Rooted Inhabitation

Our project examines the highly vulnerable coastal environment of Bangladesh, where the delicate balance between freshwater from rivers and saline water from the Bay of Bengal shapes the landscape. This region is severely impacted by frequent tropical cyclones, threatening both human settlements and natural ecosystems.



Historically, coastal communities thrived on self-sustained livelihoods through water management, crop cultivation, and fishing. However, their resilience began to erode when government policies and commercial interests disrupted the ecological and social balance. The prolonged construction of ineffective embankments and the rapid expansion of commercial shrimp farming have accelerated habitat destruction and environmental degradation along the coast.



Today, 35.1 million people struggle with dwindling access to freshwater, food, and economic opportunities—challenges that disproportionately affect women, who face additional social and cultural disadvantages. Meanwhile, coastal ecosystems are nearing collapse, with severe biodiversity loss.



Our research traces the historical transformation of these communities, identifying key stakeholders and their roles in shaping the current crisis. We propose ecological interventions that restore natural habitats while redistributing power and agency between stakeholders and local communities. By strengthening community resilience, particularly women’s control over resources and income, our approach aims to empower local populations in disaster preparedness while fostering environmental restoration.