About Taungya
Background History of Taungya
Taungya was established with a vision to promote inclusive, sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), a region rich in cultural diversity but facing persistent challenges of poverty, marginalization, and environmental degradation. From its early years, Taungya positioned itself as a community-driven organization, working closely with Indigenous peoples, women, and disadvantaged groups to ensure their voices were heard in development processes. The organization began by supporting non-formal primary education and gradually expanded into areas such as health, gender equality, socio-economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Over time, Taungya became recognized for its participatory approach—integrating traditional governance systems, Indigenous knowledge, and modern development practices. Through partnerships with national and international donors, Taungya has implemented projects that strengthen community resilience, protect Village Common Forests, empower women and youth, and promote rights-based development. Its history reflects a consistent commitment to transparency, equity, and sustainability, making Taungya a trusted actor in advancing holistic development across the CHT.
About Taungya
Taungya is a pioneering organization established on 5 December 1995 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh, with a mission to advance indigenous culture, environmental conservation, and socio‑economic rights. Rooted in the traditions of jum‑cultivating societies, the name “Taungya” reflects both cultural heritage and agro‑forestry innovation, symbolizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern adaptation.
Initially formed as the Committee for the Protection of Indigenous Culture, Taungya broadened its scope to include development and environmental issues, registering with the Department of Social Service in 1998 and the NGO Affairs Bureau in 2000. Its objectives emphasize the protection of indigenous knowledge systems, preservation of the environment, and promotion of education and socio‑economic advancement, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
Guided by principles of cultural pluralism, self‑reliance, community empowerment, and equity, Taungya works with diverse indigenous and Bengali communities in the CHT. Its vision is to ensure sustainable, people‑oriented development that respects cultural integrity and rights, while addressing challenges such as land alienation, marginalization, and environmental degradation.
Taungya’s strategy focuses on research, advocacy, networking, training, and capacity building, enabling dialogue between communities, policymakers, and development actors. Over the years, it has implemented numerous projects on livelihoods, education, gender equality, customary law, watershed management, and biodiversity conservation, supported by national and international donors.
With a strong resource pool, fundraising unit, and youth volunteer network, Taungya continues to act as a catalyst for indigenous empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Achievements
- - Established and sustained (1995)
- Expanded education access (PERARHT / ISPRRHT)
- Child nutrition and school feeding (FFE & ESF)
- Protection and governance of Village Common Forests (VCF)
- Women’s economic empowerment and IGAs
- Community empowerment and savings mobilization (CE&EDA)
- Rural infrastructure and market access (RMP)
- Development Resource Centre (DRC) establishment and scaling
- Climate adaptation and market linkage interventions (ACCTCC, PMSD)
- Youth‑led forest governance and resilient livelihoods (CFLI, PRLC)
Come work with us
If you would like to work for an organisation making a real impact on various SDG. Explore Vacancies Section
Our Donors
