Climate change, vulnerability and livelihood: possibilities and prospect of the charlands of Bangladesh
Climate study series, no. 1:
This paper examines the vulnerability situation of people in the Charlands of Bangladesh, communities at the grassroots in a hazard zone. It addresses management of natural resources, effective policies to reduce risks or respond to natural disasters, specific gender relations impact in disaster contexts and policy implementation and accountable local governance based on an understanding of local livelihood strategies of the people.
Charlands are sandbars that emerge as islands within the river channel or as attached land to the riverbanks as a result of the dynamics of erosion and accretion in the rivers. The Charlands, or Chars, are home to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Bangladesh and are particularly prone to the effects of frequent climatic shocks such as floods, droughts and cyclones.