Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS) implemented the Chittagong Hill Tracts Watershed Co-Management Activity (CHTWCA), supported by UNDP and funded by USAID, from July 1, 2021 to July 31, 2023. The project covered 9 upazilas in Khagrachari Hill District and 8 upazilas in Rangamati Hill District, focusing on enhancing ecosystem conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory natural resource management in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Community Mobilization and Organization

Under CHTWCA, TUS carried out extensive community mobilization and organization activities in and around protected areas such as Kaptai National Park (KNP) and Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), as well as within the headwater Reserved Forests (RFs). The organization facilitated the formation and reformation of key local institutions including Village Conservation Forums (VConFs), People’s Forums (PFs), Community Patrol Groups, and Co-Management Committees (CMCs).

Regular meetings were organized to ensure coordination and community engagement, including bi-monthly meetings with CMC–KNP, annual council meetings of Kaptai and Karnafully Co-Management Committees, and quarterly meetings of VConFs and PFs. These platforms enabled communities to participate actively in natural resource governance and decision-making processes.

Livelihoods and Value Chain Development

A key component of the project focused on livelihoods and value chain implementation in and around headwater RFs, protected areas (PAs), and village common forests (VCFs). TUS conducted various training programs on forest-based livelihoods such as bamboo and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), ecosystem management, social cohesion, and gender equity. Additionally, business demonstration and leadership training were provided to selected women and girls from the target areas to enhance their economic participation and leadership roles.

The project also supported exposure visits for Forest Department field staff, Co-Management Organizations (CMOs), and civil society members to share learning and best practices within Bangladesh. Moreover, TUS assisted the District Manager in drafting management plans for both Kaptai National Park and Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, following the format provided by the CHTWCA project.

Skills Development and Enterprise Promotion

To promote sustainable livelihoods, the project organized livelihood skill demonstration trainings on sustainable agricultural practices for VConF members, as well as small enterprise development training for women and youth. These initiatives included NTFP processing, honeybee rearing, weaving, tailoring, nursery management, and piggery. Field demonstration support was provided to help community members adopt new skills and improve productivity.

Additionally, the project assisted the Forest Department in promoting eco-tourism within Kaptai National Park. It also facilitated resilient livelihood promotion and market linkage sessions to share successful practices among VConFs and VCF management committees.

Women’s Empowerment and Market Linkages

CHTWCA placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment through the establishment of multipurpose women’s centers and groups, enabling women and girls to build capacity, increase income, and participate in leadership roles. The project provided small business development and demonstration support, helping entrepreneurs link with input suppliers and service providers.

Efforts were made to establish market linkages between VCFs, headwater RFs, and PAs with facilities developed under other SID-CH projects, such as AFSP III, CCRP, AVC, and the Women Education Project. TUS also organized buyer-seller melas and meetings to encourage community-based enterprise development, particularly promoting weaving trades through quality inputs, training, and sustainable market connections.

Eco-Tourism and Indigenous Resource Management

The project promoted eco-tourism through public-private partnerships and awareness activities on Indigenous Natural Resource Management Practices in the CHT. These initiatives aimed to enhance environmental sustainability, strengthen local economies, and ensure better market access with increased economic benefits for the participating communities.