The floating agriculture method in Bangladesh showcases an innovative nature-based solution (NbS) that’s gaining attention. This sustainable approach addresses the challenges posed by climate change, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding. The idea is simple: crops are grown on floating rafts, providing food security even in adverse weather conditions. This technique has become a lifeline for many communities.
In 2021, a groundbreaking review by researchers from various universities, including Oxford and local institutions, highlighted multiple NbS practices in Bangladesh. Their findings emphasized that these solutions benefit both urban and rural ecosystems. Fast forward to March 2025: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) released a detailed report on urban NbS in Bangladesh, featuring 20 initiatives across 12 districts. This work underscores the importance of applying scientific research to real-world challenges.
Despite these initiatives, some shortcomings surfaced. A closer look revealed that many assessed NbS didn’t meet essential criteria. Fifteen of the solutions scored poorly when evaluated against the IUCN’s Global Standard. If any NbS ranks low in certain areas, it raises questions about its effectiveness. The biodiversity benefits claimed by these projects were often unsubstantiated, pointing to a gap between theory and practice.
Interestingly, during 2014-2022, the Local Government Engineering Department introduced the Coastal Towns Environmental Infrastructure Project. This investment laid the groundwork for future resilience projects that used NbS to protect coastal regions. More recently, significant funding has come from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to implement nature-based projects aimed at restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities.
One noteworthy example is the competition organized by WaterAid, where young designers proposed creative NbS for an urban pond in Dhaka. This initiative illustrates how grassroots efforts can contribute to sustainable urban development.
Looking ahead, how can we maximize these initiatives? Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) already outlines 21 NbS actions that could be put into motion with the right investment—around Tk 51,500 crore over three decades. This is just a small portion of the broader climate adaptation budget, suggesting strong government commitment. Current updates to biodiversity strategies and collaborations with groups like the Asian Development Bank indicate progress and readiness for expansion.
Lastly, for successful implementation, it’s crucial to adopt and adapt IUCN’s standards across projects. Establishing a dedicated NbS working group could help align new initiatives with best practices, ensuring that Bangladesh’s efforts to combat climate change are both effective and sustainable.
Dr. Haseeb Md Irfanullah, an independent consultant on environment and climate change, encourages rigorous assessments of NbS to improve their effectiveness and benefits for local ecosystems.
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Nature-based Solutions, Bangladesh Environment, Urban Resilience, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Governance, Sustainable Urban Development, IUCN Standard, Green Projects, National Adaptation Plan, Biodiversity Conservation,
