Salma Mushtaque

Pioneering Bangladeshi environmental scientist leading climate resilience efforts in coastal communities

Dr. Salma Mushtaque (b. 1978) is a visionary environmental scientist from Bangladesh whose groundbreaking work has transformed climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable coastal regions. As founder of the Coastal Adaptation Network (CAN) established in 2021, she pioneered the use of mangrove restoration combined with AI-driven flood prediction systems. Her methodology has reduced disaster-related losses by 40% in 15 coastal districts since 2022, saving an estimated 2 million lives annually.

Mushtaque's innovation lies in integrating traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Her team developed the Mangrove Resilience Index, a first-of-its-kind tool that quantifies coastal protection benefits. This work was featured in Nature Climate Change (2023) and inspired similar projects in Vietnam and Myanmar.

In 2023, she launched the Climate Literacy Initiative, training over 50,000 youth through mobile learning centers. Her TED Talk 'Building Walls with Roots' has garnered 2.3 million views. The UNDP recognized her as one of 2024's top 10 climate innovators globally.

Mushtaque's current project involves deploying autonomous drones for real-time mangrove monitoring, funded by a $3.2M grant from the Green Climate Fund. Her research at Bangladesh University of Professionals continues to redefine coastal zone management, proving that nature-based solutions can outperform traditional engineering approaches.