The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna estuary forms the central and most dynamic part of the coastal zone of Bangladesh. It is being shaped by a complex pattern of interactions between phenomena as the discharge of water, the sediment load, tidal forces, and estuarine circulation. This leads to a permanent process of formation and erosion of land and, indeed, to moving coastlines. It is a unique environment, not seen at this scale in any other part of the world.

The book follows three interwoven themes. It follows a chronological line, focusing on natural and biological resources: the emergence of land and the subsequent use of new land for forestry, fisheries, animal husbandry, agriculture and infrastructure. It highlights the people and their institutions. Erosion victims lose their land and move to new chars, building new livelihoods in a harsh environment. Community-based institutions emerge and government gradually makes its influence felt in these virgin territories. The third theme is the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of people and on the physical processes in the estuary.

Contents

Chapter 1         Setting the Stage
Chapter 2          Land Formation and Erosion in the Estuary         
Chapter 3          Unprotected Areas, Polder Development and Operation &
Chapter 4           Forestry Development in Coastal Areas
Chapter 5           Wild Fisheries and Aquaculture
Chapter 6           Animal Husbandry in Livelihoods in the Chars
Chapter 7           Water, Soils and Crops
Chapter 8           Land Settlement: The Process of Providing Land Title
Chapter 9           Changing Livelihoods: Institutional and Socio-Economic Transformation in Coastal Chars
Chapter 10         Coping with Climate Change at Community Level
Chapter 11         Climate Change, Bangladesh and the Estuary
Chapter 12         The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100
Chapter 13         Meaning of BDP2100 for the Coastal Zone: Coastal Development in
Chapter 14         Conclusion: Taking Stock and Looking Forward