The workshop on the 2nd of December confirmed the
interest in and opportunities for research on greener flood management
solutions and strategies, from a Bangladesh perspective. Especially in the
parallel discussion it showed that this would fill a gap between water related
research versus more environmental related research. On the other hand, it also
became clear that the terminology needs some tuning: despite attempt to define ‘green
flood management’ it was still understood in multiple ways; as in green economy
(solutions contributing to sustainable economic growth), green growth (measure
to ensure higher agricultural production to feed the country), to considering
the environmental impacts of planned flood infrastructures. So, my first task
is to re-check terminology and possible alternative formulations of the
research theme.
The second part of the trip involved field visits to the
Jessore-Khulna region. It was great to have an impression of the delta, which
reminded me also about my work in Vietnam some years ago. Very remarkable to see (nearly) the same practices, rice and fish production, similar kind of houses, and the general 'delta looks'. We visited some of the beels in which Tidal River Management
is on-going, took place or is planned. TRM is a nice example of ecosystem-based flood management, as the practice departs
from the dynamics in the river and broader ecosystem functioning
simultaneously. Especially the social dimension of TRM is interesting: people
developing, hijacking, promoting, opposing the concept. I also enjoyed the
discussions with Mahmouda, Farhana and Arjen on our individual research plans and shared interests. We also had a intensive session in which we developed an outline for a
joint paper.
To conclude this short story, for me the trip ‘joined’
the three sides of the delta: the Netherlands, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
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