TITLE:
Evaluating the Influence of Sea Level Rise on Beel Kapalia’s Livelihood and Local Adaptation Strategies: Perspectives from the Local Community
AUTHORS:
Md. Rasheeq Rahman, Tahsin Tareque, Seyedali Mirmotalebi
KEYWORDS:
Adaptation, Beel Kapalia, Climate Change, Livelihood Capitals, Sea Level Rise
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
14,
2023
ABSTRACT: Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate change-induced sea level rise due to
its location and socioeconomic position. The study examines the Beel Kapalia
region in polder no. 24 of the Monirampur upazila of Jessore district, Khulna
division. To assess local attitudes on sea level rise-related permanent
flooding, Kapalia, Monoharpur, Nehalpur, Balidaha, and Panchakori were polled.
This flooding has disrupted residents’ lifestyles, making them vulnerable to
increasing sea levels. Viability and adaptability were assessed using
livelihood capitals. Participants’ thoughts and knowledge about their resilience
in several livelihood factors were gathered using participatory rural appraisal
(PRA) instruments and a questionnaire survey in the area. Major discoveries
include the impact of permanent floods on Beel Kapalia’s livelihoods,
vulnerability and resilience assessments in numerous villages, and community
viewpoints on regional adaptation methods to mitigate these consequences. The
study found that a sustained 30.5 cm inundation would reduce local human,
natural, physical, financial, and social capital resilience to 69.6%, 30.7%,
69.1%, 68.9%, and 69.1%. A constant 61 cm inundation would lower resistance to
40.9%, 8.7%, 42.4%, 45.6%, and 43.8%. Residents believe they can weather a 30.5
cm inundation with local adaptation measures, but if the water level rises to
61 cm, they may be displaced.