Overcoming challenges for implementing nature-based solutions in deltaic environments: Insights from the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Animesh K. Gain - , Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Author)
  • Mohammed Mofizur Rahman - , TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences (Author)
  • Md Shibly Sadik - , Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) (Author)
  • Mohammed Sarfaraz Gani Adnan - , University of Oxford, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Author)
  • Sate Ahmad - , Trinity College Dublin (Author)
  • Shaiikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan - , University of Potsdam (Author)
  • Md Ashik-Ur-Rahman - , Khulna University (Author)
  • Thorsten Balke - , Khulna University, University of Glasgow, University of Oslo (Author)
  • Dilip K. Datta - , Khulna University (Author)
  • Camelia Dewan - , University of Oslo (Author)
  • Nazmul Huq - , CLEI-Local Government for Sustainability (Author)
  • M. Shah Alam Khan - , Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Author)
  • Andy Large - , Newcastle University (Author)
  • Bishawjit Mallick - , Chair of Environmental Development and Risk Management, Utrecht University, University of Colorado Boulder (Author)
  • M. Mohibbullah - , Khulna University (Author)
  • M. Shahjahan Mondal - , Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Author)
  • Siddharth Narayan - , East Carolina University (Author)
  • Golam Rabbani - , BRAC University (Author)
  • Rezaur Rahman - , Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Author)
  • Fabrice G. Renaud - , University of Glasgow (Author)
  • Kimberly G. Rogers - , East Carolina University (Author)
  • Jantsje M. Van Loon-Steensma - , Wageningen University & Research (WUR) (Author)

Abstract

The Ganges-Brahmaputra (GB) delta is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world due to a combination of high population density and exposure to tropical cyclones, floods, salinity intrusion and other hazards. Due to the complexity of natural deltaic processes and human influence on these processes, structural solutions like embankments are inadequate on their own for effective hazard mitigation. This article examines nature-based solutions (NbSs) as a complementary or alternative approach to managing hazards in the GB delta. We investigate the potential of NbS as a complementary and sustainable method for mitigating the impacts of coastal disaster risks, mainly cyclones and flooding. Using the emerging framework of NbS principles, we evaluate three existing approaches: tidal river management, mangrove afforestation, and oyster reef cultivation, all of which are actively being used to help reduce the impacts of coastal hazards. We also identify major challenges (socioeconomic, biophysical, governance and policy) that need to be overcome to allow broader application of the existing approaches by incorporating the NbS principles. In addition to addressing GB delta-specific challenges, our findings provide more widely applicable insights into the challenges of implementing NbS in deltaic environments globally.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number064052
JournalEnvironmental research letters
Volume17
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, implementation challenges, nature-based solutions, tidal river management