Abstract:
The coastal zone is one of the most dynamic natural systems in the world.
Bangladesh, a low-lying country, is particularly vulnerable to climate change induced
sea level rise (SLR) due to its geographical location and socio-economic condition of the
people. Bangladesh is the frst country to develop and implement successful community
based adaptation (CBA) projects in the coastal areas to reduce SLR vulnerabilities and
enhance resilience capacity. In this regard, the present review examines the signifcance
and relevance of community participation in Bangladesh to cope with SLR and to
enhance community resilient capacity. The study argues that local level CBA approach
is very effective in resilience building among the most vulnerable segment of the society
as well as community involvement in decision-making process is also very crucial for
a successful resilience building process in the coastal areas. Study identifed gaps in
government policies and strategies in both National Adaptation Programme of Action
(NAPA) and Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) paid little
attention to CBA priorities. Therefore, community participation needs to be integrated
in the broader national strategies for developing effective adaptation as well as socialecological resilience system. Multilevel social networks is also essential for developing
social capital for supporting the legal, political, and fnancial frameworks that enhance
community resilience.
