How to strengthen coastal and river management in Bangladesh

Coastal ecosystems can be defined as the connection between land and sea. These areas are highly significant as they act as natural buffers. It protects the shoreline from erosion and storm surges during the high tides. 

In addition to harbouring diverse plants and animals, coastal systems play a crucial role in key industries. On the other hand, riverine ecosystems are places of freshwater networks that include small wetlands, streams, and rivers of any size. 

Riverine ecosystems have been essential since ancient civilisations, providing areas for access to fresh water, agriculture, and industrial activities. This ecosystem also provides habitats for diverse species with its birds, fishes, and plants. 

Together, these two ecosystems are of immense importance to Bangladesh.

The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ecosystem includes tidal mudflats, salt marshes, and estuaries, which provide habitats for numerous species, including commercially important fish and other aquatic organisms. 

Besides, mangrove forests in areas like Chittagong and Cox's Bazar, coastal wetlands such as tidal floodplains and salt marshes in Khulna and Bagerhat, and the long sandy beach of Cox's Bazar, which all are a part of the coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh. 

The country's estuarine ecosystems, formed where rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra meet the Bay of Bengal, are vital for biodiversity. Additionally, marine ecosystems like the coral reefs of Saint Martin's Island support aquatic life and local fisheries. 

The riverine ecosystems of Bangladesh are characterised by numerous rivers and floodplains, including the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna) and Meghna. These river systems are among the largest in the world. They help sustain the diverse aquatic species and serve as a vital agriculture medium. 

The Chittagong Hill Tracts, in the southeastern region, comprise a mountainous landscape with tropical forests, rivers, and valleys, which contribute significantly to the country's biodiversity. Sediment deposits enrich the floodplains of these rivers during annual floods and are highly fertile. 

The rivers are also used for fishing and transportation. They help manage seasonal floods, too.

The coastal and riverine ecosystems are of indispensable importance to the millions of people of Bangladesh. Fisheries, agriculture, and tourism are key industries that depend on the health of these ecosystems, and many people's livelihoods depend on these industries. 

Coastal communities rely on fish, shrimp farming (rising recently), and other marine resources for food and income. On the other hand, riverine communities depend on fertile floodplains for agriculture and freshwater supply.

Various threats are emerging in these ecosystems at present times. According to a study published by Bangladesh's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the average sea level has risen at a rate of 3.8 to 5.8 millimetres per year. It points out that this rate is much higher than the global trend of 3.7 mm per year.

The sea level will rise by one meter over the next 100 years and within 10 years, 17 districts will be submerged. The rising sea levels will also increase the likelihood of extreme weather events, leading to more frequent floods and cyclones in the surrounding areas. Biodiversity will be severely impacted, and the loss of plant and animal species will further harm the environment.

Coastal and riverbank erosion is a primary concern for Bangladesh. Coastal erosion is intensified by rising sea levels, human activities, and the loss of mangrove forests, which traditionally act as natural protectors against the sea forces. 

Similarly, river erosion, caused by shifting river courses, the construction of dams upstream, and sediment displacement, has led to the loss of valuable agricultural land and the displacement of populations along the riverbanks. 

River erosion occurs annually in Bangladesh, displaying unpredictable patterns. Every year, more than one million people are affected by river erosion. It forces people to migrate through displacement from their origin to an unknown destination, causing the loss of agricultural lands, homesteads, and urban poverty. 

The bankline change rate for Bangladesh's major river systems was calculated, where the amount of land lost over the last three decades was estimated to be around 0.1 million hectares, leaving over 0.8 million people landless. The rate of riverbank erosion may vary depending on space and time. 

Furthermore, over 7% of its total land area is encompassed by diverse river systems. 51 out of 64 districts are identified as prone to erosion, affecting approximately 2000–3000 km of riverbank annually.

The intrusion of salinity is also a growing threat to agriculture and freshwater habitats because of the rise of seawater and the reduction of the river's freshwater flow. Even eight years after a storm surge, regions of near-surface high groundwater salinities are located in topographic lows and areas with lower salinities due to monsoonal flushing in Bangladesh.  

River siltation, the accumulation of sediments in the riverbeds, disrupts the natural flow of rivers and contributes to reduced water quality. The siltation process is exacerbated by deforestation, excessive sand mining, and reduced sediment flow from upstream.

Bangladesh's Delta Plan 2100 identified river sedimentation and associated waterlogging as one of Coastal Bangladesh's main water security issues. 1.3 million people in Coastal Bangladesh have been impacted by severe waterlogging since the early 1990s, restricting key livelihood activities, reducing agricultural yields, and affecting drinking water quality.

Overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and unregulated human activities are some of the primary factors contributing to the worsening of all these issues.

Bangladesh has established several legal frameworks to cope with these challenges. It introduced the Coastal Zone Management Project, emphasizing investment priorities such as disaster mitigation, infrastructure, tourism, fisheries, and water resources management. 

Financing will come from public funds, donors, and private investments, with proposals for dedicated funds like the Coastal Environment and Development Facility. Both sea and river embankment programs also have been implemented to protect the country's riverbanks from erosion and flooding. 

These initiatives, however, require ongoing maintenance and reinforcement due to the increasing impacts of climate change. The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy (2021-2036) outlines the government's commitment to sustainable natural resource management. It focuses on long-term conservation and environmental goals. The strategy emphasizes integrated approaches to conservation. 

Specific actions include improving land management policies, enhancing water resource management, promoting eco-friendly agriculture, and strengthening legal frameworks. Bangladesh has also designated the Naf Estuary as a protected area to safeguard endangered species, in addition to the country's four existing marine protected areas.

This effort aims to conserve marine life, promote sustainable fisheries, and benefit local communities. Bangladesh is also a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has a regional agreement with all the other South Asian countries on the Environment.

They focus on various issues related to the government that aid the establishment of a Governing Council, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the potential for future amendments to adapt to evolving environmental needs.

Eco-friendly fishing practices must be enforced to preserve aquatic ecosystems. This includes using lead-free fishing gear, biodegradable nets, and imposing strict bans on fishing during breeding seasons. Such regulations must be effectively monitored and implemented. 

Simultaneously, large-scale mangrove plantations should be expanded across all suitable coastal regions of Bangladesh to combat erosion and buffer against increasingly severe storms.

Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) is another vital approach, centring on local knowledge and community-driven strategies. Residents, often the first responders, can lead efforts by raising house plinths, installing flood-resistant sanitation, and maintaining seed banks for food security. These initiatives should be actively supported through fundraising by NGOs, student bodies, and other social organisations to ensure broad-based resilience.

Eco-tourism also holds promise for promoting conservation. Guided tours of protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, when conducted sustainably, not only raise awareness but also offer economic incentives for preserving riverine and coastal ecosystems.

Bangladesh has already achieved commendable success in environmental conservation through various river and coastal initiatives. The Sundarbans Environment and Livelihood Security (SEALS) project has made significant strides in mangrove forest rehabilitation and sustainable resource use. 

Similarly, restoration programs for rivers like the Padma and Jamuna have addressed pollution, managed siltation, and revitalized aquatic biodiversity. Notably, in 2023, the World Bank approved $102 million to improve riverbank protection and navigability along the Jamuna River.

These achievements have been possible through coordinated efforts involving local communities, government agencies, and international organisations. Strengthening this collaborative approach and enforcing existing environmental laws will be critical to safeguarding Bangladesh's coastal and riverine regions for the future.

Additionally, improving infrastructure for waste management, flood control, and pollution treatment will support these efforts. Also, adopting disaster risk reduction strategies will be essential in addressing the growing challenges of climate change and ensuring the long-term protection of Bangladesh's coastal and riverine ecosystems. 

Ultimately, the long-term preservation of Bangladesh's coastal and riverine ecosystems can be ensured through the proper education, participation, and economic opportunities.

Shaikh Afnan Birahim is a postgraduate student of computing science at the University of Glasgow.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.