{"id":84917,"date":"2026-03-02T10:27:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T10:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/?post_type=publication&p=84917"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:45:15","slug":"strengthening-environmental-governance-for-sustainable-development-appraising-the-impact-of-local-government-in-rural-bangladesh","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/publication\/strengthening-environmental-governance-for-sustainable-development-appraising-the-impact-of-local-government-in-rural-bangladesh\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening environmental governance for sustainable development: appraising the impact of local government in rural Bangladesh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Its low-lying landscape,  extensive floodplains, high population density, widespread poverty and largely rural population — over 70% — mean that the wellbeing of millions of people is closely tied to the health of the environment. Sustainable development in Bangladesh is therefore inseparable from effective environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study examines how well Bangladesh’s local government system supports stronger environmental governance and resilience at the community level. It evaluates the role and influence of the Union Parishad, the smallest unit of rural administration, and the systemic pressures that restrict its effectiveness. The study concludes that strong local environmental governance is the cornerstone of building a climate-resilient Bangladesh. Achieving this, however, requires a significant shift away from a centralised, administration-heavy model towards one that is genuinely decentralised, properly funded, highly accountable and firmly rooted in community participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key points for decision-makers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n