In a collaborative effort, Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC have come together to support and uplift the livelihoods of 350 fishermen based in the Sundarbans, one of the world’s largest mangrove forests. This joint initiative aims to provide essential supplies, including boats and nets, to assist small-scale fishermen who often face limited access to their own fishing equipment, thereby fostering greater financial independence within the local community.
By equipping these 350 fishermen with their own tools, this initiative empowers them to regain control over their livelihoods, which have often been at the mercy of financial limitations. To cater to the diverse needs of the beneficiary group, the project includes the provision of two different types of boats: large engine-powered boats and small boats, along with accompanying nets.
The donation of 10 large engine-powered boats and nets plays a crucial role in enabling deep-sea fishing and enhancing the catch of Hilsha fish. These larger boats open up new opportunities for the fishermen, allowing them to explore richer fishing grounds and improve their catch.
Furthermore, 50 small boats and nets will be distributed to cater to the specific needs of fishing within the intricate mangrove forest area. These small boats are essential for capturing white fish and will provide the fishermen with a diverse range of fishing options.
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, emphasized the challenges faced by communities in the Sundarbans, including poverty and limited access to essential resources. Fishermen in these areas often struggle to make ends meet, burdened by the costs of fishing equipment and prohibitively expensive loans.
Bijoy stated, “To enhance participation across these communities, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is proud to provide 350 fishermen with access to 60 boats and nets. This initiative will go a long way to emancipate them from the shackles of prohibitively expensive loans and offer them greater financial independence.”
The partnership between Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC signifies a pioneering agreement to drive sustainable change in the Sundarbans. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed by Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, underlining the commitment to improving the lives of Sundarbans fishermen.
This collaborative effort by Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC not only promises a brighter future for the fishermen of the Sundarbans but also sets an example of corporate social responsibility and environmental preservation. By focusing on the empowerment of local communities, this initiative brings hope and opportunities to those who depend on the bounties of the Sundarbans for their livelihoods.
