In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) CATA Earth team distributed umbrellas to 60 families across four villages in Hatiya upazila on December 6, 2024. The event, organized as part of the EU-funded CATA Earth project, aimed to thank local residents for their generous cooperation during recent data collection activities.

The NSTU team visited each household in Tankir Samaj, Centerer Samaj, Foraji Gram, and Shariatpur Gram, ensuring that every participating family received a brand-new umbrella. The distribution was not only a token of appreciation but also a practical gift, offering protection from the harsh sun and unpredictable coastal weather.

Beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. Many families shared that the umbrellas would be particularly helpful during daily chores and commutes, especially for children and elderly members. “This umbrella will be a great help for my children when they go to school and for us when we work in the fields,” said one grateful recipient. Another resident added, “It feels good to be recognized and remembered for our support to the research team.”

Dr. Mohammad Mohinuzzaman, Project Lead for CATA Earth at NSTU, remarked, “The local community’s cooperation is at the heart of our research. These umbrellas are a small token of our appreciation for their time, trust, and valuable insights.”

The CATA Earth project continues to foster strong community relationships, ensuring that local voices remain central to efforts aimed at improving planetary health and resilience in Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions.