Relocation as a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy in South Asia – K2A workshop
Our Senior Research Associate Mr. Md Faisal Imran participated in a Two and a Half Day Regional Workshop and Field Excursion on “Relocation as a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy in South Asia,” was organized by the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, FSLGA, and Knowledge to Action (K2A). K2A is an initiative that provides a platform for academics, practitioners, and government officials to share knowledge and apply it for the greater good.
In this workshop, he critically analyzed the relocation process in Bangladesh as a disaster risk reduction strategy, with his presentation titled “Living Along the Coast of Bangladesh: A Floating Country with a Sinking Culture.” A total of 22 presentations were delivered by academicians, practitioners and govt employees where participants extensively discussed the merits and demerits of relocation.

Living along the coast of Bangladesh: A Floating Country with a Sinking Culture

Md Faisal Imran1, Samiya A Selim1 and Emilie Crémin2

1Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh
2Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Abstract

Bangladesh is considered one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change due to its low-lying topography and a geographical location susceptible to cyclones, floods, and tidal surges. Consequently, coastal and riverbank erosion has resulted in the displacement of many villages. These displacements contribute to population densification, social and economic vulnerability, and rapid urbanisation. After losing their farmlands and homes, people are forced to find new land, often settling along the embankments or on state-owned land along coasts and rivers. Given this general context, ENGAGE4SUNDARBANS project aims to understand plural accounts and interpretations of the Sundarbans’ ‘riskscape’, produced by state and non- governmental actors and diverse members of the local communities. It seeks to support situated adaptive practices that enhance social resilience through transdisciplinary engagement across the political boundaries of the Sundarbans.

In my presentation, I will first portray the tools and the methodology used by our transdisciplinary team to understand the ‘riskscape’ which includes archival research ethnography and GIS that show the process of ‘polderisation’ of the delta, embankment construction, coastal erosion, and embankment breaches, leading to loss of land and displacement of communities. I will briefly outline the resulting displacement patterns (Khas land occupation or rehabilitation in camps), reasons for displacement, and the number of displaced people in Bangladesh. Firstly, an overview of the living conditions of the people who found space on Khas land will be presented, along with the

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Regional Workshop on Relocation as a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy in South Asia 2024

constraints they faced while being entitled to land according to the ‘Khas Land Settlement Policy, 1997’. Secondly, the rehabilitation and resettlement programs implemented by the Bangladesh government in camps, to highlight the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the Guchogram/Climate Victims Rehabilitation Program/Ashrayan Project in different districts. In conclusion, I will critically analyse the terms used by the governments, media, and academia to describe the situation observed in the region of the Sundarbans: ‘Entitlement’, ‘Encroacher/s’, ‘Tenancy’, ‘Squatters’, ‘Common Property Resources (CPR)’, ‘Acquisition and Requisition’, ‘Immovable Property Rights’ under policies in Bangladesh. Finally, recommendations will be given on how these processes could be improved.

Keywords: Relocation, Resettlement, Riskscape, Relocation Policy

On the final day, Faisal visited Galle, Sri Lanka, to speak with families affected by the 2004 Tsunami and observe their relocation settlements. Through this workshop, he acquired valuable knowledge into how relocation can be a significant part of disaster risk reduction. It was an enriching experience that greatly enhanced his networking opportunities, facilitated discussions among peers, and inspired future research initiatives.
Gratitude to #the University of Sri Lanka, #FSLGA, and #K2A for organizing this impactful event.
#CSD #ULAB, # NisharaFernando #Lena Robra #Samiya Selim PhD # Pierre-Yves Pitteloud