Ainun Nishat | BRAC University (original) (raw)
Papers by Ainun Nishat
IUCN eBooks, 2008
This pictorial book captures the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen in the Noakha... more This pictorial book captures the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen in the Noakhali Sadar and Subarnachar, low-lying coastal areas of Bangladesh.It also shows adaptation measures being adopted to respond to current and future changes in the climate regime.As part of the preparation for this book a study was carried out to assess the vulnerability of the people of Noakhali. It noted that their vulnerability is exacerbated by natural disasters and their socioeconomic conditions.
The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain re... more The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain region extending 3,500km from Myanmar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, from the Tibetan plateau in the north to the Indo-Ganges basin in the south. To develop an IUCN Bangladesh mountain programme for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in this region, a two-day workshop was organized. The proceedings of this workshop focus on the prioritized list of conservation issues in the Himal region, as well as perceived gaps and recommendations for Himal programme, a needs assessment and prioritization of conservation issues in the participating countries.
North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water, 1996
A haor is a bowl shaped depression which are flooded every year during monsoon. It remains under ... more A haor is a bowl shaped depression which are flooded every year during monsoon. It remains under water for seven months of the year. This paper gives an outline of the environmental considerations for the development of water resources in haor areas located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. The area is subdivided into three major parts which are similar in morphology and hydrology: the piedmont area (area around the hill foot), the flood plain and the deeply flooded area. The hydrology, morphology, fishery, agronomy, and socio economy for these areas have been discussed; and the impact of flood control projects on the environment is investigated. The main crop grown in the haor area is boro or dry season rice. Damage to boro crops due to early monsoon flash floods just before the harvest is common. Protection against this early flash flood is essential. Water resources projects aim at either full flood dykes for the year round rice cultivation or submersible dykes for protection of boro rice. It has been established that submersible dykes with adequate number of water regulating structures coupled with the mitigation to fishery and navigation is the recommended mode of development.
Coastal research library, 2019
The countries those share watersheds of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna River (in shor... more The countries those share watersheds of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna River (in short, the GBM Region) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They should be concerned because their unique natural systems are such that the Himalayan snow and glaciers, glacier lakes, and inland and coastal wetlands could suffer irreparable loss from climate change. Therefore, water resources and the dependent ecosystems will be affected. Changes in precipitation will affect water resources availability. Climate change will also alter magnitude and extent of extreme weather events, for example, timing of floods. Although the pattern of vulnerability and impacts would be similar (with some exceptions) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, their climate change policies are mostly different. Regional integration of climate change policies is proposed under a suitable institutional framework. It is proposed that the BBIN Sub-Regional Cooperation Initiative under the SAARC may be the designated institution to address the key concerns and vulnerabilities. The GBM region is brought into focus in this discussion in order to understand the need for regional cooperation with respect to Sundarbans in the final chapter based on details of the features that exist on a much larger and root-level platform.
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 1988
The Sundarbans, the immense tidal mangrove forests of Bangladesh, are a mosaic of islands of diff... more The Sundarbans, the immense tidal mangrove forests of Bangladesh, are a mosaic of islands of different shapes and sizes, perennially washed by brackish water swirling in and around the endless and mind-boggling labyrinths of twisting water channels. This is the place where mainland Bangladesh meets the Bay of Bengal, making the area a globally unique ecological niche. This full colour publication has captured the Sundarbans in all their glory, and gives us a glimpse of its animals and plants, as well as its social and spiritual life.
Coastal research library, 2019
The Sundarbans, the single largest mangroves forest in the World is shared by Bangladesh and Indi... more The Sundarbans, the single largest mangroves forest in the World is shared by Bangladesh and India. It is situated in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Meghna rivers. The Sundarbans ecosystem interacts with the coastal processes of the Bay of Bengal and the Ganges River and its distributaries. The mangrove forest is sensitive to sea surface and surface temperatures, precipitation, fresh water flows, saline water intrusion and sedimentation. The value of the ecosystem services of the Sundarbans is enormous. Salinity intrusion due to reduced flow of the Ganges since the commissioning of the Farakka Barrage in 1975 has been affecting the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is also vulnerable to frequent occurrences of cyclones and associated storm surges. Livelihoods of the people living in and around Sundarbans are also affected by the changes that are taking place there. Future climate change and sea level rise together with human interventions on the upstream water flows may affect the Sundarbans ecosystem significantly. The possible impacts can be reduced by mainstreaming adaptation in the national policies and programmes of the departments/institutions involved with the management of the Sundarbans. However, many challenges are associated with the mainstream process which need to be addressed. India and Bangladesh can work together for the sustenance of the Sundarbans ecosystem and to safeguard livelihoods of millions of people.
The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain re... more The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain region extending 3,500km from Myanmar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, from the Tibetan plateau in the north to the Indo-Ganges basin in the south. To develop an IUCN Bangladesh mountain programme for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in this region, a two-day workshop was organized. The proceedings of this workshop focus on the prioritized list of conservation issues in the Himal region, as well as perceived gaps and recommendations for Himal programme, a needs assessment and prioritization of conservation issues in the participating countries.
Coastal research library, 2019
Sundarbans, an unique mangrove forest, located in the Ganges delta, with its rich floral and faun... more Sundarbans, an unique mangrove forest, located in the Ganges delta, with its rich floral and faunal composition has already been badly impacted by adverse impacts of climate change. The average temperature has already climbed by more than 1.0 °C since 1880 and warming rate is on increase. The conservative prediction of IPCC has clearly stated that the sea level may rise by 23 inches by the end of the century, increasing salinity level in the Sundarbans. Up to 30% of animal and plant species could be wiped out by a global temperature rise of 2.7–4.5 °C. Under such change the nature might adjust (i.e. adapt). It is already visible that some species that prefer low saline condition, such as Sundri (Heritierra fomes), Shingra (Cynometra ramiflora), etc. have started to die in Sundarbans, while Passur (Xylocarpus granatum) has become almost rare now. More salt tolerant species, such as Goran (Ceriops roxburgii), Jhana (Rhizophora mucronata), etc. will come to occupy these sites. Similar impact is seen on aquatic fauna as well. With the climate change impact, availability of both surface water and ground water in the Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ) will decline. The intensity and frequency of cyclonic storms and tidal surges will gradually increase. Adverse impacts of climate change on flora and fauna of the forest need to be monitored closely to work out appropriate plans for adaptive steps.
Confronting Climate Change in Bangladesh, 2019
Climate change loss and damage is evident in hydrological perturbations among river systems in Ba... more Climate change loss and damage is evident in hydrological perturbations among river systems in Bangladesh. Significant disruptions include changes in the intensity, frequency, and seasonality of peak and low flow characteristics. Over the last few decades, water-related disasters conveyed through the river systems have caused increased economic damage of assets and infrastructure. Other impacts include the loss of fish spawning grounds and reduced agricultural production due to changes in the hydrological regime. This chapter discusses a broad range of generalised approaches to address water-related disasters and changes in hydrological characteristics.
In Bangladesh, wetlands are managed through leasing system traditionally from time immemorial. Re... more In Bangladesh, wetlands are managed through leasing system traditionally from time immemorial. Recently the Government accepted co-management approach for wetland fisheries management and this approach is being practiced in few wetlands for maximize revenue income. A study was carried out to evaluate trend and impact of co-management in Tanguar haor (a Ramsar site wetland) on fisheries resources and livelihood of resident people in the immediate vicinity of the wetland. In Tanguar haor, conflict between leaseholders and the local community was a common phenomenon in the past. Since 2003 the district administration of Sunamganj has been managing the vast wetland resources, however, local people participation was ignored in haor management system. Average monthly fish catch of fishermen increased by 17% after introduction of co-management system and 7 fish species reappeared after introduction of co-management. Average monthly volume of fish catch has increased from 70 kg to 87 kg. A ...
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2009
ABSTRACT This article was submitted without an abstract, please refer to the full-text PDF file.
IUCN eBooks, 2008
This pictorial book captures the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen in the Noakha... more This pictorial book captures the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen in the Noakhali Sadar and Subarnachar, low-lying coastal areas of Bangladesh.It also shows adaptation measures being adopted to respond to current and future changes in the climate regime.As part of the preparation for this book a study was carried out to assess the vulnerability of the people of Noakhali. It noted that their vulnerability is exacerbated by natural disasters and their socioeconomic conditions.
The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain re... more The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain region extending 3,500km from Myanmar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, from the Tibetan plateau in the north to the Indo-Ganges basin in the south. To develop an IUCN Bangladesh mountain programme for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in this region, a two-day workshop was organized. The proceedings of this workshop focus on the prioritized list of conservation issues in the Himal region, as well as perceived gaps and recommendations for Himal programme, a needs assessment and prioritization of conservation issues in the participating countries.
North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water, 1996
A haor is a bowl shaped depression which are flooded every year during monsoon. It remains under ... more A haor is a bowl shaped depression which are flooded every year during monsoon. It remains under water for seven months of the year. This paper gives an outline of the environmental considerations for the development of water resources in haor areas located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. The area is subdivided into three major parts which are similar in morphology and hydrology: the piedmont area (area around the hill foot), the flood plain and the deeply flooded area. The hydrology, morphology, fishery, agronomy, and socio economy for these areas have been discussed; and the impact of flood control projects on the environment is investigated. The main crop grown in the haor area is boro or dry season rice. Damage to boro crops due to early monsoon flash floods just before the harvest is common. Protection against this early flash flood is essential. Water resources projects aim at either full flood dykes for the year round rice cultivation or submersible dykes for protection of boro rice. It has been established that submersible dykes with adequate number of water regulating structures coupled with the mitigation to fishery and navigation is the recommended mode of development.
Coastal research library, 2019
The countries those share watersheds of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna River (in shor... more The countries those share watersheds of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna River (in short, the GBM Region) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They should be concerned because their unique natural systems are such that the Himalayan snow and glaciers, glacier lakes, and inland and coastal wetlands could suffer irreparable loss from climate change. Therefore, water resources and the dependent ecosystems will be affected. Changes in precipitation will affect water resources availability. Climate change will also alter magnitude and extent of extreme weather events, for example, timing of floods. Although the pattern of vulnerability and impacts would be similar (with some exceptions) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, their climate change policies are mostly different. Regional integration of climate change policies is proposed under a suitable institutional framework. It is proposed that the BBIN Sub-Regional Cooperation Initiative under the SAARC may be the designated institution to address the key concerns and vulnerabilities. The GBM region is brought into focus in this discussion in order to understand the need for regional cooperation with respect to Sundarbans in the final chapter based on details of the features that exist on a much larger and root-level platform.
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 1988
The Sundarbans, the immense tidal mangrove forests of Bangladesh, are a mosaic of islands of diff... more The Sundarbans, the immense tidal mangrove forests of Bangladesh, are a mosaic of islands of different shapes and sizes, perennially washed by brackish water swirling in and around the endless and mind-boggling labyrinths of twisting water channels. This is the place where mainland Bangladesh meets the Bay of Bengal, making the area a globally unique ecological niche. This full colour publication has captured the Sundarbans in all their glory, and gives us a glimpse of its animals and plants, as well as its social and spiritual life.
Coastal research library, 2019
The Sundarbans, the single largest mangroves forest in the World is shared by Bangladesh and Indi... more The Sundarbans, the single largest mangroves forest in the World is shared by Bangladesh and India. It is situated in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Meghna rivers. The Sundarbans ecosystem interacts with the coastal processes of the Bay of Bengal and the Ganges River and its distributaries. The mangrove forest is sensitive to sea surface and surface temperatures, precipitation, fresh water flows, saline water intrusion and sedimentation. The value of the ecosystem services of the Sundarbans is enormous. Salinity intrusion due to reduced flow of the Ganges since the commissioning of the Farakka Barrage in 1975 has been affecting the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is also vulnerable to frequent occurrences of cyclones and associated storm surges. Livelihoods of the people living in and around Sundarbans are also affected by the changes that are taking place there. Future climate change and sea level rise together with human interventions on the upstream water flows may affect the Sundarbans ecosystem significantly. The possible impacts can be reduced by mainstreaming adaptation in the national policies and programmes of the departments/institutions involved with the management of the Sundarbans. However, many challenges are associated with the mainstream process which need to be addressed. India and Bangladesh can work together for the sustenance of the Sundarbans ecosystem and to safeguard livelihoods of millions of people.
The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain re... more The Himal region - the Hindukush-Karakorum-Himlayas (HKH)- is the world's largest mountain region extending 3,500km from Myanmar in the east to Afghanistan in the west, from the Tibetan plateau in the north to the Indo-Ganges basin in the south. To develop an IUCN Bangladesh mountain programme for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in this region, a two-day workshop was organized. The proceedings of this workshop focus on the prioritized list of conservation issues in the Himal region, as well as perceived gaps and recommendations for Himal programme, a needs assessment and prioritization of conservation issues in the participating countries.
Coastal research library, 2019
Sundarbans, an unique mangrove forest, located in the Ganges delta, with its rich floral and faun... more Sundarbans, an unique mangrove forest, located in the Ganges delta, with its rich floral and faunal composition has already been badly impacted by adverse impacts of climate change. The average temperature has already climbed by more than 1.0 °C since 1880 and warming rate is on increase. The conservative prediction of IPCC has clearly stated that the sea level may rise by 23 inches by the end of the century, increasing salinity level in the Sundarbans. Up to 30% of animal and plant species could be wiped out by a global temperature rise of 2.7–4.5 °C. Under such change the nature might adjust (i.e. adapt). It is already visible that some species that prefer low saline condition, such as Sundri (Heritierra fomes), Shingra (Cynometra ramiflora), etc. have started to die in Sundarbans, while Passur (Xylocarpus granatum) has become almost rare now. More salt tolerant species, such as Goran (Ceriops roxburgii), Jhana (Rhizophora mucronata), etc. will come to occupy these sites. Similar impact is seen on aquatic fauna as well. With the climate change impact, availability of both surface water and ground water in the Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ) will decline. The intensity and frequency of cyclonic storms and tidal surges will gradually increase. Adverse impacts of climate change on flora and fauna of the forest need to be monitored closely to work out appropriate plans for adaptive steps.
Confronting Climate Change in Bangladesh, 2019
Climate change loss and damage is evident in hydrological perturbations among river systems in Ba... more Climate change loss and damage is evident in hydrological perturbations among river systems in Bangladesh. Significant disruptions include changes in the intensity, frequency, and seasonality of peak and low flow characteristics. Over the last few decades, water-related disasters conveyed through the river systems have caused increased economic damage of assets and infrastructure. Other impacts include the loss of fish spawning grounds and reduced agricultural production due to changes in the hydrological regime. This chapter discusses a broad range of generalised approaches to address water-related disasters and changes in hydrological characteristics.
In Bangladesh, wetlands are managed through leasing system traditionally from time immemorial. Re... more In Bangladesh, wetlands are managed through leasing system traditionally from time immemorial. Recently the Government accepted co-management approach for wetland fisheries management and this approach is being practiced in few wetlands for maximize revenue income. A study was carried out to evaluate trend and impact of co-management in Tanguar haor (a Ramsar site wetland) on fisheries resources and livelihood of resident people in the immediate vicinity of the wetland. In Tanguar haor, conflict between leaseholders and the local community was a common phenomenon in the past. Since 2003 the district administration of Sunamganj has been managing the vast wetland resources, however, local people participation was ignored in haor management system. Average monthly fish catch of fishermen increased by 17% after introduction of co-management system and 7 fish species reappeared after introduction of co-management. Average monthly volume of fish catch has increased from 70 kg to 87 kg. A ...
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2009
ABSTRACT This article was submitted without an abstract, please refer to the full-text PDF file.