
- Capacity Building: Training community members in disaster preparedness, response strategies, and early warning systems.
- Infrastructure Development: Enhancing local infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, thereby reducing vulnerability.
By fostering local ownership and integrating indigenous knowledge, the CBDRM Project significantly strengthened the resilience of communities in Tahirpur Upazila, setting a precedent for community-led disaster risk management in Bangladesh.