Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha
In the low-lying northwestern region of Bangladesh, a mosaic of wetland ponds and waterways make travel extremely difficult, particularly during the monsoon season when extensive flooding occurs. To address this challenge, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha operates a fleet of 54 solar-powered boats to deliver services that range from schools to agricultural extension centers. The vessels are able to navigate waterways and pull up alongside villages that would otherwise be too isolated to receive such support.
Of Shidhulai's fleet, 20 boats are outfitted as floating schools that move along the wetland canals from village to village holding three classes per day for children in riverbank communities. Ten library boats are fitted with books, computers, printers, and mobile phones. Five health clinic boats bring free healthcare to more than 300 people per day, while five agricultural extension boats train farmers in sustainable farming methods.
Key Facts
Equator Prize Winner: 2006
Founded: 1998
Location: Chalan Beel region, Bangladesh
Beneficiaries: 90,000 families
Biodiversity: extensive wetlands
Case Study
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Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha
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Equator Prize 2006
Asia And The Pacific
Biodiversity Conservation
Ecoagriculture and Food Security
Freshwater Management
Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change
Sustainable Energy
Contact Information
Abul Hasanat Mohammed Rezwan
Executive Director
Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha
Dhaka
1216
Bangladesh
Tel: + 880 2 8051124
Fax: + 880 2 8056282
Email: rezwan@shidhulai.org
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