Disaster Risk Reduction Heritages of Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country. Different areas of the country are vulnerable to different hazards. The communities have been practicing a wide range of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies and techniques. Six DRR practices have been identified as DRR heritage because of the uniqueness, inherent knowledge management, and confined and long history of practice, etc. Airband (traditional retention wall) and Koroch Tree plantation in the Hoar basin wetlands, Goiroha (mini pond in yard) in the dry Barind tract, Baira (floating agriculture) in the Beel basin and Rain Water Harvesting in the coast are unique and have long history of practice generation after generation. A study was conducted between June 2022 and December 2024 to understand the techniques, ecological values, and cultural integrity, etc. of those DRR Heritages; there were literature reviews, community consultations, interviews with experts and knowledgeable individuals, and direct observation. Some of the DRR Heritages were lost, and some others were integrated with modern technologies too. DRR Heritages are contributing towards the wellbeing of the ecosystem. Many DRR preparedness practices are being used as adaptation technologies to climate change. Bangladesh’s DRR and climate policies are supportive to the DRR Heritages and there are execution initiatives by the government and non-government intervention. Proper documentation of the process, analysis of ecological and cultural values, and history of effectiveness are required.