Launching Ceremony of NABAPALLAB Photobook

“Nature-based Solutions – A Visual Journey”

On 24 September 2025, Practical Action launched the NABAPALLAB photobook “Nature-based Solutions – A Visual Journey” in Khulna. The event brought together government officials, development partners and community members to celebrate local actions strengthening Bangladesh’s vulnerable communities.

NABAPALLAB stands for Nature-Based Adaptation towards Prosperous and Adept Lives & Livelihoods in Bangladesh. In Bangla, Nabapallab means ‘new leaf’, symbolizing growth, resilience and new beginnings.

The initiative supports communities in the Sundarbans mangrove and Hakaluki Haor wetlands to adopt nature-based solutions in farming, fishing and livestock rearing. Led by CARE Bangladesh, implemented by Practical Action, and supported by the UK’s FCDO, the photobook highlights stories of farmers restoring soil, fishers earning sustainably, and women leading climate-resilient initiatives.

At the ceremony, Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action Bangladesh, welcomed attendees and reflected on the organisation’s long-standing work in the country. She emphasised the community focus of the initiative, saying,

“The NABAPALLAB project focuses on the community, how people are improving their quality of life by fighting natural adversities and how the project has helped them. That is what this photobook beautifully highlights.”

Selina Shelley Khan, Chief of Party of the NABAPALLAB project from CARE Bangladesh, spoke about the project’s vision and journey. She shared,

“The NABAPALLAB project is working to strike a balance between nature and humans.”

The Chief Guest, Mr. Bitan Kumar Mandal, thanked Practical Action for the photobook, noting that coastal communities, though not responsible for climate change, are heavily affected. He emphasized government–NGO collaboration and careful beneficiary selection and hoped future photobooks would highlight the project’s social and economic impact.

Two project participants shared how the project helped them overcome climate challenges and build sustainable livelihoods.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Mrityunjoy Das, Deputy Chief of Party, CARE Bangladesh. The NABAPALLAB photobook now stands as a visual record of community resilience, showing how Practical Action and its partners are helping communities build safer, stronger and more sustainable futures.