Please read out the four research papers (RP 1-4), and make a summary.
Bangladesh a global south, faces various forms of environmental problems with the third highest vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and massive deforestation and resource degradation. In this introduction to the Special Issue, we have three research papers discussing these issues related to northeastern floodplains, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) and coastal regions. The combination exemplifies the urgent requirement for sustainable adaptation, livelihood support and resource management to respond to critical environmental social economic realities prevalent in Uganda.
1. Institutional Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in the North-Eastern Floodplains of Bangladesh:
In this paper, we focus on the northeastern floodplain of Bangladesh and its vulnerability to climate change impacts. This article investigates the institutional responses of governments to enable sustainable adaptation through development plans. However, the study shows interventions have not solved key institutional barriers (rigidity, exclusivity and bureaucratic inefficiency) which continue to threaten efficiency in achieving equity of outcomes between men & women as well as sustainability. The authors also stress the need for policy changes that allow more public involvement in the framing of climate adaptation plans. That could help build the long-term resilience of local communities.
2. The Chittagong Hill Tracts are important for the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and eco-services in Bangladesh:
The literature revealed that these mechanisms are plausible in VCFs, but did not imply enough support to move forward into the hypothesis testing part of this study. Historically, traditional livelihoods of the mountain region have been eroded by deforestation and land degradation over time. Even if perils in the forest commons have diminished, approximately one-third of VCFs are still valuable for providing resources such as bamboo and ensuring perennial water sources that many communities rely on their lives over. However, the income from forests is marginal compared to agriculture in total household income. The paper posits that CCFs require revitalizing if sustainable economic futures are to be realized in the CHT, and forgiving strong bureaucratic backing for their formalization within land-use planning; this will ensure an enduring future of robust rural livelihood strategies.
3. Degradation of Resources and Livelihood in the Coastal Region of Bangladesh:
It examines how natural resources in the coastal region of Bangladesh have been severely degraded by over-population, decentralization (embankment), shrimp cultivation and industrial operations. The study indicates that traditional livelihoods for coastal peoples are being threatened by resource degradation, putting them at risk of losing their way of life. The authors urge sustainable management of these resources and the creation of alternative livelihoods to mitigate socio-economic hardship at coastal areas.
Conclusion:
Together, these studies demonstrate the elements within which addressing environmental challenges in Bangladesh may be nested—those of institutional aid and quasi low-management resource conservation systems significant for interests-based human-ecology. They call attention to the required reform in policy frameworks, greater political commitment with inclusive approaches for enabling floodplains, hill tracts and coastal regions´ vulnerable communities successfully cope with climate change adaptation so as to manage natural resources aimed at ensuring considerable livelihoods sustainability prospects.
1. Institutional Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts in the North-Eastern Floodplains of Bangladesh:
In this paper, we focus on the northeastern floodplain of Bangladesh and its vulnerability to climate change impacts. This article investigates the institutional responses of governments to enable sustainable adaptation through development plans. However, the study shows interventions have not solved key institutional barriers (rigidity, exclusivity and bureaucratic inefficiency) which continue to threaten efficiency in achieving equity of outcomes between men & women as well as sustainability. The authors also stress the need for policy changes that allow more public involvement in the framing of climate adaptation plans. That could help build the long-term resilience of local communities.
2. The Chittagong Hill Tracts are important for the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and eco-services in Bangladesh:
The literature revealed that these mechanisms are plausible in VCFs, but did not imply enough support to move forward into the hypothesis testing part of this study. Historically, traditional livelihoods of the mountain region have been eroded by deforestation and land degradation over time. Even if perils in the forest commons have diminished, approximately one-third of VCFs are still valuable for providing resources such as bamboo and ensuring perennial water sources that many communities rely on their lives over. However, the income from forests is marginal compared to agriculture in total household income. The paper posits that CCFs require revitalizing if sustainable economic futures are to be realized in the CHT, and forgiving strong bureaucratic backing for their formalization within land-use planning; this will ensure an enduring future of robust rural livelihood strategies.
3. Degradation of Resources and Livelihood in the Coastal Region of Bangladesh:
It examines how natural resources in the coastal region of Bangladesh have been severely degraded by over-population, decentralization (embankment), shrimp cultivation and industrial operations. The study indicates that traditional livelihoods for coastal peoples are being threatened by resource degradation, putting them at risk of losing their way of life. The authors urge sustainable management of these resources and the creation of alternative livelihoods to mitigate socio-economic hardship at coastal areas.
Conclusion:
Together, these studies demonstrate the elements within which addressing environmental challenges in Bangladesh may be nested—those of institutional aid and quasi low-management resource conservation systems significant for interests-based human-ecology. They call attention to the required reform in policy frameworks, greater political commitment with inclusive approaches for enabling floodplains, hill tracts and coastal regions´ vulnerable communities successfully cope with climate change adaptation so as to manage natural resources aimed at ensuring considerable livelihoods sustainability prospects.
Bangladesh, a country situated in the Global South, faces a multitude of environmental challenges that threaten its ecological balance and the well-being of its people. As one of the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change, Bangladesh grapples with the consequences of deforestation, resource degradation, and unsustainable development practices. This introduction to the Special Issue presents three research papers that delve into the complexities of these issues, each focusing on a distinct region of the country: the northeastern floodplains, the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs), and the coastal areas. These studies collectively emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the intertwined environmental, social, and economic realities prevalent in Bangladesh.
Adapting to Climate Change in the Northeastern Floodplains
The first paper examines the northeastern floodplains of Bangladesh, a region that bears the brunt of climate change-induced disasters. The study investigates the institutional responses of the government to mitigate the impacts of these events and promote sustainable adaptation through development initiatives. However, the research reveals that these interventions have been hampered by persistent institutional barriers, such as bureaucratic rigidity, exclusivity, and inefficiency. The authors stress the need for policy reforms that prioritize public participation in the formulation of climate adaptation strategies, as this could enhance the resilience of local communities and ensure equitable outcomes for both men and women.
Preserving Biodiversity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The second paper focuses on the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research highlights the importance of these areas for the conservation of natural resources and the sustenance of local livelihoods. However, the study reveals that traditional livelihood practices have been eroded by deforestation and land degradation over time. While some community forest areas (VCFs) continue to provide essential resources like bamboo and water, the income generated from these forests remains marginal compared to agricultural earnings. The authors emphasize the need to revitalize community conservation efforts (CCFs) in the CHTs, stressing the importance of strong bureaucratic support and integration into land-use planning to secure sustainable economic futures for the region's inhabitants.
Coastal Resource Management Challenges
The third paper explores the coastal regions of Bangladesh, where natural resources have been severely degraded due to overpopulation, embankment decentralization, shrimp cultivation, and industrial activities. The research illustrates how resource degradation threatens traditional livelihoods and puts coastal communities at risk of losing their way of life. The authors call for the implementation of sustainable resource management practices and the development of alternative livelihood options to mitigate the socio-economic hardships faced by these populations.
These three studies collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges in Bangladesh and the need for a holistic approach to address them. They emphasize the importance of institutional support, community-based conservation efforts, and inclusive policy frameworks that prioritize the needs and aspirations of vulnerable populations. By fostering sustainable adaptation strategies, promoting livelihood diversification, and ensuring effective resource management, Bangladesh can chart a path towards a more resilient and equitable future for its people and the environment they depend on.
Adapting to Climate Change in the Northeastern Floodplains
The first paper examines the northeastern floodplains of Bangladesh, a region that bears the brunt of climate change-induced disasters. The study investigates the institutional responses of the government to mitigate the impacts of these events and promote sustainable adaptation through development initiatives. However, the research reveals that these interventions have been hampered by persistent institutional barriers, such as bureaucratic rigidity, exclusivity, and inefficiency. The authors stress the need for policy reforms that prioritize public participation in the formulation of climate adaptation strategies, as this could enhance the resilience of local communities and ensure equitable outcomes for both men and women.
Preserving Biodiversity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The second paper focuses on the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research highlights the importance of these areas for the conservation of natural resources and the sustenance of local livelihoods. However, the study reveals that traditional livelihood practices have been eroded by deforestation and land degradation over time. While some community forest areas (VCFs) continue to provide essential resources like bamboo and water, the income generated from these forests remains marginal compared to agricultural earnings. The authors emphasize the need to revitalize community conservation efforts (CCFs) in the CHTs, stressing the importance of strong bureaucratic support and integration into land-use planning to secure sustainable economic futures for the region's inhabitants.
Coastal Resource Management Challenges
The third paper explores the coastal regions of Bangladesh, where natural resources have been severely degraded due to overpopulation, embankment decentralization, shrimp cultivation, and industrial activities. The research illustrates how resource degradation threatens traditional livelihoods and puts coastal communities at risk of losing their way of life. The authors call for the implementation of sustainable resource management practices and the development of alternative livelihood options to mitigate the socio-economic hardships faced by these populations.
These three studies collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges in Bangladesh and the need for a holistic approach to address them. They emphasize the importance of institutional support, community-based conservation efforts, and inclusive policy frameworks that prioritize the needs and aspirations of vulnerable populations. By fostering sustainable adaptation strategies, promoting livelihood diversification, and ensuring effective resource management, Bangladesh can chart a path towards a more resilient and equitable future for its people and the environment they depend on.
Summary:
Climate change impacts in Bangladesh have severely impacted rural communities and livelihoods, necessitating institutional interventions to support sustainable adaptation (Rahman & Hickey, 2019). However, there is limited assessment of how these interventions have impacted local adaptation. A study by Rahman & Hickey (2019) in the northeastern floodplain region revealed that valuable natural resources are nearing degradation due to human population growth, coastal embankment, and over-exploitation. The degradation of natural resources is causing the squeezing of historically dominant livelihood opportunities for coastal communities (Miah, Bari, & Rahman, 2010). Forests, once vital for ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs), have been significantly affected by deforestation and land degradation (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015). Village Common Forests (VCFs) provide bamboos and rich native tree diversity, which are vital for maintaining perennial water sources (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015). Rejuvenation of VCFs is crucial for supporting sustainable community livelihoods in the CHTs, and a strong political will is needed to formalize their existence in land-use strategies (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015).
References:
Miah, G., Bari, N., & Rahman, A. (2010). Resource degradation and livelihood in the coastal region of Bangladesh. Frontiers of Earth Science in China, 4(4), 427–437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-010-0126-1
Misbahuzzaman, K., & Smith-Hall, C. (2015). Role of Forest Income in Rural Household Livelihoods: The Case of Village Common Forest Communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Small-scale Forestry, 14(3), 315–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-015-9290-1
Rahman, H. M. T., & Hickey, G. M. (2019). Assessing Institutional Responses to Climate Change Impacts in the North-Eastern Floodplains of Bangladesh. Environmental Management, 63(5), 596–614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-019-01155-w
Climate change impacts in Bangladesh have severely impacted rural communities and livelihoods, necessitating institutional interventions to support sustainable adaptation (Rahman & Hickey, 2019). However, there is limited assessment of how these interventions have impacted local adaptation. A study by Rahman & Hickey (2019) in the northeastern floodplain region revealed that valuable natural resources are nearing degradation due to human population growth, coastal embankment, and over-exploitation. The degradation of natural resources is causing the squeezing of historically dominant livelihood opportunities for coastal communities (Miah, Bari, & Rahman, 2010). Forests, once vital for ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs), have been significantly affected by deforestation and land degradation (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015). Village Common Forests (VCFs) provide bamboos and rich native tree diversity, which are vital for maintaining perennial water sources (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015). Rejuvenation of VCFs is crucial for supporting sustainable community livelihoods in the CHTs, and a strong political will is needed to formalize their existence in land-use strategies (Misbahuzzaman & Smith-Hall, 2015).
References:
Miah, G., Bari, N., & Rahman, A. (2010). Resource degradation and livelihood in the coastal region of Bangladesh. Frontiers of Earth Science in China, 4(4), 427–437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-010-0126-1
Misbahuzzaman, K., & Smith-Hall, C. (2015). Role of Forest Income in Rural Household Livelihoods: The Case of Village Common Forest Communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Small-scale Forestry, 14(3), 315–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-015-9290-1
Rahman, H. M. T., & Hickey, G. M. (2019). Assessing Institutional Responses to Climate Change Impacts in the North-Eastern Floodplains of Bangladesh. Environmental Management, 63(5), 596–614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-019-01155-w