Ensuring Water Security for Climate Vulnerable Communities in Coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

This chapter exposes the case of two coastal villages in Bangladesh, where climate change is likely to increase river salinity leading to shortages of drinking water and irrigation system at the coastal belt. Approximately 20 million people live along the coastline and frequently rely primarily on rain-fed pond water and mix with river water, soil run-off and shallow groundwater. The study identifies specific vulnerabilities from different groups in these coastal villages. It examines the complex interlinkage of water security and explores how different environmental stressors and other factors negatively affect water security. Based on the findings, it also proposes recommendations to be made both to decision-makers at the national level to develop policies and plans to enhance the resilience of coastal communities.