Natural Hazards and Livelihood Crisis in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta: Towards Social Engineering and Nature-Based Solutions

This book offers a new lens, combining nature-based solutions (NBS) and social engineering (SE) to address the environmental and social dimensions of hazard resilience. Natural hazards increasingly disrupt livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable and ecologically sensitive areas like deltas. Climate change and human interventions have intensified these events, turning floods, cyclones, and erosion into recurring, quasi-natural disasters. In delta regions, where dense populations rely heavily on natural resources, the loss of land, water access, and productive ecosystems severely undermines livelihood security.

Resilience depends not only on infrastructure or aid, but also on the diversity of livelihood strategies, social and economic adaptability, and equitable access to resources. While past research often focuses on risk models and mitigation measures, it frequently neglects the lived experience of crisis - how opportunities are lost, pathways to recovery are blocked, and which sections of society are repeatedly left behind.

NBS, such as mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, or green buffer zones, are particularly relevant for delta systems, offering low-cost, sustainable protection. SE complements this by fostering community-led adaptation and transforming social behaviors harmoniously with natural systems.

Focusing on delta regions and beyond, this book fills a critical gap by integrating hazard science, livelihood analysis, and community-centered approaches. It aims to support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient futures, especially for those on the frontline of climate and environmental crises.