Objective
To preserve Indigenous cultural heritage and strengthen sustainable livelihoods in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by empowering Indigenous women and youth to safeguard traditional weaving, promote intergenerational knowledge exchange, and lead community-driven initiatives that celebrate Indigenous identity while fostering environmental and cultural resilience.
Project Summary
The BIRDS (Bandarban Indigenous Roots Development and Sustainability) Project, implemented by Green Milieu with support from Cultural Survival through the Indigenous Youth Fellowship, is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving Indigenous cultural heritage and strengthening sustainable livelihoods in Bandarban. The project was developed in response to the growing loss of traditional knowledge, declining interest among younger generations in Indigenous crafts, and the limited economic opportunities available to Indigenous women artisans.
At the heart of BIRDS is the belief that Indigenous knowledge, culture, and traditions are living assets that must be protected and passed on from one generation to the next. By creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn directly from experienced women weavers and knowledge holders, the project bridges generations while reinforcing community identity, cultural pride, and collective resilience.
The project works closely with Indigenous women artisans, youth, Elders, and community leaders to revive traditional weaving practices and document cultural knowledge that is at risk of disappearing. Through hands-on learning, storytelling, and participatory documentation, BIRDS creates spaces where traditional skills, oral histories, cultural values, and Indigenous perspectives are preserved for future generations. The initiative recognises Indigenous women not only as skilled artisans but also as custodians of cultural heritage whose knowledge plays a vital role in sustaining community identity.
Beyond cultural preservation, BIRDS promotes sustainable livelihood opportunities by strengthening traditional weaving as a source of income and economic empowerment. The project supports Indigenous women in improving the visibility and value of their handmade products while encouraging youth to see traditional craftsmanship as both a cultural responsibility and a viable livelihood. By connecting cultural preservation with local economic development, BIRDS contributes to stronger and more resilient Indigenous communities.
Capacity building is a key component of the initiative. Indigenous youth participate in workshops, practical learning sessions, and community engagement activities that develop leadership, cultural documentation, communication, and project management skills. These experiences encourage young people to become active custodians of their heritage while equipping them to lead future community initiatives rooted in Indigenous values and knowledge systems.
The project also promotes collaboration among Indigenous communities, community institutions, and local stakeholders to strengthen collective ownership of cultural preservation efforts. Through continuous community engagement and intergenerational dialogue, BIRDS fosters mutual respect, learning, and shared responsibility for protecting Indigenous heritage in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, BIRDS seeks to ensure that Indigenous traditions remain vibrant, relevant, and accessible for future generations. By preserving traditional weaving, empowering Indigenous women, nurturing youth leadership, and strengthening cultural resilience, the project contributes to a future where Indigenous communities continue to celebrate their identity while creating sustainable pathways for social, cultural, and economic development.