To enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities, tap into the potential of the blue economy, and ensure sustainable use of marine resources, CoastUp organized a daylong workshop titled “Standardizing Coastal Resources and Empowering People” in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar. Around 30 participants from marginalized sea-dependent communities attended the session.
Bangladesh’s coastal belt—particularly the Cox’s Bazar region—holds immense potential in fisheries, dried fish, mollusks, and seaweed. However, due to poor production quality, limited value addition, poor resource management, weak market linkage, and limited technical skills, local communities are often deprived of their fair share of economic opportunities.
The CoastUp team provided hands-on training during the workshop, focusing on improving resource quality, product processing, market readiness, value addition, and meeting export standards.
The event was implemented in partnership with Angan and Startup Cox’s Bazar, with HHFR and First Response serving as supporting partners.
Antar Sarkar, a Lecturer at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) and Co-founder of CoastUp, served as the Research Resource Person at the workshop. He conducted live demonstrations on coastal resource conservation, quality control, and export procedures.
“The Bay of Bengal is a vast economic treasure for us,” Sarkar said. “But due to a lack of proper skills and knowledge, we are unable to utilize these resources efficiently. CoastUp is committed to empowering coastal communities by building export capabilities and teaching international standards.”
Mahmudul Hasan Sojib, Co-founder of CoastUp and Founder & CEO of Startup Cox’s Bazar, added:
“Cox’s Bazar is not short of resources—it’s short of skills and technology. CoastUp is creating a platform that connects local people to the economy through training, market linkages, and tech integration. Together, we can make this sector a key contributor to the national economy.”
Minar Hasan, Chief Executive of HHFR, noted,“If workshops like this are held regularly, the skills and quality of life of local communities will improve. Policy decisions should also incorporate the technologies and strategies discussed here.
CoastUp, a social development platform, strives to enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities by focusing on resource management, blue economy-based production, technology-driven empowerment, and market integration.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
