Capacity development for the Bangladesh Delta Plan from the perspective of delta professionals: A qualitative study. Issue 5 (13th May 2022) - Kabir, Ashraful
Abstract: Many deltaic regions around the world are exploring or adopting planning initiatives to address the complex challenges associated with future economic development and climate change. A key feature is their adaptive nature, also coined as adaptive delta management (ADM). ADM refers to the development of strategies and measures that allow us to adapt to change over a long time. The Government of Bangladesh has recently approved the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100) – a long-term adaptive strategy for sustainable water resources management. This study aims to explore the future capacity requirements from the perspective of water/delta professionals for implementing BDP2100. This calls for structural and institutional changes, and new skills and competencies to address the specific organisational and individual needs for effective delivery. A capacity development programme as an integral part of BDP2100 is currently under development. Adopting a qualitative approach, 16 key informant interviews were conducted with experts and professionals from the water and water-related sectors in Bangladesh. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. The participants reflected that an integrated and adaptive system is critical for sustainable delta management; collaboration and coordination between water/delta professionals (e.g., policy planners, consultants, and academics) and delta expert stakeholders with deep local familiarity (e.g., communities, activists, and civil society members) were deemed essential. In addition, a powerful independent institutional body is recommended to provide stewardship and leadership in the implementation process. HIGHLIGHTS: Deltas have embraced adaptive delta management (ADM). BDP2100 – ADM blueprint for Bangladesh. Needs quantitative and qualitative changes in water sector capacity. Investigated capacity needs for the success of BDP2100 as perceived by sector experts. Integrated, adaptive approach, and interdisciplinary collaboration should be central in capacity building (CB). Independent institutional body should coordinate the sector CB needs.