- Sub-theme-1: Natural Environment and Sustainable Development
Bangladesh has unique geographical location and natural environmental setting dominated by the intricate river networks and their floodplains. The presence of Tertiary hills, mangrove and evergreen forests, natural resources and coastal exposure have made its physiography more diversified. In the context of climate change, the natural environment of Bangladesh is predicted to experience the adversities with the changes in climatic parameters and more frequent occurrence of natural disasters. To achieve the sustainable development goals and minimize the loss and damages of climate change, more intensive and sector specific research on the environmental components of Bangladesh is imperative. Natural environment and sustainable development issues are linked to both enhance development efforts and avoid adverse environmental impacts Therefore, this sub theme will accommodate relevant research papers addressing the dynamic issues related to the physical environment of Bangladesh in the context of climate change.
- Sub-theme-2: Population Dynamic and Social Issues
The study of population dynamics and social issues in Geography and Environment is essential for identifying and assessing the spatio-temporal aspects of the population’s structure, growth and distribution as well as the impending social problems and prospects. A number of factors are playing roles in the pattern of population dynamics which are essential to study. Moreover, some social issues are key to identifying the relationships between society and the environment. Hence, the sub-theme is very relevant to the conference in which a number of research topics could be presented.
- Sub-theme-3: Rural Development and Challenges
Almost 50 years after gaining its independence, Bangladesh is still developing with the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2041. Bangladesh has a long way to go in terms of reducing social inequalities, providing affordable quality education and healthcare for the majority of the population, creating effective institutions, and much more. Therefore, any vision of development must adopt a comprehensive strategy and consider a wide range of factors. Rural development should be identified and prioritized as a distinct objective in Bangladesh’s overall development strategy. Poverty reduction, the effects of climate change, food security, and relieving strain on Bangladesh’s urban centers are some of the major concerns identified in development literature that make rural development an imperative necessity for the country. The negative effects of climate change on agriculture, education, and health in rural regions have already started to manifest. Because of the many ways that climate change is affecting the general well-being of the rural poor, rural development must be integrated in the broader vision of national development.
- Sub-theme-4: Urban Transformation and Climate Change
Global climate change does have a significant negative influence on urban services,infrastructures, livelihoods, and human health. Even though Bangladesh’s big cities make a small impact to global climate change, they are rapidly urbanizing and changing. Bangladeshi cities are extremely vulnerable to climate change due to their high population density, limited infrastructure and service facilities, and low adaptation ability. Scientific articles on Bangladesh’s cities’ vulnerability to climate change, disaster mitigation and adaptation, and progress toward community resilience are encouraged to be submitted under this theme.
- Sub-theme-5: Coastal Environment and Climate Change
The coastal belt of Bangladesh can be characterized by unique morphological features, hydrological behaviour, environmental settings and ecological diversity. This is not only the most resourceful part of the country, but is also highly vulnerable to a series of natural and man-made disasters. During the last six decades, the natural environmental setting of the coast has significantly been altered by number of human interventions, such as coastal polderization, conversion of forest land into shrimp and salt farms, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the expansion of coastal tourism. Besides these human interferences, the coastal ecology has now become more vulnerable due to adverse effect of climate changes, which has lead the coast more susceptible to cyclonic effect, bank line erosion, tidal inundation, sea-level rise, saline water intrusion, and loss of biodiversity. This sub-theme of coastal environment and climate change is an opportunity to accommodate research papers covering a wide range of coastal issues ranging from natural environmental settings to human dimensions and livelihoods.
Bangladesh Environment: Geographical Perspectives
This sub-theme includes-
- Population Dynamics and Social Issues
- Resource Management and Sustainable Development
- Rural Environment and Development Changes
- Urban Environment and Development Changes
- Coastal Environment and Climate Change