Combatting Climate Risks
Fortifying Resilience in Bangladesh’s Haor Communities.
Studio Wide Angle had the privilege of partnering with the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on a transformative project titled “Haor Communities” from 2023 to 2024. This project aimed to address the severe climate impacts faced by the Haor region in Bangladesh, a vulnerable area heavily affected by flash floods and wave erosion. Funded by the IKI Small Grants Funding Scheme of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, the initiative sought to enhance climate resilience and improve living conditions for local communities.
The project, implemented in Sunamgonj district, focused on constructing protective infrastructure to shield villages from wave erosion, alongside planting native trees and raising the plinth of community spaces. These interventions were crucial in safeguarding against the devastating effects of climate change, including increased flash floods and soil salinity, which threaten agricultural productivity and community livelihoods. At Studio Wide Angle, our role was to capture and convey the impact of these interventions through compelling visual storytelling. Our experience involved meticulous planning and execution of video production to document the efforts of PKSF in improving health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, and livelihood opportunities in the Haor region.
Our documentation highlighted the severe climate risks faced by the Haor communities and the innovative solutions implemented to combat these challenges. We showcased how the construction of protective walls and tree plantations are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of flash floods and erosion, thereby enhancing climate resilience. The project’s focus on improving health and nutrition was evident through the development of community spaces for drying and harvesting crops. These facilities help ensure better access to nutritious food, addressing one of the critical needs of the local population.
Our videos emphasized the importance of improved water and sanitation facilities, crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing disease. We depicted how these improvements are integral to the overall health and well-being of the Haor communities.
We captured the efforts to enhance educational opportunities and livelihood prospects. The project’s initiatives aimed to empower local communities by providing better access to education and fostering economic development through improved agricultural practices and infrastructure. Addressing menstrual health management was a key component, with facilities designed to support women’s health and hygiene, contributing to their overall well-being and social inclusion. Our production highlighted the importance of skills development and strengthening the market value chain. By improving agricultural practices and infrastructure, the project aimed to enhance productivity and economic stability for local farmers.
Through immersive storytelling and detailed visuals, Studio Wide Angle effectively communicated the significant positive changes brought about by the PKSF project. Our work not only showcased the practical impacts on the ground but also inspired action and support for continued efforts in climate resilience and community development.