The importance of community based approach to reduce sea level rise vulnerability and enhance resilience capacity in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: a review

The coastal zone is one of the most dynamic natural systems in the world. Bangladesh, a low-lying country, is particularly vulnerable to climate change induced sea level rise (SLR) due to its geographical location and socio-economic condition of the people. Bangladesh is the first country to develop and implement successful community based adaptation (CBA) projects in the coastal areas to reduce SLR vulnerabilities and enhance resilience capacity. In this regard, the present review examines the significance and relevance of community participation in Bangladesh to cope with SLR and to enhance community resilient capacity. The study argues that local level CBA approach is very effective in resilience building among the most vulnerable segment of the society as well as community involvement in decision-making process is also very crucial for a successful resilience building process in the coastal areas. Study identified gaps in government policies and strategies in both National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) and Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) paid little attention to CBA priorities. Therefore, community participation needs to be integrated in the broader national strategies for developing effective adaptation as well as socialecological resilience system. Multilevel social networks is also essential for developing social capital for supporting the legal, political, and financial frameworks that enhance community resilience