Resilience through Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative: A Case Study on Disaster Resilient Habitat in Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Ashraf Mirza Ali 
Published: December 2024

Due to spatial geomorphological and climatological conditions, Bainpara is susceptible to tropical cyclones along with tidal surge. Most adverse effects of climate change are anticipated here in the form of extreme weather events like tropical sea cyclones along with tide flow. The study area is carrying a huge burden of population as compared to its resource potentialities and employment opportunities. Cyclone Aila hit the south-western coast of Bangladesh leading to large scale damages to lives, infrastructures, livelihoods and economy of the area. Moreover, weak economic condition along with inadequate infrastructure and higher dependency of natural resources in this area makes the situation more vulnerable. Within this context, CDMP-II has come forward to rebuild the community with the new concept of Disaster Resilient Habitat (DRH)- Bainpara Model Village (BMV). This research investigates the multifaceted relationship between resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the context of coastal Bangladesh, highly vulnerable to climatic disasters. Employing a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative techniques. this study explores how localized DRR strategies influence community resilience in disaster-prone habitats. Primary and secondary data was collected to meet the objective of the study. However, primary data has been collected through questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII) and case study. Relevant published and unpublished document has been analyzed in brief for collecting secondary data. The research assesses community vulnerability to hazards such as cyclones, tidal surge, coastal erosion, water logging and salinity intrusion as well as explores the adaptive capacities of households and communities, Central to this inquiry, identification of effective DRR practices can mitigate disaster risks and improved livelihoods, ultimately leading to sustainable development. It is evident that implementation of BMV bring positive changes in the lives and livelihood for the beneficiaries of the BMV. It is revealed that DRH holds significant promise for protecting poor and excluded people against current and future weather extremes and tackling increasing levels of risk and vulnerability. It is found from the study that the community of BMV transformed themselves from being vulnerable victims of disasters to examples of resilience. It is now the reality that BMV project provides a sustainable solution, which tackle up deep-rooted disadvantage of coastal poverty and underlying vulnerability of the community. This could be the example of Build Back Better (BBB) the fourth priority of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 after Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015. The findings highlight the importance of community involvement, incorporating local knowledge and considering socio-economic factors in shaping resilience outcomes. Moreover, the research underscores the necessity for inclusive policies that align DRR and CCA efforts, ensuring sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions. It is expected that this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on disaster management, providing actionable insights for policymakers, development partners and practitioners working for strengthening resilience in similar contexts. BMV-the DRH model could be replicated in another vulnerable coastal areas as this represents a positive change in the lives and livelihood of the community.