Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management - 7th Batch

Institute of Disaster Management & Vulnerability Studies

Faculty of Social Science
University of Dhaka

Assignment

Title: Evaluation of Ecological Approach to Disaster

Management in Bangladesh

Date of Submission: 13 February 2015

Course Title: Concept and Theories of Disaster Management
Course Number: PGDDM 101

Student Name: Mohammad Ali

Student ID: PGDDM14732

Table of content
Page
Abstract
Chapter 0ne: Introduction Chapter
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Statement of Problem
1.3 Objectives
1.4 Methodology of the study
Chapter Two: Literature Review Chapter
Chapter Three: Findings and Discussion
Chapter Four: Concluding Chapter
4.1 Conclusion
4.2 Recommendation

Abstract
The Ecosystem Approach is a concept that integrates the management of land, water and living resources and
aims to reach a balance between three objectives: conservation of biodiversity; its sustainable use; and equitable
sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of natural resources. It is the primary implementation framework of
the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
An Ecosystem Approach takes into account that humans and cultural diversity are an integral element of most
ecosystems. It applies appropriate scientific methodologies, focused on various levels of biological organisation,
which encompass the fundamental structure, processes, functions and interactions amongst and between
organisms and their environment.
The Ecosystem Approach is not a formula, but a framework that can be adapted to suit various issues and
situations. The definition of an Ecosystem Approach does not specify any particular spatial unit or scale;
therefore it can refer to any ecological unit at any scale.
It is important to recognise that the Ecosystem Approach does not provide an all encompassing solution as its
application depends upon local, provincial, national, regional or global conditions. An Ecosystem Approach
should not be regarded as a strategy that supplants other techniques and tools; where ever possible existing
strategies and methodologies should be used in conjunction to address complex problems and issues.
The Ecosystem Approach is an adaptive management strategy that can be employed to deal with the complex
and dynamic nature of ecosystems and counteract the lack of knowledge or comprehension of their functioning.
Ecosystem processes are often non-linear, fluctuate spatially and temporally and frequently show time-lags;
these discontinuities can create a high level of uncertainty which the Ecosystem Approach can help overcome.
Adopting this balanced approach ensures that natural resources and society as a whole are positioned in the
centre of the decision making process, ensuring a more equitable and long-term future is tenable.
Available data regarding disasters and their impacts during last decade clearly indicate an exponential increase
in the vulnerability of the society and land to disasters Environmental degradation epitomized by deforestation,
loss of biodiversity, deterioration of drainage pattern, unscientific development, etc have been some of the major
factors for the increased vulnerability of the society and the land to natural disasters besides aggravating their
causative hazards.
The capacity of a society to resist the impact of these forces decides the degree of loss to it by hazard and this
depends on the precautions the society has taken during various stages of development. Thus, disasters are
inextricably linked to the development and it is up to an extent on how the development pattern takes concern of
environment. A development ignoring environmental aspect always leads to disastrous situation. The
deterioration of overall environmental sustainability is one of the main causes of increase in both physical and
socioeconomic vulnerability. Environmental degradation increases the intensity of natural disasters and is often
the factor that transforms a natural hazard or climatic extreme into a disaster. In the recent past the unscientific
developmental activities all over the world and especially in the developing countries, without giving much
consideration to the local geo-climatic conditions and other socioeconomic issues have very adversely affected
the environment, resulting into exponential increase in fragility of ecosystem making it more susceptible to
climate related disasters. The deforestation and degradation of forests during the last few decades has been the
most prominent and major reason for the present state of deteriorated environmental situation. The tremendous
population pressure and increasing needs and greed has diminished our most valuable natural resources, below
the threshold level resulting in increase of vulnerability to natural disasters.

Chapter 0ne: Introduction Chapter

1.1 Introduction
The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that
promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Application of the ecosystem approach will help
to reach a balance of the three objectives of the Convention. It is based on the application of appropriate
scientific methodologies focused on levels of biological organization which encompass the essential processes,
functions and interactions among organisms and their environment. It recognizes that humans, with their cultural
diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems.
The ecosystem approach has several benefits:
It ensures the rapid recovery of ecosystems on which local livelihoods depend.
It avoids disaster responses that have a negative impact on ecosystem recovery.
It enhances communities capacity to recover their livelihoods.
It brings the greatest improvements to present-day livelihoods while minimizing the impact of future disasters
(Masundire 2005).
The Ecosystem Approach is considered one of the most promising strategies to manage or restore ecosystems
and their services while focusing on human livelihood needs. It is a relatively recent concept and the tools for its
application are still evolving. Promoting increased investment in ecosystem management and restoration will
require the building of coalitions with non-environmental groups. Many of these organizations have started to
recognize the importance of ecosystems in disaster prevention.
Figure 1 illustrates the connections between ecosystem management, development planning and disaster risk
management. Although they each have their own specific set of stakeholders, goals and actions, a number of
goals and actions are inter-related, such as the overarching objectives of saving lives, human well being and
supporting livelihoods.
Figure 1. Using the Ecosystem Approach to ensure long-term sustainability

Development planning
Stakeholders: communities,
national economic and
social ministries,
development agencies
Goal: increase human
well-being
Identify and reduce
economic and physical
vulnerability

Ecosystem management
Stakeholders: communities,
natural
resource agencies,
environmental
organizations
Goal: resilient ecosystems
that support livelihoods
Identify vulnerable ecosystems;
restore
ecosystems and natural

Disaster risk management

Stakeholders: communities,
emergency rescue teams,
humanitarian agencies,
civil defence agencies
Goal: save lives and protect
livelihoods
Identify emergency response,
early warning and
preparedness
strategies

1.2 Statement of Problem:

Environment wisdom may be from traditional knowledge or by use of advance technologies, offers
sustainable solution to development. Integration of environmental safeguards and disaster risk reduction
is an emerging area of concern for planning at district and national levels. This is important in particular
context to presentation and mitigation of hydro-metrological hazards like floods, drought, coastal
hazards, epidemics, forest fire and the communitys vulnerability to their impacts. Besides this, postdisaster environmental issues like water & sanitation, disaster waste management, and concerns of
green recovery are the recent concerns of humanitarian and environmental agencies worldwide.

Countries like Bangladesh, posed with the challenge of densely inhabited land and growing menance of
environmental devastation, is suffering the growing trends of natural disasters and their catastrophic
impacts. Impacts of environmental devastations and security concern as well. Management of
environment its resources like climate, water ecosystems and associated activities need to be
managed in a planned way so that hazards and vulnerabilities are curbed to the extent of peoples
indigenous coping capacity. Role of higher education and research institutions in promoting
environment based disaster management is equally important besides the policy environment for
facilitating a more sustainable approach.

Available data regarding disasters and their impacts during last decade clearly indicate an exponential
increase in the vulnerability of the society and land to disasters Environmental degradation epitomized
by deforestation, loss of biodiversity, deterioration of drainage pattern, unscientific development, etc
have been some of the major factors for the increased vulnerability of the society and the land to natural
disasters besides aggravating their causative hazards.

The capacity of a society to resist the impact of these forces decides the degree of loss to it by hazard
and this depends on the precautions the society has taken during various stages of development. Thus,
disasters are inextricably linked to the development and it is up to an extent on how the development
pattern takes concern of environment. A development ignoring environmental aspect always lead to
disastrous situation. The deterioration of overall environmental sustainability is one of the main causes
of increase in both physical and socioeconomic vulnerability. Environmental degradation increases the
intensity of natural disasters and is often the factor that transforms a natural hazard or climatic extreme
into a disaster. In the recent past the unscientific developmental activities all over the world and
especially in the developing countries, without giving much consideration to the local geo-climatic
conditions and other socioeconomic issues have very adversely affected the environment, resulting into
exponential increase in fragility of ecosystem making it more susceptible to climate related disasters.
The deforestation and degradation of forests during the last few decades has been the most prominent
and major reason for the present state of deteriorated environmental situation. The tremendous
population pressure and increasing needs and greed has diminished our most valuable natural
resources, below the threshold level resulting in increase of vulnerability to natural disasters.

1.3 Objectives
To find out incorporation of Ecological Approach to Disaster Management in government policy documents and
practice.

1.4 Methodology of the study

Methodology is a vital part of research, which helps the researchers how to follow scientific principles of research
and what types of procedures to be followed in conducting the research smoothly. The methodological procedure
of a scientific research includes research design, selection of study area, sampling procedures, data collection
techniques, and how to analyze the collected data from the field by following scientific techniques. This chapter
provides an overview of methodological framework and how the scientific parameters have been followed in
developing a research design, section of sample size and study area, and the use of data collection techniques
in order to explore the Evaluation of Ecological Approach to Disaster Management in Bangladesh.
Study design
The researcher would like to see the objectives from the natural setting of a particular society which disaster is
seen as a social crisis. The study will follow qualitative research approaches. Since, qualitative research
methods are valuable in providing rich descriptions of complex phenomena; tracking unique or unexpected
events; illuminating the experience and interpretation of events by actors with widely differing stakes and roles;
giving voice to those whose views are rarely heard; conducting initial explorations to develop theories and to
generate and even test hypotheses; and moving toward explanations. Qualitative and quantitative methods can
be complementary, used in sequence or in tandem. The best qualitative research is systematic and rigorous, and
it seeks to reduce bias and error and to identify evidence that disconfirms initial or emergent hypotheses.
Qualitative researchers see most areas of social life as intrinsically qualitative. To them, qualitative data are data
are not imprecise or deficient; they are highly meaningful. Instead of trying to convert social life into variables or
numbers, qualitative researchers borrow ideas from the people they study and place them within the concept of a
natural setting. They examine motifs, themes, distinctions, and ideas instead of variables, and they adopt the
inductive approach grounded theory (Neuman, 2006).
The data had been collected through both secondary and primary resources. The primary data collected by KII
and the secondary data has been collected through content analysis of journal, books, articles and newspaper.
The following figure has presented the research design of the study:
Study Design

Qualitative
method

Secondary
resource analysis
Figure 1: Study design

Sampling
Sampling enables the researcher to study a relatively small part of the target population and yet obtain data that
are representative of the whole (Bryman, 2008). The present study has been guided following purposive
sampling rather than random sampling because of subject matter of the study. As studying a random sample
provides the best opportunity to generalize the results to the population but not the most effective way of
developing and understanding of complex issues relating to human behavior while the qualitative research
provide some valuable information about the whole insight of the research (Marshall, 19996). Thus the study to
explore the nature of political economy of disaster has followed purposive technique to select the respondents.
Tools of data collection
Data had been collected from the primary and secondary resources. Primary data have been collected through
key informant interview, while secondary data have been gathered from related journal, articles, books,
newspaper. The tools and techniques of data collection are given below by a figure (figure- 2).

Data analysis
The thematic approach is considered as one of the most important ways of analyze qualitative data (Fereday &
Muir-Cochrane, 2007; Brixey, Robinson, et. Al, 2007). The thematic analysis process involves several stages for
developing themes from the interview data. First, reviewing the interview transcripts, data were clustered for
coding. Second several categories were identified from the open coding process, various techniques were used
to cluster different statement such as underlining, highlighting etc. third a number of groups were developed from
the similar kind of statements. Finally a number of similar groups contributed to develop each category as a
separate theme.
Book
Tool and
techniques of
data collection

Secondary
Data

Journal
Articles

Content
Analysis

Newspaper
Figure- 2: Data collection techniques

Chapter Two: Literature Review Chapter

Conservation and enhancement of critical ecosystems
Necessary measures will be taken to conserve and develop aquatic and terrestrial including all the ecosystems
of importance identified by the Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy (Mangrove, coral reef, tidal wetland,
sea grass bed, barrier island, estuary, closed water body, etc). Implementation of all laws for the protection of all
special areas5 will be ensured for environmental balance. Government policy will be as follows:
Conserving the ecosystems
a. Meaningful conservation shall be enforced of critical ecosystems including ECAs, heritage sites and marine
reserves;
b. Special measures will be taken for conservation and development of the natural environment of Sundarban;
c. The programs for institutional strengthening and capacity building shall be supported along with further
development of the regulatory framework for the protection of the environment;
d. The role of the Coast Guard will be acknowledged with emphasis and its capacity will be enhanced so that it
can be used on behalf of all relevant institutions as a common resource for enforcement of different regulations
applicable to the coastal zone;
e. For activities that have direct adverse consequences on bio-diversity, steps will be taken to stop those
activities and specific mitigation measures will be taken to minimize those effects;
f. To protect the environment, all commitments shall be honored as signatory to different international protocols
and guidelines in planning and implementation;
g. Efforts shall be made to harmonize in the provisions of different existing laws and enact new laws, where
required, to protect and preserve the coastal environment and its resources;
h. Special measures will be taken for bio-diversity conservation;
i. Measures will be taken for hill management including prohibition of hill cutting.
Pollution Control
a. Zoning regulations will be established for location of new industries in consideration of fresh and safe water
availability and effluent discharge possibilities;
b. All industrial units will be required to install built-in safeguards against pollution within a given timeframe and
will help them in obtaining financial support from international bodies to carry out the adjustments. Units failing to
comply with the pollution standards will be required to pay green tax for cleanup of the environment polluted by
them;

c. Sewage treatment plants will be set up for the major cities like Chittagong, Khulna and Barisal and gradually in
other urban centers;
d. Steps will be taken to handle the issue of discharge of bilge water from ships and oil-spill according to
international conventions to which Bangladesh is a signatory;
e. A review of the desirability of supporting ship breaking as an industry `will be done and, in the event of its
continuation, environmental standards will be prescribed under which it has to conduct its activities.
Climate Change
a. Existing institutional arrangements for monitoring of climate change in Bangladesh will continue. Steps will be
taken to support upgrading of technology and institutional strengthening for enhancing their capacity for
generation of better data and more accurate long-term prediction and risk related to climate change;
b. Implementation of adaptive measures identified in relation to climate change for coastal zone and resources
shall be gradually undertaken;
c. Efforts shall be made to continuously maintain sea-dykes along the coastline as first line of defense against
predicted sea-level rise;
d. An institutional framework for monitoring/detecting sea level rise shall be made and a contingency plans for
coping with its impact.
Chapter Three: Findings and Discussion
The recent Interim PRSP document has identified coastal region as areas vulnerable to adverse ecological
processes and indicated the requirement of special development programs for its sustainable management.
The CDS will be compatible to document of PRSP. I am happy to know that the main line of thinking is on
utilization of positive strengths of existing institutions and on partnership building among all the stakeholders.
In this connection, I like to re-affirm the commitment of the Government of Bangladesh in ICZMP Process and
Project. Recently, a joint GoB/RNE/ DfID review mission has appraised the project very positively and made
certain recommendations. The Government will strongly request the Dutch Government and other development
partners to support investments projects, which will eventually be identified as Priority Investment Program (PIP)
following the directions of CZPo and the Strategy.
To support biodiversity, the NFoPo (1994) would attempt to increase the amount of protected areas for national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves by 10 per cent of the reserved forests. The policy goes further
keeping in view the ecology, the management of forest lands will be brought under profit-oriented business. The
logic is not explained in the policy document.
The coast of Bangladesh is known as a zone of vulnerabilities as well as opportunities. It is prone to natural
disasters like cyclone, storm surge and flood. The combination of natural and man-made hazards, such as
erosion, high arsenic content in ground water, water logging, earthquake, water and soil salinity, various forms of
pollution, risks from climate change, etc, have adversely affected lives and livelihoods in the coastal zone and
slowed down the pace of social and economic developments in this region. Environmental approach to disaster
risk management aims at utilizing environmental knowledge and practices in all stages of risk-cycle so as to
reduce disasters risk, impact and ensure sustainability in reconstruction and recovery. It starts with the
understanding of the environmental basis of disasters, or in other words recognizing disasters as
environmental events.
Floods in an urbanised landscape refer to the partial or complete inundation from the rapid accumulation or runoff resulting in the damage to property and loss of biotic elements (including humans). Urban flooding is a
consequence of increased impermeable catchments resulting in higher catchment yield in a shorter duration and
flood peaks sometimes reach up to three times. Thus, flooding occurs quickly due to faster flow times (in a matter
of minutes). Causal factors include combinations of loss of pervious area in urbanising landscapes, inadequate
drainage systems, blockade due to indiscriminate disposal of solid waste and building debris, encroachment of
storm water drains, housing in floodplains and natural drainage and loss of natural flood-storages sites. Flood

mitigation in urban landscape entails integrated ecological approaches combining the watershed land-use
planning with the regional development planning. This includes engineering measures and flood preparedness
with the understanding of ecological and hydrological functions of the landscape.
Globally, disaster management has voiced of a paradigm shift from response & relief centric in approach to
mitigation and preparedness, a lesson drawn from UN-IDNDR. A 2nd paradigm shift is on-way as driven by
climate-change awareness and sustainability concerns in disaster management (Gupta, 2010). This has resulted
in wider acceptance of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) concept over Disaster Management and greater
recognition of Environmental approach to disaster risk reduction and management is now a prime concern in
disaster management strategies worldwide. Environmental management for disaster risk reduction did not exist
as a formal field of practice. Instead, its scope is largely defined by the goals set by organizations working on
related issues, namely: ecosystems conservation, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction and climate
change adaptation / mitigation, etc. Human societies cannot be dissociated from the environment that they
shape and which in turn influence their development and livelihoods. Together they form a comprehensive
system with intrinsic levels of vulnerability and inherent coping mechanisms. The less degraded the
environmental component of this system, the lower its overall vulnerability and the higher its coping capacity.
the principles set out in the Hyogo Framework (HFA) are acknowledged by the UN-ISDR, which defines ten
Opportunities for Environment in the context of disaster prevention or reduction (UNEP, 2010):
1. Engage environmental managers fully in natural disaster risk management mechanisms;
2. Include risk reduction criteria in environmental regulatory frameworks;
3. Assess environmental change as a parameter of risk;
4. Utilize local knowledge in community-based disaster risk management;
5. Engage the scientific community to promote environmental research and innovation;
6. Protect and value ecosystem services;
7. Consider environmental technologies and designs for structural defenses;
8. Integrate environmental and disaster risk considerations in spatial planning;
9. Prepare for environmental emergencies; and,
10. Strengthen capacities for environmental recovery.
Chapter Four: Concluding Chapter
4.1 Conclusion
People live in the coast risking high. It is our moral duty to do something for our next generation that could
contribute reducing their risk. To reduce the risks of natural disaster and to ensure ecological balance massive
afforestation in coastal belt is needed. Afforestation and agriculture should be given similar attention. Human
settlement should take place proportionately to the forest coverage.
The ecology and environment of the area is changing. Salinization, river drying and declined fresh water flow,
changes in the rainfall and groundwater pattern are making the life of the people worse. The SundarbanEcosystem is changing. Establishment of a Research and Training Center to analyze these phenomena is
needed. Establishment of a deer-breeding center at Gabura Union could be considered.
The coast also contains several ecosystems that have important conservation values. Part of the Sundarban, the
worlds largest stretch of mangrove ecosystem, has been declared a World Heritage Site, whereas coral
ecosystems are found around St Martins Island. The coastal zone has not only biodiversity hot spots, but also
provides the ecological foundation for an important common property resource; A large portion of these
resources is various types of fisheries the Bay of Bengal.
4.2 Recommendation
The Government has made the coastal zone policy statements in relation to development objectives. These
policies provide general guidance so that the coastal people can pursue their livelihoods under secured

conditions in a sustainable manner without impairing the integrity of the natural environment. Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Plan
The view that disasters can be managed by technical interventions only, has undergone a crucial change with
recognition of the ecological approach to disaster management. The crucial role of environment in disaster risk
reduction and post disaster recovery has also been recognized by several international conferences and
deliberations. The International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR, 1990s) concluded that
environmental protection, as a component of sustainable development and consistent with poverty alleviation, is
imperative in the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters (ISDR 2002). The UN decade of education for
sustainable development (DESD- 2005-2014) and the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR- 2005)
held in Kobe Japan also emphasized on the effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable
development policies, planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on disaster prevention,
mitigation, preparedness and vulnerability reduction. The Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2014), a 10-year
plan to make the world safer from natural hazards, adopted by 168 Member States at the WCDR, has also
recognized that ecosystem management is central to building resilience of communities and nations against
disasters.
The ecological model of disaster risk reduction and recovery emphasizes on the sustainability of ecological
services and systems. The disasters bring deterioration in ecosystem services and sustainability of ecosystems
thereby increasing the risk to people and their livelihood resource base. From an economic viewpoint,
investments in preventive measures, includingin maintaining healthy ecosystems, are seven-fold more cost
effective than the costs incurred by disasters (World Bank, 2004). However, use of ecosystems as bioshields is
not a panacea for reducing peoples vulnerability to natural disasters and should be accompanied by other
measures such as early warning systems and disaster preparedness (Feagin et al. 2010). The opportunities that
effective ecosystem management provides in terms of decreasing vulnerability of both people and ecosystems to
future extreme events should be given high priority in disaster management planning.

References:
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Forest Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

(May 2012) Rio + 20: National Report on Sustainable Development, : Ministry of Environment and
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Mohammad Abdul Wazed (2011-2013) National progress report on the implementation of the Hyogo
Framework for Action (2011-2013), : Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Ministry of Disaster
Management and Relief (MoDMR).

Mizanur R ahman B ijoy, Tapas R anjan Chakraborty (October, 2013) An overview on gaps and
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