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Unlock This CourseDeveloping countries face unique challenges when managing their coastlines. Limited resources, dense populations and extreme weather events create complex problems that require innovative solutions. Unlike wealthy nations, developing countries must balance immediate human needs with long-term environmental protection, often with very tight budgets.
Key Definitions:
Developing nations face severe coastal threats including rapid sea-level rise, intense tropical storms and limited funding for protection. Dense coastal populations depend on fishing and farming, making relocation difficult. Poor infrastructure means communities are more vulnerable to flooding and erosion.
Bangladesh provides an excellent example of coastal management in a developing country. With 147 million people and 710km of coastline, Bangladesh faces severe challenges from cyclones, flooding and sea-level rise. The country sits in the world's largest delta, where three major rivers meet the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladesh's coast is dominated by the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, creating a low-lying landscape extremely vulnerable to flooding. The country experiences regular cyclones during monsoon seasons, with storm surges reaching up to 10 metres high. Sea levels are rising at 4mm per year - faster than the global average.
Bangladesh faces 1-2 major cyclones annually. Cyclone Sidr (2007) killed 3,500 people and affected 8.9 million. Storm surges can penetrate 200km inland across the flat delta.
Rising seas threaten to displace 20 million people by 2050. Saltwater intrusion is destroying rice fields and contaminating freshwater supplies across coastal districts.
The Meghna River erodes 1,800 hectares of land annually. Entire villages disappear overnight, forcing families to relocate repeatedly as "climate refugees".
Bangladesh loses 10,000 hectares of coastal land each year to erosion and sea-level rise. Despite this, the country has developed innovative, low-cost solutions that other developing nations are now copying worldwide.
Bangladesh has implemented several hard engineering projects, though limited budgets mean these must be carefully targeted to protect the most vulnerable areas and important economic centres.
The Coastal Embankment Project built 5,000km of embankments protecting 1.77 million hectares of land. These earth barriers, called polders, protect agricultural land from saltwater flooding and allow controlled drainage during monsoons.
Embankments protect 15 million people and vital rice-growing areas. They prevent saltwater intrusion, maintaining freshwater supplies for drinking and irrigation. Construction provides local employment and uses readily available materials like clay and sand.
Embankments require constant maintenance costing $50 million annually. They can fail during extreme storms, causing catastrophic flooding. They also disrupt natural sediment flow, increasing erosion in unprotected areas.
Bangladesh has built over 2,500 cyclone shelters - raised concrete buildings that can house entire communities during storms. These multi-purpose structures serve as schools and community centres during normal times.
Shelters are built on stilts 4-6 metres high with reinforced concrete walls. They include rainwater collection systems and emergency supplies for 72 hours.
Each shelter accommodates 1,000-2,000 people. They function as schools, health clinics and meeting halls, ensuring regular maintenance and community ownership.
Cyclone shelters reduced deaths from 300,000 (1970) to under 4,000 (2007) despite stronger storms. Early warning systems ensure people reach shelters in time.
Bangladesh has pioneered innovative soft engineering approaches that work with natural processes rather than against them. These solutions are often more sustainable and affordable for developing countries.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest naturally protects Bangladesh's coast, but human activities have destroyed 50% of original coverage. Restoration projects are replanting mangroves to rebuild this natural barrier.
Mangroves reduce wave energy by 75% and can absorb storm surges up to 5 metres high. They also provide timber, fish breeding grounds and tourism income while storing carbon to fight climate change.
Communities have developed floating gardens using water hyacinth and other aquatic plants. These innovative farming systems adapt to flooding rather than fighting it, providing food security in flood-prone areas.
Farmers weave water hyacinth into floating mats 1-2 metres wide. Vegetables like gourds, okra and leafy greens grow on top while roots dangle in the water below. Gardens rise and fall with flood levels.
Floating gardens produce food during floods when normal farming is impossible. They require no external inputs, use waste materials and can be easily moved. One garden feeds a family of six for 8 months.
Bangladesh's most successful coastal management involves local communities taking responsibility for their environment. This approach is cost-effective and ensures long-term sustainability.
Community volunteers use mobile phones, radios and loudspeakers to warn of approaching cyclones. This grassroots network reaches remote villages faster than official channels and saves thousands of lives.
Volunteers receive weather updates via SMS and relay warnings using megaphones and traditional drums. Solar-powered radios ensure communication during power cuts.
Local people learn to recognise weather signs, operate rescue boats and provide first aid. Women's groups organise evacuation of children and elderly residents.
Community warnings reach 90% of coastal residents within 2 hours. This rapid response allows time for evacuation and preparation before storms arrive.
Bangladesh's coastal management shows both successes and ongoing challenges. The country has dramatically reduced cyclone deaths while maintaining economic development, but faces increasing pressure from climate change.
Deaths from cyclones fell from 300,000 (1970) to under 4,000 (2007). Embankments protect vital rice production. Mangrove restoration provides sustainable protection. Community-based management ensures local ownership and reduces costs.
Sea-level rise accelerates faster than defences can be built. Limited funding means only 30% of coast is protected. Climate change brings stronger storms and unpredictable weather patterns. Rural poverty makes communities vulnerable.
Bangladesh's experience offers valuable lessons for other developing nations facing coastal challenges. The combination of appropriate technology, community involvement and working with natural processes provides a model for sustainable coastal management.
Successful coastal management in developing countries requires: community participation, appropriate technology, working with natural processes, early warning systems and sustainable funding mechanisms. Bangladesh's approach is now being copied in Vietnam, Philippines and Pacific Island nations.