Harnessing nature: Revolutionizing urban water management in coastal Bangladesh
A WaterLeadership Snapshot
WaterLeadership Snapshots feature articles written by graduate students participating in the Water Institute’s WaterLeadership training program, which focuses on skills development in knowledge mobilization, leadership, and research communication. Here, students describe the value of their research and its potential for ‘real world’ impact.
By Marjana Chowdhury
In the face of rising urbanization and climate change, coastal cities in Bangladesh are encountering unprecedented challenges in managing their water resources. Traditional approaches to water management often fall short in addressing these complex issues. However, there’s hope on the horizon: Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Nature-Based Solutions leverage the innate power of nature to address water management challenges. From absorbing floodwaters to filtering pollutants, these solutions offer a sustainable and cost-effective way to tackle urban water issues. In coastal Bangladesh, where the stakes are high due to the vulnerability to flooding and sea-level rise, NBS emerge as a game-changer.
Marjana Chowdhury, PhD Candidate, School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
By integrating green infrastructure such as wetlands, mangroves, and green roofs into urban planning, coastal cities in Bangladesh can mitigate flooding, enhance water quality, and improve overall resilience. For instance, restoring mangrove forests along the coastline acts as a natural barrier against storm surges, reducing the risk of inundation and safeguarding communities. Harvesting rainwater on the roof tops of houses, schools and commercial building can reduce the stress caused due to water scarcity. The adoption of Nature-Based Solutions in urban water management isn't just theoretical; it yields tangible, real-world results. Reduced flood damages, improved water quality, and enhanced biodiversity are just a few of the many advantages offered by NBS. Some of the examples of nature based solution already implemented in Bangladesh can be accessed from here.
Empowering Municipalities
Municipal workers and officials play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of NBS. By embracing these innovative solutions and incorporating them into urban planning and policies, they can steer their cities towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Moreover, investing in capacity building and knowledge sharing ensures that municipalities are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to implement NBS effectively. As stewards of urban water management, municipal workers and officials hold the key to unlocking the full potential of Nature-Based Solutions. By prioritizing nature-based approaches, they not only safeguard their cities against the impacts of climate change but also pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow.
The value of Nature-Based Solutions for urban water management in coastal Bangladesh cannot be overstated. With their proven effectiveness and real-world impact, NBS gives us hope when dealing with tough water challenges. It's time to harness the power of nature and pave the way for resilient, water-secure cities in Bangladesh and beyond.
A layer of salt has covered this dried up canal in Pakhimara village, Barishal. (Source: Naz, Z.M. 2021)
My research, still in its early stages, will investigate the effectiveness of NBS in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities of Bangladesh. From the literature review, I discovered that NBS research predominantly focuses on the Global North and mega cities, neglecting vulnerable small towns and coastal cities of the Global South that are susceptible to climate change. This study aims to contribute valuable insights into how NBS can mitigate the impacts of flooding and sea-level rise, offering sustainable and cost-effective strategies for water management.