Bangladesh and IOM have launched a €1.125 million EU-funded project to strengthen climate migration governance, enhance research, and support resilient mobility solutions for millions facing environmental displacement.

In a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing challenges of the twentyfirst century, the Government of Bangladesh and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed an agreement to implement a new European Union-funded project on climate mobility.

The three-year initiative, valued at €1.125 million, seeks to bolster institutional capacities, advance research on climate-induced migration, and foster regional cooperation. This launch comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh grapples with escalating environmental threats that are reshaping human settlements and livelihoods across the country.

Climate Vulnerability: A National Reality

Bangladesh ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. Its low-lying deltaic geography, dense population of over 170 million, and reliance on agriculture make it highly susceptible to rising sea levels, cyclones, floods, river erosion, salinity intrusion, and erratic rainfall patterns.

According to World Bank projections, up to 13.3 million Bangladeshis could become internal climate migrants by 2050, driven by these impacts on agriculture, water resources, and habitable land. Other estimates suggest even higher figures, potentially reaching 19.9 million internal migrants, with coastal regions particularly at risk.

Disasters have already displaced millions. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre reports that natural catastrophes displaced an average of around 110,000 people annually in recent years, with cumulative displacements from 2014-2023 totaling millions of movements. Dhaka alone absorbs approximately 400,000 low-income migrants yearly, many fleeing climate-stressed rural areas.

These movements strain urban infrastructure, exacerbate poverty, and create complex social dynamics in destination areas. Women and marginalised communities often bear disproportionate burdens, facing heightened risks of exploitation and loss of livelihoods.

Details of the New EU-IOM Project

The project, understood to focus on improved migration governance and climate migration engagement, will work closely with government ministries, local authorities, and stakeholders. Key components likely include capacity-building for policymakers, data collection and analysis on mobility patterns, development of adaptive strategies, and promotion of safe, orderly migration as a form of climate resilience.

It aligns with broader regional efforts, such as initiatives under “A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia,” which IOM is advancing with EU support to address cross-border dimensions and shared challenges in the region.

By enhancing research and evidence-based policymaking, the initiative aims to integrate human mobility into national climate adaptation plans, building on existing frameworks like Bangladesh’s National Strategy on Internal Displacement Management, the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.

IOM’s Role and Global Context

IOM, the UN’s migration agency, has positioned itself as a leader in climate mobility. Its Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (2021–2030) and the subsequent Climate Mobility Road Map emphasise protecting those on the move, facilitating migration as adaptation, and supporting those who wish to stay through resilience-building.

In Bangladesh, IOM has long collaborated with the government on migration governance, disaster response, and data initiatives like the “Knowledge for All (K4A): Climate Migration in Bangladesh” project, which combined storytelling, statistics, and policymaker training.

The EU funding underscores growing international recognition of climate migration. The European Union has supported various initiatives linking climate action with human mobility, viewing managed migration as part of sustainable development and resilience strategies in vulnerable regions.

Impacts on Livelihoods and Society

Climate change disrupts traditional farming, fishing, and other rural economies. Salinization of arable land in coastal districts like Satkhira, Khulna, and Barisal forces communities to seek alternatives, often leading to seasonal or permanent migration. Cyclones like Amphan and Yaas, along with recurrent flooding, accelerate these trends.

Urban centers face their own pressures. Rapid influxes contribute to slum growth, unemployment, and service shortages. Yet, migration can also be empowering when supported – offering access to jobs, education, and diversified incomes – if properly managed.

Experts highlight the need for “migration with dignity.” They say that policies should focus on skills development, safe relocation options, migrant integration in secondary cities, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce forced displacement.

Challenges and Pathways Forward

Despite progress, gaps remain in data, coordination, and financing. Many displacements are under-reported, and long-term impacts on mental health, cultural heritage, and gender equality require deeper attention. Cross-border migration adds layers of complexity, with potential movements toward India or further afield.

The new project addresses these by aiming to strengthen evidence for decision-making and regional dialogue. It supports Bangladesh’s advocacy at global forums like COP conferences, where the country pushes for recognition of climate mobility in loss and damage discussions and adaptation finance.

Broader solutions involve scaling up adaptation measures – mangrove restoration, embankment strengthening, diversified livelihoods, and early warning systems – alongside mobility planning. 

Towards Resilient Futures

This EU-IOM initiative represents hope amid crisis: by treating mobility not merely as a symptom of failure but as a potential tool for adaptation, Bangladesh can pioneer approaches that safeguard human rights and dignity while building economic resilience.

As global temperatures rise, stories of Bangladeshi communities adapting – through planned relocations, skill-building, or community-led resilience – will inform responses worldwide. The project’s success will depend on inclusive implementation, sustained funding, and political will to mainstream climate mobility across development sectors.

Government officials, IOM representatives, and EU partners have expressed optimism. Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission in previous engagements, has reiterated commitment to collaborative solutions.