Sumanta works for the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS International), a leading international think tank and action tank. His professional career began in development research, and he has since amassed diverse experience working in the non-profit, public and private sectors. Sumanta's key areas of interest are trade and connectivity, environment, livelihoods and women's empowerment. Sumanta is interested in how these issues affect the Bay of Bengal sub-region. He received an Award of Excellence Certificate for his outstanding contributions in that area. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Capacity Building Program for the Vulnerable Communities Living in the Bengal Coastline on Climate Change and Disaster Management   

The project raised awareness of the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change among local communities in the coastal areas of the West Bengal region that are vulnerable to natural disasters and complex climate change factors. Five capacity-building workshops were organized for over 300 people, including fishermen, women and schoolchildren, in localities where awareness levels about climate change and disaster management are low. Participants were introduced to early warning tools and alternatives for flood-prone areas, with many expressing a lack of prior awareness and appreciation for the initiative. Feedback from attendees indicated a high relevance and effectiveness of the training, with 100% confirming that the workshop would aid their preparedness for climate-related disasters. Participants installed Damini, an app developed by the government of India to raise awareness about thunderstorms.

With support from the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, Sumanta created a 20-page guidebook to build community awareness on the impact of climate change, early warning systems and disaster management. The guidebook was shared with participants of the capacity building workshops.

“It helps us understand the impact of climate change on our agriculture and our daily lives. It helped us to think and plan more environmentally resilient livelihood options keeping in mind climate change, particularly for the coastal communities.” - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Sumanta participated in the IVLP Project Enhancing Regional Maritime Governance and Cooperation in the Quad, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with WorldBoston and San Diego Diplomacy Council. 

“I experienced and learned during my visit to the United States of America for the IVLP program that the efforts of various US institutes to raise awareness among people about climate change, increasing natural disasters and how to deal with such challenges, inspired me to do similar activities for marginalized communities in my country.” 

U.S. Communities Visited   

San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Honolulu, HI; Boston, MA

Country: India 

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