Sustainedge, in collaboration with Brac University’s Department of Architecture, has been awarded a 12-month research grant under the Research Seed Grant Initiative (RSGI) 2025 of Brac University, Bangladesh, to study the Pransayar Canal area in Satkhira, Bangladesh. The project, titled “Community-based Approaches for Nature-based Solutions through Restoration and Preservation of Urban Waterbodies: Investigating Current Scopes and Prospects in Satkhira, a Coastal Town in Bangladesh”, aims to restore and preserve urban waterbodies while promoting sustainable development and climate resilience in a vulnerable coastal town.
Satkhira, located in the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh, faces multiple vulnerabilities due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and environmental degradation. The Pransayar Canal is a vital resource for flood management, water supply, and ecosystem balance, but it is under pressure from unplanned development and human activities. This research will explore how Nature-based Solutions (NbS), combined with community engagement, can enhance environmental, social, and economic outcomes, while supporting long-term urban resilience.
The project will employ a comprehensive methodology, including field observations, mapping, surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and a sustainability scoring framework. It will examine climate impacts, urban pressures, and the potential of the canal and surrounding green areas as assets for sustainable urban development. The research will also evaluate community-based initiatives to identify opportunities for participatory decision-making and local stewardship.
Expected outcomes of the research include:
- A detailed assessment of climate impacts and urban pressures on the Pransayar Canal and surrounding neighbourhoods
- Scored analysis of environmental, social, and economic benefits using a sustainable development framework
- Insights on effective community engagement strategies for implementing NbS in urban areas
- Strategic urban development guidelines to help local authorities and development partners restore and preserve waterbodies, enhance livelihoods, and promote inclusive planning
This collaboration among academia, industry, and local government will deliver actionable insights for Satkhira Municipality and other coastal towns exploring NbS-based solutions. The project also offers hands-on research training for undergraduate and postgraduate students, building skills in participatory urban planning, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
By demonstrating how NbS interventions can be integrated with community participation, this project aims to strengthen urban resilience, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contribute to global knowledge on climate-sensitive urban planning.