Weaving the threads of the future from the waves of rivers : the FRIENDSHIP initiative

Bangladesh’s dynamic river landscape, defined by over 300 nationally-named rivers, has a significant impact on its ecology and communities, particularly those of the chars (river islands) in the northern part of Bangladesh. These areas are under constant threat from river erosion, flooding and climate change-induced disasters. Friendship‘s initiative addresses these challenges through a holistic development model, which is a highly mobile system specifically designed for river sites. The model integrates health, education, climate adaptation, economic empowerment and rights initiatives through floating and mobile hospitals, prefabricated schools, elevated pedestals, mangrove plantations, sustainable agriculture, solar villages and climate finance. In this way, Friendship’s integrated interventions create a synergistic effect, empowering and stabilizing the lives of over 7.5 million people. By addressing the interconnected needs of vulnerable riverine populations, Friendship enables communities to thrive despite environmental adversity, offering a holistic development model applicable to similarly affected regions around the world.