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As a signatory of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Bangladesh embraced the blue
economy idea with the ocean as providing ‘development spaces’. However, in the face of an accelerating
environmental crisis along with dwindling coastal and marine resources, and deteriorating climate and
social inequalities in Bangladesh, the concepts of ‘blue growth’ and ‘blue justice’ have also emerged in
coastal and marine resource management and ocean governance. If potentials from coastal and marine
resources are to be sustainably accessible, blue growth calls for blue justice, and, in particular, socially
just and environmentally sustainable ocean harvesting is required. This session of the 6 th CSD conference
offers recent observations and research findings on local resource-users’ discourses including the voices
of marginalized women, and on the perceptions of blue governance networks and international sustainable
financing into these intertwined themes in a comprehensive way with a way forward thought.
Whether Blue Growth is ecologically sustainable needs to be carefully assessed. What is clear,
however, is that ocean equity (or socially just ocean use, and governance) is central if blue growth is to be
viable. Blue justice needs to address historical injustice by adopting a comprehensive consideration of
marginalized people in decision-making. This session asks:
- What are the conflicts and trade-offs between ocean-based economic growth, and environmental and
social sustainability and how can these be taken into account in equitable Blue Economy
development?
- How can we promote equity-focused ocean policy frameworks and governance mechanisms?
- Which roles can be played by collaboration, education, and research to ensure blue justice?
This session provides a platform for stakeholders from government, non-government, supranational
organizations, academics and researchers, civil society, and private sectors to access very recent scientific
results and to collaboratively brainstorm in an inter- and transdisciplinary debate that is informed by and
expert insights in terms of how to support a transformative drive towards sustainable harvesting and
protection of the ocean in Bangladesh.
Discourse analysis using Q methodology in South-eastern coastal Bangladesh.
Displacement experiences of Maheshkhali women: an arts project.
Blue governance network in Bangladesh: understanding absence and exploring strategies.
International sustainable finance and implications for coastal communities in the Asia Pacific.
Strongly anchored in local communities, small-scale fisheries reflect a way of life, and they provide critical contributions to society, economy, culture and environment. Yet, their multiple benefits and contributions are often overlooked as many SSF communities remain economically and politically marginalised, are highly vulnerable to change, and until recently, remained largely invisible in policy debates in most countries and internationally. These factors, together with increasing vulnerability due to climate, environmental, economic and policy drivers have contributed to an emerging global crisis in small-scale fisheries. However, the survivability of many small-scale fisheries suggests they possess certain strengths and forms of resilience which remain less studied and poorly understood. While these strengths cannot be taken for granted, a holistic understanding of what causes vulnerability and what makes small-scale-fisheries viable is required.
The goal of the panel is to critically examine the diverse factors and conditions contributing to the vulnerability of small-scale fisheries, and to reflect on ways that are crucial to enhance their viability. We use the terms vulnerability and viability not just in an economic sense but also to include social, political, and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries. Just as it is possible for communities to move from vulnerability conditions toward situations of viability, a process in which they can revert back to forms of vulnerability from being viable is possible. It is important to examine and understand this multidimensional and multidirectional nature of how small-scale fisheries communities move between being vulnerable and viable in the pursuit of resilient and sustainable fishery social-ecological systems. In this panel session, researchers from the V2V Global Partnership in Asia, representing Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand, will present country-specific detailed case studies focusing on the key dimensions and directions on how small-scale fisheries communities are transitioning between vulnerability and viability. Synthesis of the insights gained from the session will help in further characterising vulnerability to viability transition processes and possible pathways. An introductory paper will be presented by the session organisers. The session will emphasise that while small-scale fisheries will continue to remain vulnerable to multiple challenges, building on their existing strengths may be an effective strategy to increase viability.
Strongly anchored in local communities, small-scale fisheries reflect a way of life, and they provide critical contributions to society, economy, culture and environment. Yet, their multiple benefits and contributions are often overlooked as many SSF communities remain economically and politically marginalised, are highly vulnerable to change, and until recently, remained largely invisible in policy debates in most countries and internationally. These factors, together with increasing vulnerability due to climate, environmental, economic and policy drivers have contributed to an emerging global crisis in small-scale fisheries. However, the survivability of many small-scale fisheries suggests they possess certain strengths and forms of resilience which remain less studied and poorly understood. While these strengths cannot be taken for granted, a holistic understanding of what causes vulnerability and what makes small-scale-fisheries viable is required.
The goal of the panel is to critically examine the diverse factors and conditions contributing to the vulnerability of small-scale fisheries, and to reflect on ways that are crucial to enhance their viability. We use the terms vulnerability and viability not just in an economic sense but also to include social, political, and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries. Just as it is possible for communities to move from vulnerability conditions toward situations of viability, a process in which they can revert back to forms of vulnerability from being viable is possible. It is important to examine and understand this multidimensional and multidirectional nature of how small-scale fisheries communities move between being vulnerable and viable in the pursuit of resilient and sustainable fishery social-ecological systems. In this panel session, researchers from the V2V Global Partnership in Asia, representing Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand, will present country-specific detailed case studies focusing on the key dimensions and directions on how small-scale fisheries communities are transitioning between vulnerability and viability. Synthesis of the insights gained from the session will help in further characterising vulnerability to viability transition processes and possible pathways. An introductory paper will be presented by the session organisers. The session will emphasise that while small-scale fisheries will continue to remain vulnerable to multiple challenges, building on their existing strengths may be an effective strategy to increase viability.
Organising a visual storytelling competition on SDGs among the students of ULAB will serve as an opportunity for the students to channel their creativity and passion (outside of their textbook) towards a purposeful cause. Visual storytelling holds the ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, conveying complex messages with simplicity and impact. Through the lens of visual storytelling, the students can explore and express their understanding of complex global challenges, devise innovative solutions, and communicate their ideas effectively to a broader audience.
Hosting competitions related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will act as a vital initiative for ULAB. This competition will offer a platform for students of ULAB to engage with some of the most pressing global challenges of the time. At the same time, the audience will have access to a visual representation of how SDGs can be portrayed through visual and creative storytelling processes. Altogether, this competition will empower students and the participants to become change-makers and equip them with the skills and motivation needed to create a sustainable and equitable future.
The GBM or Bengal river delta, with a population of 250 million relies predominantly on agriculture. In Bangladesh, agriculture accounts for 13% of the country's GDP and employs 40% of the total labor force. Despite efforts, agricultural production systems remain mostly traditional and subsistence-based. The progress toward a sustainable and diversified agriculture is crucial for the overall development of the country. However, Indian and Bangladesh coastal areas are increasingly exposed to climate variabilities, such as frequent flooding, erratic rainfall, droughts, and salinity intrusion and affects the agriculture sector. Climate change, coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices, like shrimp farming, threatens future agricultural production, natural resource sustainability, and the integrity and quality of ecosystems.
In coastal Bangladesh, where land is only centimeters above sea level, large swathes of agricultural land are becoming degraded, and crop yields are shrinking due to increased salinity. This is impacting the livelihoods of millions. Therefore, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, the ultimate solution, uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to climate change, restoring ecosystems, improving food production, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for millions. Ecosystem-based agriculture/agroecology (EBA) not only has the potential to provide sustainable livelihoods for millions but also to protect ecosystems, prevent land degradation, restore degraded lands, and support biodiversity.
This session aims to critically reassess current ecosystem-based agriculture practices from both practitioners' and academicians' perspectives with two very specific objectives in mind; a) Challenges and opportunities of EBA adoption in Sundarbans delta b) EBA Knowledge mobilization for policy advocacy. By bridging practices and theories of ecosystem-based agriculture the proposed session will delve deep into the opportunities EBA offers in terms of livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation, as well as the structural, logistical, policy, and governance challenges that EBA faces. Findings and learnings from this session will be compiled to develop a policy brief to share with stakeholders and policymakers.