Causes of Environmental Degradation in Coastal Bangladesh: A Report

This report investigates environmental degradation in coastal Bangladesh, a region facing significant ecological challenges. It begins with an overview of the research, defining environmental degradation and highlighting its causes, including human activities and natural phenomena. The report examines the changing ecosystem of the coastal area, focusing on the impacts of deforestation, pollution, and climate change. It also discusses the background of research, emphasizing the importance of the coastal area and the environmental issues it faces, such as air pollution, land degradation, and water shortages. The research aims to identify solutions for sustainable ecosystem management, considering approaches like Ecosystem Services (ES) and Ecosystem-based Approaches (EBA). The report's objectives include identifying trends, developing approaches, ascertaining challenges, and recommending solutions. The literature review synthesizes existing research, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and analyzing various strategies, including coastal embankment projects and mangrove protection committees. The report aims to identify the most appropriate strategies, analyze potential challenges, and recommend interventions to improve the current situation of ecological imbalance in coastal Bangladesh.

CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK AND
METHODOLOGY
FRAMEWORK

ABSTRACT
Environmental degradation is process by which natural environment is to be comprised in
such a manner that minimizing biological diversity and also health of environment. This report
has been stated that environmental degradation can lead to scarcity of resources like farmable
and water. The environmental degradation can destroy different environmental aspects. The
environmental degradation can be caused through activities of the human beings and natural
phenomenon. Under this, literature review has been conducted on the basis of research
objectives. For collecting the information from secondary sources, there has been books,
magazined, articles has been used. The past and current trends in changing ecosystem at coastal
area in Bangladesh has been examined in an effective manner. The causes of environmental
degradation and solution has been evaluated for gaining the positive outcomes.

Table of Contents
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK....................................................................................................1
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

Title: To identify the causes of environmental degradation in coastal part of Bangladesh
and develop appropriate solutions.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of Research
Environmental degradation is deterioration of environment by depletion of the resources
like soil, water and air. It is a kind of any change to environment perceived to undesirable. The
environmental degradation has become common concern for the humankind over past few
decades. Distinctive nature of the present environmental issues is that caused through the
anthropogenic than the natural phenomenon. The environmental degradation is developed
through consolidation of expanding human populace and expanding the monetary development
consistently (Abdullah and et. al., 2017). In context to this, environmental degradation is largest
threats as this lessening limit to earth in order to meet the environmental and social destinations
as well as requirements. The main causes behind environmental degradation are land
disturbance, overpopulation, landfills, Technocentrism and Chemical Effluents. Environmental
degradation takes the diverse forms that ranging from ecosystem destruction to the degraded
fresh waters supplies. On the other hand, environmental degradation is procedure by which
natural environment is to be comprised in such a manner, minimizing the biological diversity and
general health of environment. The environmental degradation is result of dynamic inters that
play of technological, socio- economic and institutional activities. This can be attributes to
different human activities and natural process with having insignificant share. At point, when the
environment is wrecked or the common assets are exhausted, then environment is considered to
be harmed and also corrupted. In this, environmental problems can be seen through the long term
ecological impacts that can demolish the whole environment. It is unique unit and also
incorporates all living and non- living components which live inside. The creatures and plants
are the evident part of an environment but also consists things on which they are based on for an
instance lakes, soils and streams (Afroz, Cramb and Grünbühel, 2017).
Background of Research
Environmental degradation is kind of the activities which alters environment system and
disturbance the caused to water, social, ecosystem and air. Due to the environmental degradation,
issues related to illness and the premature deaths are occur in large numbers. It is a process by
which natural environment is to be compromised in some way, minimizing biological diversity

and also general health of environment. Under this, impact of deforestation will main impact of
world. Constant cutting down of the trees is developing issue of supply the oxygen as absorption
of CO2 (Belton, 2016). With deforestation continuation, people will get the less oxygen that can
arise the detrimental issue for the human health. In context to this, alternate problem that can
result from this is waste and overconsumption of paper products which come from trees. Main
component of the environmental degradation is depletion of Fresh water resource on Earth. The
coastal area is interface among sea and land and also coastline is boundary that differentiate
among two types of land. These are populated around world and also coastal dynamics have the
impact on life of coastal people. Bangladesh is densely populated and riverine country that
located in the South Asia with coastline of 580 km on northern littoral of Bay of Bengal.
Bangladesh coastline is about the 710km long and continental self extend over area of around
24800 sq. na. Miles of which about 37000m km sq. within 50m depth zone (Deb and Ferreira,
2017). On the other hand, Bangladesh faces environmental issues consisting air pollution,
contamination, land degradation, loss of biodiversity and water shortage. Bangladesh country
pays high cost from the environment pollution and degradation in urban areas. The coastal zone
of Bangladesh is hydrologically and geomorphology dominated through Bay of Bengal and
Ganges Brahmaputra Meghna. The coastal residents in Bangladesh country are losing their
farmland and homes at astonishing rate because riverbank erosion. It is tidal process that moves
and loosens coastal land as well as vegetarian from one plan to other. On the other hand, Coastal
areas are rich bio- diversified and Western part is to be covered through largest mangrove forest.
Sundarbans support very rich and also the diverse fish fauna of 120 species over 270 species of
the birds that gives livelihood around 30000 people in specific season of year working in the
various trades. The coastal area of Bangladesh is more dynamic, this has faced the deposition
and erosion in many hectares of land. In relation to this, coastal regions are suffering enhancing
severity and frequency of the tropical storms that cause loss of the human life, property , damage
to the house and some other livelihoods. The riverbank erosion is main cause of the climate
displacement inland. Now up to 50% are living the urban slums of Bangladesh because there
were force to be run from their rural homes due to riverbank erosion (Hasnat, Kabir and Hossain,
2019).
Research Problem:

With the advent and rise in the process of industrialization, the environment and
ecological systems have suffered heavily. The resources were being exploited but the
consequences of the actions were not given much consideration and this attitude led to
Research Aim:
To identify the correct solutions and approaches that can be developed in order to ensure
sustainable ecosystem management in the Coastal area of Bangladesh. The imbalance caused in
the ecological system has even impacted the climate change in the Bangladesh. There are many
factors that are affecting the changes in the climate and therefore the serious impacts that are
resulting due to this ecological imbalance needs to be restored or managed.
Authors, Islam and Shamsuddoha (2018), state that development of Sustainable
Development Goals are the key features in assisting the development of conservation strategy
and increase the development of coastal and marine environment. Additionally Barua, Rahman
and Molla (2017), have stated that mangrove forests are the major contributors of the ecological
system of Bangladesh. The major causes behind degradation of such environmental treasures are
practices of aquaculture, agriculture etc. where the shrimps and other coastal animals are being
heavily exported, and their cost being too high and preferred in other countries. This seamless
exploitation of the natural resources are bound to impact the ecological balance and the rich
environment that prevails in Bangladesh.
The environmental strategies that have been formulated in order to control the different
ecological systems are essential and act as contributing factors in ensuring that effective
measures can be adopted in order to restore the balance. Mcvittie and et al. (2018), suggest that
Ecosystem Services (ES) when integrated together with Ecosystem based Approaches (EBA) can
help in critically acclaiming and implementing the measures that can assist in improving and
fulfilling the objectives of sustainability. There are so many positive impact on Ecosystem
Services (ES) resulted from EBA measures such as Climate Change Adaption, Disaster Risk
Reduction etc. and these can be used in order to analyse and develop the measures that can be
adopted in order to improve the existing scenario. EbA involves the utilization of bio-diversity
and ecosystem services (ES) to support people to adapt with the adverse effect of climate change
induced risks. It has also been suggested by Hasnat, Kabir and Hossain (2019), that Bangladesh
is involved too much in the aqua cultural activities that are resulting in regularly depleting
natural life in that area and the increasing GDP due to the earning made from trading with the

environment are also increasing the environmental degradation problem. The Ecosystem-based
approaches and local knowledge was mentioned in the recent IPCC (2018) report as two
adaptation alternatives to reduce the climate change induced risk; however, the approaches were
not mentioned directly in the integration (IPCC SR15, 2018). Nature based approaches are also
developed and used in similar contexts so that the impact of natural disasters such as storms,
waves, floods, erosion etc. can be minimised and controlled in the Bangladesh region. The nature
based solutions help in deriving the appropriate solutions and implementing them so that the
intended purpose of reduction in environmental degradation can be achieved.
Therefore, in this report, different solution that can assist in developing the appropriate
practices that can be adopted in order to improve the current problem will be identified and
discussed. The variety of strategies that have been suggested will be analysed and already
ongoing projects that have the people and community of Bangladesh are undertaking will be
highlighted in the report. There are many strategies like Coastal Embankment Projects,
mangrove protection committees etc. that are trying to act a as a barrier towards further
exploitation of the natural ecosystem that Bangladesh was granted and are doing a significant
work in order to improve the already depleted ecological system of Bangladesh (Jabed, Paul and
Nath, 2018). However, the effect of such projects is not giving quick results and the loopholes
are continuously being developed for every law or strategy that is being implemented toward
environment protection. Therefore, it is now imperative to conduct a proper research that will
help in identifying and comparing all the strategies that can be adopted for the preservation of the
environment and ensuring that no further depletion takes place. The analysis of all the possible
strategies would lead in identification of one most appropriate strategies and decision can be then
made accordingly. The one appropriate strategy that will be identified after this through analysis
of all the possible strategies would then be evaluated in terms of what are the probable
challenges or problems that can arise in the implementation of these strategies and then the
solution that can be used to bridge up the possible problems would be then detailed in the report
accordingly (Islam, Bhuiyan, Mohinuzzaman, Ali and Moon, 2017).
Overall, the intended research would help in analysis of the current situation of the
ecological system of Bangladesh and then appropriate solutions will be tried to be formulated so
that conclusions can be made accordingly and the research can contribute in ascertaining what

are the changes and interventions that can be adopted in order to improve the current problem of
ecological imbalance.
Research Objectives:
 To identify the past and current trends in the changing ecosystem of coastal area of
Bangladesh.
 To develop appropriate approaches and measures that will assist in solving the problem
of environmental degradation.
 To ascertain the challenges that will arise in the implementation of the selected approach
for improving environmental degradation.
 To recommend appropriate solutions and interventions for successful implementation of
the selected approach.
Research Question:
Which is the most plausible approach or measure that can be adopted in order to address the
issue of increasing environmental degradation in coastal area of Bangladesh?

LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review is mainly conducted to identify clear purpose of the review. This is
critical look at existing investigation that is related to work. Main purpose of literature review is
to gain effective understanding about specific topic and also present knowledge in the written
report form. Conducting the literature review properly aids in develop knowledge of area.
Literature review has organisational pattern and also combine the synthesis and summary. In
this, an investigator should go back certain findings that may be supported through some other
research findings. In order to conducting literature review part, secondary source of data
collection will be used through researcher such as books, internet sources and articles. It helps in
provide the proper explanation regarding arisen research questions related to the causes of
environmental degradation in coastal part of Bangladesh and develop appropriate solutions
(Hassan and Nazem, 2016).
Identify the past and current trends in the changing ecosystem of coastal area of Bangladesh
According to opinion of Rinkesh (2019) Ecosystem is community of the living organism
in conjunction with the long living components of environment. Under this, biotic and abiotic
components are connected together by the energy flows and nutrient cycles. The ecosystems are
foundations of Biosphere and they identify health of whole earth system. Coastal Bangladesh has
been experienced the economic and social progress. It rising average income, occurred health
outcomes and level of literacy through developing the local ecosystem services like fisheries and
agriculture. The coastal area of Bangladesh includes 19 district and it is linked with rivers by
complex linkages that reach coast finally. In context to this, coastal ecosystem Bangladesh
highly structurally and functional diverse ecology. In result, quality of life of large section of
coastal community decline in economic. Marine and coastal ecosystem gives critical ecosystem
service to large number of people which are populated in Bangladesh (Hossain and et. al., 2016).
Past trends in changing ecosystem of coastal area of Bangladesh
The past trends indicate that Water-related global warming impacts are likely to be the
most important for Bangladesh–due entirely to coastal and coastal floods, but also increased
potential for summer (dry season) rainfall in some regions. The consequences of rising flooding
as a result of climate change would be Bangladesh's biggest problem. It is anticipated that both
coastal (sea and river water) floods and inland (river / rain water) flooding would intensify.
Bangladesh flooding is a permanent fixture and has many negative effects, like loss of life by

starvation, increased disease incidence, and property destruction. That's why there's a lot of
Bangladesh on a floodplain (Hossain and et. al., 2016).
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Flood is one of the major challenge for Bangladesh since past years. The 1998 flood, one
of the worst in recent memory. The main cause was recognized as snowmelt as well as heavy
rainfall in India and Nepal. Due to heavy rain fall and storms sea level also increased as per the
past researches More than 30 million Bangladeshis were banished, with 20 million concentrated
vagrants. Coastal areas have been on high alert during rainy seasons (Islam and Yasmin, 2017).
In addition, the effect of upstream irrigation diversion of dry seasonal flows and salinity
values in the Sundarbans was comparable towards (if not higher than) the impact that could be
expected as a result of global warming several decades later. Consequently, responding to
climate change may not only be local, but may entail cross-border institutional agreements such
as the Mekong Water Distribution Treaty to address the fundamental water drainage problems.
Last but not least, climate change risks should not detract from actively addressing other critical
challenges, including shrimp farming, illegal forest felling, biodiversity smuggling, and barge
traffic oil emissions, which could already pose a critical threat to fragile ecosystems including
the Sundarbans even before major climate change impacts occur (Islam and Shamsuddoha,
2018).
Current trends in changing ecosystem of coastal area of Bangladesh
Under this, climate change brings the more coastal hazards. This country mainly suffer
the adverse affect from climate change. Bangladesh emits less than 0.1% of emission of global
greenhouse gas. This is one of main coastal risk in this country because these are related with
some other natural hazards in complex way. 1 m rise in the sea level would submerge full 18%
of total land are in Bangladesh (Islam and et. al., 2017). In the current trend, ICZM (Integrated
Coastal Zone Management) delivering the sustainable development in coastal areas. This is
continuous, iterative and dynamic process that designed to promote the sustainable management
related to coastal areas that covers planning, decision making and also monitoring an execution.
In this present time, ICZM helps to mitigate impact of disasters and also give better opportunities
for utilization of sustainable resources. In Bangladesh country, ICZM is not for environmental
gain but also give survival strategy for large number of people which living in mercy of the
nature. The current trends indicators of human well being and ecosystem to widespread the non-
stationary dynamic which governed through show changing the vulnerable with enhanced
likelihood systemic threshold changes. In context to this, South west coastal region of the
Bangladesh consists Sathira, Bagerhat and Khulna. This region is main part of Gangas and also
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situated in bordering Bay of Bengal and bounded among 21°39´0´´N to 23°05´00´´N and 88°54
´00´´E to 90°00´00´´E, covering 1,206,036 ha area. In this, Sundarbans is largest mangrove
forest and main livelihood sources for around 3 million of people (Islam and et. al., 2018).
Sundarbans experiences the tropical monsoon climate. Under this, there is a change in the
ecosystem at coastal areas of Bangladesh. Mean annual rainfall of Southwest Bangladesh is 3526
± 591 mm. Water salinity ranges from the 0 to 30ppt. It mainly vulnerable to change in climate
because of minimum elevation (1 to 2m sea level), high population density and flat topography.
On the basis of Md. Ali Akber (2019), Change in ecosystem values for use of land from
1980 to year 2016 was develop negative impact. Decline in ecosystem from year 1980 to 2016
has been observed in regards to agriculture that result in rapid reduction in the agriculture land.
This given graph shows about changes in size of five land. There has been reduction in
agriculture area and enhanced aquaculture are during past 36 years. About 36% area is covered
through forest. The area of forest covered through Sundarbans that has reserve forest since year
1875 and prohibits encroachment. In this, estimated forest land use the category was 438,594 in
1980 which reduced to 433,765 throughout 2016. Reduction of the 4,829 land of forest implies to
minimum than 1% reduce in area over past 36 years. In year 2000, forest category was to be
estimated reduction through 7,277 that is about 5% reduction as compare to initial year 1980.
settlements of land use was to be estimated to reduce from 88,431 to 126,002 ha from year 1980
4
Illustration 1: Total estimated area (ha) of each land-use category
in southwest coastal Bangladesh from 1980 to 2016

to 2000 then began to reduce. Throughout 2016, use of land reduced to 82,343 ha (Islam, Miah
and Inoue, 2016).
Approaches and measures that will assist in solving the problem of environmental degradation
As per opinion of Josy O’Donnel (2019) Environmental degradation is process by which
natural environment is to be comprised in some manner, minimising environmental health and
biological diversity. This process can natural in origin or caused through human activities. Main
cause of the environmental degradation is human disturbance. Degree of the environmental
affect differs with cause, and animals, plans that inhibit. The environmental degradation
develops negative impact on the forest and sea. It can caused through the human process. It is
result of technological, institutional and socio- economical activities (Islam and Bhuiyan, 2016).
The water pollution occurs poisoning oceans of planet that enhance health related problems. On
the other hand, environmental degradation is decline in quality of environment. It can be result of
the pollutants that can spoil food supply, air and water, water over- extraction so that less
remains for the future use. When the natural disasters can cause the environmental degradation
then it is result of the human activities. There are several causes of the environmental
degradation such as global climate change, overconsumption, deforestation. These all causes
result the enhanced poverty, famine, weather extremes, diseases etc. Some of the approaches to
solving the problem of environmental degradation given below:
Environmental awareness and messaging- Any kind of change needs awareness. While
the environmental awareness and education have been happening since 1980s. In this present
time, there are some concept changes like “climate change” into “climate emergency”, “climate
skeptics” into “climate science deniers”. These messaging cues aimed at changing the perception
towards inducing urgency and climate change. Other than this, increasing environmental
awareness and demand of consumers is making private sector the biggest influencers (Islam and
Bhuiyan, 2018).
Climate finances- It is an approach that created to de- risk investment in the climate
friendly technologies and models. In this, new technologist and the ideas such as climate projects
are untested and costly as compare to business as usual practices. The increased climate cost of
project has been main roadblock to investments in the climate projects. Payment for ecosystem
services green banks, carbon pricing are some of the innovate approached to finance the climate
projects (Kutub and et. al., 2017).
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Business case for sustainability and climate risk management- According to Saurab
Babu (2019), business are being to be forced to change focus from the bottom line to
sustainability and making them look beyond them to immediate place to supply chain of product.
In context to this, sustainability permits the business to make improvement in efficiency of
resource in value chain, minimize cost and also gain competitive benefit at marketplace. Private
sector saw that the sustainability is costly and untested that was irrelevant. Some of measures
suggested in sustainability makes the business perfect as this permits to make improvement in
efficiency of resources in value chain, minimize wastage and cost.
There are some of the measures helps in solve in issues related to environmental degradation:
Raise awareness- It is a first step to initiate process to increase awareness and collect
information from using the authentic sources. It needs establishment of the centres for gathering
as well as disseminating information. Communication and new media help in serve as better
carriers. In context to this, setting up the platforms ion internet helpful in enhance exchange of
information on environment, climate and the sustainable development. These all the sites are
initiated through volunteer leaders which fighting against the environmental degradation. These
sites allow to people to search reports in environment. The government are positioned to make
the large difference to preventing the environmental degradation, there are some ways to
minimize impact. Executing some changes helps in reduce damage to environment. These are
helpful in serve bridge among different actors and asked to give information, advice and
expertise on environment (Mollik and et. al., 2016).
Give back to environment- Under this, possible way to prevent the environmental
degradation is provide back to environment. The people can make it successfully through
planting the tress. Trees provide the clean air to people for breathe so that people can alive.
Keeping the forest alive are not necessary to only ecosystem but to wildlife system of world
(Muhtadi, Saleque and Mannan, 2018).
Recycle- Executing the recycling habits in daily life is more effective methods to less the
landfill wastage, save habitats, slow down the global warming, save habitats, minimize pollution
etc. It is necessary for the people to recycled the trash bags and cut up plastic rings in order top
prevent the wildlife from getting caught (Parvin and et. al., 2017).
Minimize Over All Consumption of Resources- Natural resources that planet provide to
people are limited. If the people reduce consumption at least 70%. This consist cutting down the
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trees for making paper and some other materials that require. So, it is essential to go green for
cutting down consumption of resources like power (Rahman and et. al., 2017).
Minimize All Resources and Materials- In this, second hand consumption is mainly
looked down. The people need to reusing the particular things for minimising the environmental
degradation in an effective manner. People do not use things which were used once
(Raknuzzaman and et. al., 2016).
Challenges that will arise in the implementation of the selected approach for improving
environmental degradation
According to viewpoint of Jared Skye (2019) Environmental degradation causes from the
many different reasons such as deforestation, chemical effluents, unplanned construction and
many others. It is necessary to find the proper solutions to overcome from them. From the
environmental degradation, natural environment is comprised in such a manner to minimizing
the bio-diversity and environmental health. In order to implementation of chosen approaches
related to environmental degradation, there are some challenges arise. The main issue is related
to support of people. When increasing the awareness, the people are not interested in gaining the
knowledge and do not support the organisations. If there will be the support of people then they
will not harm the environment and find effective ways to overcome from them in an effective or
efficient manner. On the other hand, finance is one of the main challenge that arise in execution
of the solutions related to overcome from the environmental degradation. If finance will be less
then in this case, it will be complex to purchase the latest or advanced technologies which can be
climate friendly and give contribution in save the environment. In context to this, there is a need
to enhancing the innovative financing such as co- financing with the stakeholders and the
blended financing (Roy and et. al., 2017). The payment for the Ecosystem services and the Green
Bonds such as Forest Resilience Bond both has been used to increase capital for the resilience in
the natural resources. Lack of the human resource is also a necessary issue because if
organization will not have the sufficient employees then in this case they are not able to connect
with the people or make communication with them effectively. Through this, people will not
aware from the environmental issues and different ways to overcome from them in a significant
manner. Other than this, knowledge regarding the environmental degradation is necessary. If
experts do not have the proper understanding and knowledge regarding the environmental
degradation and solutions to save environment then it develop negative impact and harm the
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environment. It is necessary to focus on arisen challenges and find out the effective ways to
overcome from them for getting positive outcomes (Shams and Shohel, 2016).
Appropriate solutions and interventions for successful implementation of the selected approach
On the basis of Mahi Tabet-Aoul (2018) Environmental degradation is mainly of the
natural origin but accelerated through human activities. The dangerous threats are caused
through the environmental degradation are desertification, floods, water scarcity, pollution and
droughts. Under this, action is required to return the lands to original vacation, to execute the
reforestation at large scale, assure stability of the rural communities and rehabilitate steppe.
Addressing the consequences and causes related to environmental degradation needs new
governance model. Under this, there are some appropriate solutions as well as interventions for
execution of chosen approach related to resolving environmental degradation issues
(Touhiduzzaman and Rahman, 2017). In context to increase awareness, there is a need to involve
the local communities in project development from conception to completion. Enlisting this kind
of involvement and also unleashing potential needs imagination, application of the new
technologies and experimentation of new technologies and tools. Other than this, conducting the
surveys on perception of environmental degradation effects can be effective way to increase
local policymakers, communities and institutions awareness in order to act against degradation
sources. In context to awareness and conduct investigation, information is available already. It
needs establishment of the centres for gathering as well as dissenting he information,
communication and new media both can be serve as better carriers for action. Setting up the
platforms on internet can enhance exchange of information on environment, sustainable
development and climate. These sites are initiated through volunteer leaders which fighting
against environmental degradation. Sites serve bridge gap among various actors and asked to
give relevant information and information on environment at request of associations. These are
helpful in develop the local institutional policy. On the other hand to make improvement in
environment and adopt technologies, there will be need to have the sufficient amount of money.
It is necessary to hire a person who have expertise knowledge about the environmental
degradation and the ways to overcome from them. They can give the better understanding
regarding to save the environment from the any harmful human activities (Tularam and Reza,
2017). Other than this, industrial zone is located near the urban area. This is devoid of
8

environmental monitoring system effectively. In context to this, adverse impact on health nearby
residents and many the vulnerable population.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual framework is very useful in effectively representing the synthesis of the
researcher in order to present and demonstrate a particular phenomenon. There are large number
of environmental interventions and models which in turn are necessary for the development of an
effective and positive ecosystem.
Ecosystem services (ES): This is considered to be one of the advantageous process
which in turn is mainly categorized into four different services which mainly includes
supporting, regulating, provisioning and cultural services. Grunewald and Bastian, (2015) said
that, Ecosystem services is largely linked up with the contribution of human needs which in turn
is considered to be very crucial for the survival of the environment for the long run. The
ecosystem services tend to focus on critically examining the services which in turn results in
higher operational performance and productivity.
Environmental degradation: Diminution of the capability of the environment tends to
focus on effectively meeting the ecological and social objectives and wants. Reduction in the
environment tends to alter the frequency associated with the occurrence of the natural calamity
which in turn largely increases the vulnerability of community. Howard, (2017) sought to
analyse the fact that, Human induced degradation or diminution is mainly due to soil erosion,
misuse of land, overutilization of natural resources, wild land fires, deforestation, mangrove
destruction, air, land water pollution, climatic changes, rise in sea levels and depletion of ozone
layer.
Ecosystem-based Management (EbM): Erickson, and et.al., (2016, February) evaluated
that, This is considered to be an effective environmental management approach which is useful
in recognizing the full array of action within an ecosystem. This is considered to be as an
integrated management approach which in turn is useful in effectively recognizing the full array
of interactions within the cur rent ecosystem. This is very useful in determining the future and
cur rent environmental challenges which is mainly associated with coastal, oceans, land, etc.
which in turn has cumulative impact on the environment.
Nature-based solution (NbS): This is mainly referred to as an action in order to protect
and manage sustainability change, restoring natural ecosystem modified ecosystem which in turn
helps in addressing the various societal challenges adaptively and effectively. Jacob, Bouchard,
Lamari, and Anstett, (2015) sought to determine the fact that, This in turn is very useful in
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providing biodiversity and human well being benefits. This is an effective approach which in
turn is useful in evaluating various challenges associated with the society and find
recommendable action to attain better results and outcomes.
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Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR): This entails to shift its focus
from conventional fire fighting approach to the management of the disaster to community based
risk diminution. Cohen-Shacham and et.al., (2016) determined the fact that, Ecosystem-based
Disaster Risk Reduction is a very effective approach which in turn helps communities in
mitigating, preventing and coping up with the disasters effectively. Conservation, sustainable
management and restoration of the ecosystem is mainly associated with the reduction of risk
disaster. It helps in effectively dealing with ecosystem losses which is mainly linked up with
depletion or exploitation of natural resources and environmental calamities.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA): This approach tends to focus on encompassing the
various broad set of assumptions and approaches in order to effectively adapt to the climatic changes
happening within the ecosystem. This approach tends to effectively involve the management of the
ecosystem. It helps in reducing the vulnerability associated with the human communities which in
turn mainly focuses on impacting the climate change. KitazatoH and et.al., (2018, April) critically
investigated that, Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach is mainly associated with the conservation,
sustainable management and effectively restoration of the ecosystem in order to effectively provide
services which in turn helps people in adapting to the various climatic changes. Incorporating the
ecosystem services and biodiversity is very useful in overall adaption of the particular strategy which
in turn helps people to effectively adapt to various negative effects associated with the climate
change.
Climate Change Adaptation (CCA): This is an effective approach which in turn is very
useful in effectively responding to the global warming. Mimura, and et.al., (2015) said that,
Climate change adaption is mainly linked with the process of adjusting to the expected or actual
climate. The key goal is mainly linked to reduce the vulnerability to harmful effects which is
mainly linked with the climate change in relation with sea level encroachment, intense extreme
weather conditions, food insecurity, etc. this is an effective measure because it helps in reducing
vulnerability and it also helps in allowing population to be benefited from several opportunities
which is linked with climatic change (Jacob, Bouchard, J., Lamari, and Anstett, (2015)). This is
useful increasing the society's resilience to climate change.
The conceptual framework modal is mainly associated with Ecosystem services,
Environmental degradation, Ecosystem-based Management, Nature-based solution, Ecosystem-
based Disaster Risk Reduction and Ecosystem-based Adaptation. The climate change is considered
to be one of the complex measure which in turn helps in better evaluation and monitor sing of the
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current ecosystem. Constant monitoring is important because it helps in deter mining the better
measure in order to protect environment from ant natural disaster or climatic risk. Conceptual
framework modal mainly comprises of ecosystem services, poor land use planning, environmental
degradation mad nature- based sustainability intervention. Government tends to take initiatives which
in turn helps in strengthening the decision making process of an individual through sustainable
solution. This can be done by the practitioner with the help of increasing awareness, spreading
education and knowledge among policy makers and practitioners. Government can integrate
ecosystem with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) projects in
order to make informed decision by imparting knowledge, creating awareness, participating,
accepting and coordinating the activities which in turn leads to higher sustainable growth and
efficiency (Albert and et.al., (2016)). Ecosystem service valuation helps in assessment of the
nature based sustainable intervention which in turn leads to assessment of nature based
sustainable intervention. The key goals associated with the ecosystem service valuation is that it
helps in reducing the impact associated with the environmental diminution which is mainly
linked with the competitive resource exploitation.
13
CONCEPTU
AL
FRAMEWO
RK
Ecosystem
services (ES)
Environmenta
l degradation
Ecosystem-
based
Management
(EbM):
Nature-based
solution
(NbS):
Ecosystem-
based
Disaster Risk
Reduction
(Eco-DRR)
Ecosystem-
based
Adaptation
(EbA):
Climate
Change
Adaptation
(CCA
Ecosystem service valuation helps in assessment of the nature based sustainable intervention which in turn leads to assessment of
nature based sustainable intervention. The key goals associated with the ecosystem service valuation is that it helps in reducing the
impact associated with the environmental diminution which is mainly linked with the competitive resource exploitation.

The conceptual framework which is mainly associated with the integration of nature based
solution which is mainly linked with the environmental risk management strategies. Nature
based solution is mainly linked to an action which in turn focuses on protecting and managing
the sustainability change, restoring natural ecosystem modified ecosystem. Nature based
solution helps in addressing the various societal challenges adaptively and effectively (Kutz,
(2018)). This in turn is very useful in providing biodiversity and human well being benefits.
Environmental risk management strategies tend to focus on effectively determining the various
environmental risk which tends to exist and these strategies are very useful in managing the risk
in a best possible way. This in turn is very useful in protecting environment and human health.
Environmental risk assessment is mainly linked with providing a systematic procedure which in
turn is very useful in predicting the potential risk associated with the environment. This is very
useful in determining and evaluating the factors which in turn causes detrimental effect on the
environment. The risk management assessment in mountainous area is mainly linked up with
social ecological system in order to gain considerate amount of information which in turn helps
in performing several activities in a systematic and efficient manner. Conceptual framework is
useful in critically evaluating and determining the natural hazards which is mainly triggered due
to climate change.
Well balanced ecosystem is mainly linked with the generation of ecosystem services
without any interruption from the external source. It has been determined that, due to competitive
resource exploitation it has tended to result in deforestation and lack of valuable resources which
in turn largely affects the operations of the business, human needs and environment at a large
scale. Deforestation results in increase in the global warming (Shuford, (2018)). Adoption of
sustainable intervention system is considered to be very useful in minimizing the impact
associated with the degradation. This in turn helps in effectively carrying out the operations of
the business which in turn helps in effectively protecting the resources of the environment.
14
Strategies to minimise environmental
degradation in coastal areas of Bangladesh
Evaluate strategies Determine outcomes and
measures

Salvaterra, and et.al., (2016, May) determined the fact that, The climate change is
considered to as long term and complex in nature which in turn is mainly linked up with the
application and adaption of effective environmental strategies in order to carry out activities in a
systematic and appropriate manner. Individuals should focus on continuous monitoring which in
turn is useful in comprehending the value of several ranges of approaches like EBA and CCA.
There are several factors which are mainly responsible for environmental degradation and
ecosystem services is mainly due to change in the land use, deforestation, exploitation of
resources, social issues, political issues and mindset of others (Wendling and et.al., (2018)). It
has been assessed that, sustainable intervention is mainly linked with Ecosystem services,
Environmental degradation, Ecosystem-based Management, Nature-based solution, Ecosystem-
based Disaster Risk Reduction and Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology involves a collection of tools and technologies that a researcher
can use in order to develop a specific procedure that will assist in achieving the intended goals
and objectives with which the research was initially conducted (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault,
2015). The methodology section is always a key tool in analysing the validity and reliability of
the research that is planned and analysing whether it will truly achieve the objectives for which
this research was initially conducted. The methodology defines how the data will be collected by
the researcher and then what tools will they use in order to draw relevant conclusions in the field
of research that they are undertaking.
15
Data Collection
Analysing the
strategies suggests by
the environmental
specialists
Analyse past research
that is done and draw
conclusions
Nature based
approaches
Ecosystem
based
approaches
Selection of the best strategy
Implementing it and reducing the degradation in Coastal
areas of Bangladesh

In the current research, the researcher will use these tools and techniques to analyse the
different strategies and select one that will help the researcher in addressing the problem of
increasing environmental degradation. The research will revolve around analysis of all the
strategies such as ecosystem service, nature based approaches, ecosystem based approaches etc.
and critical aspects will be identified and analysed so that researcher is able to identify the
potential changes that have occurred due to such environmental degradation in the coastal region
of Bangladesh and then suggest appropriate recommendations that can be adopted Hickson,
2016). By using appropriate data collection sources, the researcher will collect the data from
appropriate sources and then use it to draw relevant conclusion regarding the different strategies
that are being adopted and can be adopted in order to maintain the ecological balance and avoid
further environmental degradation in coastal region of Bangladesh.
Research Approach: The research approach helps in developing a proper plan and procedure
that details all the plans and helps in developing a approach that the researcher can adopt in so
that data can be collected in a relevant manner and the tools that are used for the purpose of
analysis are selected correctly that will help in giving the results that are actually required. There
are two classification in the research approach that a researcher can adopt i.e. the deductive and
the inductive approach. The deductive approach is related to quantitative research which
involves formulation of a hypothesis that is tested by applying proper tools on the numerical data
that is collected and moves from particular to general. Inductive approach on the other hand
helps in qualitative research technique where the theories and concepts involving human
16

behaviour and tendencies are tested in order to draw relevant conclusions and therefore, move s
from general to specific.
Currently, researcher will conduct a qualitative research and therefore the approach that
will be adopted by him is inductive in nature. The researcher will identify the theories that are
prevalent regarding the methods like Ecosystem based approaches can be used as interventions
for improving the sustainability in the ecosystem is one theory and another can be nature based
approaches is a more prudent approach that can be used in order to develop appropriate solution
for resolving the problem of environmental degradation. Therefore, the researcher, based in the
inductive approach will analyse these two alternatives and then use different tools to justify that
which is the more relevant method that will help in improving the ecological condition of
Bangladesh.
Research Philosophy: Research philosophy is used to detail the belief systems on whose basis
the researcher intends to conduct the research and the measures that he will adopt in order to
collect the data, analyse it and then draw relevant conclusions (Cuervo‐Cazurra, Mudambi,
Pedersen and Piscitello, 2017). There are two categories of research philosophy as well i.e.
positivism philosophy and interpretivism philosophy. Under positivism philosophy, the
researcher when conducting quantitative research, takes a large sample for his researcher and
then appropriate mathematical tools are implemented in order to conduct the research in an
appropriate manner and draw different statistical conclusions. However, the interpretivism
philosophy is used in qualitative research and the research analyses the data that has been
collected by testing the different theories that help them in testing them and the draw appropriate
conclusions.
Currently, the researcher will use interpretivism approach and under this approach, the
theories that have been formulate earlier will be tested on the basis of the two theories that have
been formulated in order to conduct the above research and then conclusions will be drawn
accordingly. The nature based approach will be tested on the basis of the different interventions
that have already been implemented and whether they are resulting enough or not. Similarly
ecosystem based approaches will be tested on the basis of different measures and strategies that
have been adopted and undertaken (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). The data then would be
collected based on the philosophies that the researcher will formulate and help in ascertaining the
measures that can be adopted in order to improve the situation of environmental degradation.
17

Research Design: The research design helps in determining the methods and techniques that the
researcher has selected and the manner or nature of the research that will be conducted by the
researcher. The research designs helps in determining what are the variables that will be used in
order to analyse the specific research problem and then draw adequate conclusions. There are
three major research designs that can be used i.e. exploratory research design, descriptive
research design and causal research design. Under exploratory research design, the researcher
focuses on discovering newer ideas and strategies and therefore develops accurate insight into
the research issue that is being addressed. This is generally used in qualitative research technique
and cannot be properly implemented while conducting the quantitative research technique. The
descriptive research technique is another technique that can be used to collect and interpret the
quantitative data. The descriptive research helps in analysing the data using statistical tools and
techniques (Wiek and Lang, 2016). The last design is causal research design which is used in
experiments where the cause and effect relationship is analysed between the researcher and
interpretation is made accordingly.
The current research will involve the researcher selecting the exploratory research
design where they will analyse what the issues are exactly, that are currently arising in the
coastal areas of Bangladesh and then appropriate techniques will be adopted in order to analyse
those research issues adequately. This technique will further help in collecting the facts and
figures that are pertaining to the environmental issues that are currently being faced and then
appropriate interpretations are being presented since an in-depth analysis would be made of the
risk factors, degradation and vulnerability that is being associated with the ecosystem service
valuations and the relevant data will be collected accordingly so that conclusions and
interpretations can be made accordingly.
Data Collection: Data collection involves collection of data that can be done through primary
secondary data collection sources (Fletcher, 2017). The primary data collection technique
involves collection of data on a first hand basis which researcher himself collects and can be
done in the form of questionnaire, surveys and other tools as well. The secondary data can be
collected in the manner of collecting all the relevant data from the research articles, journals etc,
that have already been published and the research work has already been carried out in the past.
These research papers or articles are selected because they contribute in a specific manner in the
research activity that is being carried currently.
18

In the current research, the researcher will select both the primary and secondary data
collection techniques that will help him in conducting the research in a relevant manner and
assist him in drawing correct conclusions. The primary data would be collected by the use of
questionnaire method where the researcher will get it filled from the selected sample so that
current and correct information can be collected in the present scenario of the problems that are
actually prevailing in the current scenario of the coastal region of Bangladesh. The secondary
research will be collected from the reports published by the governmental department and
organisations (Silverman, 2016). Various NGOs and trusts or committees working toward this
objective and the past research that has been conducted on this issue so that all the relevant
literature can be collected and its findings can be used in a relevant manner in the current
research as well.
Sampling: Sample represents the selection of respondents out of the population or universe that
is relevant in order to conduct the research. The sample can be selected in a probabilistic manner
or in a non-probabilistic manner. The probability sampling involves section of the sample out of
the entire universe on a probability basis and can be done using a variety of techniques such as
random sampling etc. and the non-probability sampling involves selection of sample on the basis
of a particular criteria or basis.
In the current research, the researcher will select the sample on the basis of non-probabilistic
method and then use purposive sampling. The respondents will be selected amongst the
environmental specialists that are employed in the Department of Environment of Bangladesh
and then relevant conclusions will be drawn. The researcher will select approximately 150
employees that are working on the coastal area projects in the department that will be selected on
a random basis (Ledford and Gast, 2018). These will be key decision makers and policy makers
as well as lower level employees.
Research Population: The population that have been selected for the researcher involve all the
employees that are working in the department of environment of Bangladesh and contain the
necessary knowledge and experience that will help in analysing different strategies that can be
used and conclude one specific measure that can be adopted and the effectiveness of such
measure that has been adopted. The research population will involve all those employees that are
working in the coastal department and have knowledge of working for at least one year so that
the data is collected in a meaningful manner and helps in drawing the relevant conclusions.
19

Data Analysis: Data can be analysed using different techniques for qualitative and quantitative
research type. The quantitative data is analysed using tools like SPSS software, regressions
correlations, Microsoft excel etc. so that the appropriate interpretation can be done and the
qualitative analysis can be done through thematic analysis technique where different themes are
formulated based on which interpretation and conclusion is done (Kumar, 2019). In the current
research, the primary data will be analysed using the thematic analysis tools and the secondary
data will be analysed using the literature review technique where a critical analysis will be made
on all the collected data.
Research Activities and Objectives:
Serial Nos. Activities Objectives
1 Using the secondary data collection
sources such as previous research
papers, literature review, articles and
journals that have been published in this
context so that relevant data regarding
the current and past trends can be
collected, studied and ascertained.
 To identify the past and
current trends in the
changing ecosystem of
coastal area of Bangladesh.
2 Identification of the strategies that have
been adopted by the study of the reports
published and then devising which
strategy is the best. Questionnaire
method will also be used so that the
view point of the environment
specialists regarding the different
strategies can be ascertained.
 To develop appropriate
approaches and measures
that will assist in solving the
problem of environmental
degradation.
3 The questionnaire method along with
view point of different researchers will
be used in order to determine the
challenges in a conclusive manner.
 To ascertain the challenges
that will arise in the
implementation of the
selected approach for
improving environmental
degradation.
20

4 Based on the primary and secondary
data, appropriate conclusions and
recommendations will be made
regarding the most appropriate strategy.
 To recommend appropriate
solutions and interventions
for successful
implementation of the
selected approach.
21

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