Disaster Resilience and Sustainability | 2021
Ecosystem for disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh: A case study after the Cyclone “Aila”
Abstract
Abstract The global environmental change and disaster trends urge us to implement new techniques for hazard mitigation, exposure, and vulnerability reduction. However, it is really difficult to choose the appropriate hazard mitigation techniques. Ecosystem for disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a tested solution for the sustainable development and adaptation to natural hazards for its win-win nature. The paper was written based on the available information in published resources. Bangladesh has an elongated coastline that allows people using different ecosystem services from their surroundings. Extreme natural disasters make people lives and livelihoods vulnerable. So, ecosystem-based DRR is considered as one of the best solutions for minimizing the adverse impacts of natural disasters and climatic vulnerability like Aila. After Cyclone Aila, to enhance the resiliency of the community, various ecosystem-based adaptation measures have been adopted and practicing locally. In this consideration, properly managed, dynamic ecosystems may decrease vulnerabilities and support livelihoods for sustainable and resilient communities. Ecosystem-based DRR acceptance is not high because it is not considered as a part of the portfolio of DRR and undervalued compared to engineered solutions and inappropriate budget allocations. The paper showed the positivity and acceptance of Eco-DRR in the disaster-prone community in Aila-affected districts such as Satkhira and Khulna. However, Poor science-policy interaction and ambiguous information on the ecosystem role for DRR are also other reasons that discourage the use of ecosystem-based DRR. Dialogues between scientists, practitioners, policymakers, development planners, and adequate budgets can help to practice the ecosystem for DRR.