Analysis of VIA and EbA in a River Bank Erosion Prone Area of Bangladesh Applying DPSIR Framework

Syed Rahman,Toiaba Taher,Md. Rahman,B. Faisal

doi:10.3390/cli4040052

Abstract

This study aims to set up a comprehensive approach to the Vulnerability and Impact Assessment (VIA) of river erosion and to suggest Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) practices. Based on the analysis of vulnerability using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, this paper discusses some of the significant climatic (rainfall pattern, temperature, seasonal drift, cold wave and heat wave) and non-climatic (river erosion, repetitive death of field crops and agrochemicals) forces in the Kazipur Upazila (Sirajganj District)—a river erosion-prone area of Bangladesh. Both primary (Key Informants Interview, Household Survey, and Focus Group Discussion) and secondary (climatic, literature review) data have been used in revealing the scenario of climatic stress. The analysis revealed a slightly increasing trend of mean annual temperature, and a decreasing trend of total annual rainfall from 1981 to 2015, which have been supported by people’s perception. This study found that river erosion, the increase of temperature and the late arrival of monsoon rain, excessive monsoon rainfall, high use of agrochemicals, and flow alterations are major drivers in the riverine ecosystem. These drivers are creating pressures on agricultural land, soil fertility, water availability and livelihood patterns of affected communities. Hence, floating bed cultivation, integrated pest management, use of cover crops, reforestation, the introduction of an agro-weather forecasting system, and a new variety of flood tolerant species have been suggested as potential EbA to cope with river bank erosion and to increase the capacity of the affected ecosystem.

Highlights

The DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impacts-Response) framework has been proposed by the European Environmental Agency to address the changes and the trends associated with the environment [1]
Kazipur Upazila (Riverine Ecosystem) has been selected as the study area as it has been affected by river bank erosion frequently in the last few decades [9]
Almost 48% of the total population lives on agriculture [14], and the local community directly or indirectly depends on agricultural practices. The river is another key habitat which covers 21.57% of the area and provides nutrients to the local community. River erosion makes these communities more vulnerable, because the river has huge silt deposition during low flow conditions which elevates the riverbeds every year, causing a higher risk of flooding and breaching of dykes (9.35%), whereas major areas fall under the category of medium to low vulnerability (65.6%) (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impacts-Response) framework has been proposed by the European Environmental Agency to address the changes and the trends associated with the environment [1]. Technological, social and even natural factors that shape the human activities that are exerting pressures on the environment. Pressures are the exact ways that human activities lead to changes in the state of the environment and impact on valued parts of ecosystems or society. Impacts may trigger responses from regulating authorities, or the private sector which would be helpful to develop adaptation responses that are relevant to other socio-economic and environmental challenges. As an indicator-based environmental reporting approach, the DPSIR framework aims at describing the environmental problems by identifying the cause–effect relationships between the environment and various anthropogenic activities in a wider socio-economic context.

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Conclusion