For many, the low-lying islands of Bangladesh, like Char Kurkri Mukri, conjure images of vulnerability - homes swallowed by rising tides, livelihoods washed away by relentless floods. These frontline communities bear the brunt of a changing climate, their resilience constantly tested by the raw power of nature. Yet, beneath this perception of fragility lies an extraordinary, often overlooked strength: a deep-seated ingenuity born from generations of adapting to a challenging environment. Now, a groundbreaking vision, the result of a recent collaborative investigation by team members from Digital Readiness and Intelligent Systems Ltd (D-Ready), UK, UNDP Adaptive Learning Centre (ALC), and local NGO Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha (GJUS), aims to flip the script, turning this disaster-prone landscape into a global hub for climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable eco-tourism.
The seeds of this transformative idea were sown during a recent expedition to Kukri Mukri, a captivating island in southern Bangladesh. This collaborative effort, bringing together the expertise of D-Ready, the adaptive learning capabilities of UNDP ALC, and the deep local knowledge of GJUS, illuminated the island's untapped potential. Interactions with Barishal University faculty, GJUS staff, local college/schools' students, community members, and burgeoning local entrepreneurs revealed a community brimming with both challenges and creativity, a fertile ground for innovative solutions.
At the heart of this vision is the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The collaborative team recognized that the very data that once signalled impending crisis could, with the right tools, fuel proactive solutions. This led to the core concept of Char-LLM, a sophisticated, AI-powered knowledge engine meticulously tailored to Char Kurkri Mukri's unique context. This isn't a generic AI; it's a digital brain designed to continuously absorb a wealth of location-specific information - from real-time climate data and satellite imagery to the health of mangrove forests, the dynamics of underwater ecosystems, and the ebb and flow of fish populations. By integrating data from IoT sensors, drones, community-based reporting, and even insights gleaned from the local environment, Char-LLM will provide unprecedented intelligence for the island.
This data-driven intelligence, conceived through the combined expertise of the collaborating organizations, will be the foundation for a new era of resilience. Imagine farmers receiving precise, AI-powered advice on optimal planting times and flood-resistant crops, informed by localized climate forecasts. Picture intelligent early warning systems, developed with ALC's learning methodologies in mind, predict not just the arrival of a storm, but also its potential impact on specific areas, enabling targeted and timely community-led evacuations facilitated by GJUS's local networks. Envision fishermen guided to thriving fishing grounds based on AI-predicted fish migration patterns, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices informed by D-Ready's analytical capabilities. Char-LLM has the potential to transform reactive disaster management into proactive risk mitigation, safeguarding lives and livelihoods through locally relevant and technologically advanced solutions.
A particularly exciting element, jointly conceptualized by the team, is the FloatNest Showcase - a network of ten innovative floating smart houses on the island's lake. These aren't just resilient dwellings; they are living laboratories for sustainable living and eco-tourism. Each FloatNest will integrate floating agriculture and aquaculture, harness solar energy, manage waste efficiently, and even feature floating flower gardens - a dual purpose of practical resilience and breathtaking beauty, designed with both local needs and tourism appeal in mind. These unique structures will serve as a compelling attraction for eco-conscious tourists, generating income and showcasing the island's innovative spirit, a testament to the collaborative ingenuity.
This leads to the third pillar: integrated eco-tourism development. The collaborative team recognized the potential to move beyond traditional tourism and create an experience deeply rooted in the island's unique identity as a place "Living with Nature & Innovation." This involves upgrading existing tourist spots, co-designing new experiences with local communities, and leveraging digital platforms to manage visitor flow, ensure safety, and gather feedback. Imagine guided tours led by trained local youth, showcasing the island's resilience strategies and the ingenuity of the FloatNests, with educational components developed in partnership with UNDP ALC. Annual climate-resilience tourism festivals and opportunities for international researchers to witness this living laboratory firsthand will further elevate Kukri Mukri's global profile.
The seeds of this transformative idea were sown during a recent
expedition to Kukri Mukri, a captivating island in southern Bangladesh.
This collaborative effort, bringing together the expertise of D-Ready,
the adaptive learning capabilities of UNDP ALC, and the deep local
knowledge of GJUS, illuminated the island's untapped potential.
Crucially, this transformation will be underpinned by training, education, and the fostering of regenerative business ecosystems. Building upon UNDP ALC's core mission of adaptive learning and GJUS's deep community ties, the initiative will deliver practical, climate-relevant skills development in areas like enterprise management, eco-tourism, and digital literacy. The concept of "regenerative business groups," where profits from successful ventures are reinvested back into the community, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth and opportunity, was a key element of the collaborative discussions. This ensures that the benefits of this transformation are deeply rooted within the local population.
Finally, the collaborative team recognized the importance of community health and safety infrastructure. This includes establishing basic healthcare clinics, leveraging telemedicine for remote consultations, and training local health workers in a "One Health" approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, a crucial aspect for resilient communities. Furthermore, by coordinating with government security forces and training local teams in eco-tourism safety and disaster response, the initiative aims to create a secure and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
For policymakers, this collaborative model offers a blueprint for how international expertise, adaptive learning principles, local knowledge, and technological innovation can drive climate adaptation and economic growth in vulnerable regions. For researchers, it presents a unique case study in the intersection of AI, resilience, and sustainable development. For entrepreneurs, it unveils opportunities for innovative, climate-smart businesses. For tour operators and tourists, it promises a unique and meaningful experience - witnessing firsthand how a community, with the support of collaborative expertise, is not just surviving, but thriving in the face of adversity.
The transformation of Char KurkriMukri, powered by AI and guided by the collaborative spirit of D-Ready, UNDP ALC, and GJUS, offers a powerful message of hope and opportunity. It demonstrates that even in the most challenging environments, innovation and human ingenuity, amplified by smart technology and strategic partnerships, can turn disaster into a catalyst for a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future. It's an invitation to the world to witness the untapped potential of Bangladesh's islands and to learn from their journey of turning vulnerability into a remarkable opportunity.
The writer is a CEO, D Ready.co.uk, UK; AI Advisor ACI LtdFormer Prof of AI & Director ARITI, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK; Chairman Computer Science & Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; Vice President, CamTech University, Cambodia
