Landscapes of Resilience: Visual Narratives from Bangladesh’s Vulnerable Coastal Communities

Landscapes of Resilience: Visual Narratives from Bangladesh’s Vulnerable Coastal Communities

Bangladesh’s coastal regions, vulnerable to climate change, are not only areas of environmental concern but also rich repositories of cultural, social, and economic heritage. This study explores the resilience of these communities through a blend of visual storytelling and empirical research, with a specific focus on the pivotal roles of women as custodians of cultural heritage and community cohesion. Women in these regions navigate complex challenges, including risk perception, property rights, and governance, while actively contributing to the preservation of traditions and fostering communal resilience amidst environmental adversities. The study utilizes multiple-medias artworks, animations, and a documentary titled "Land, Life, and Woman" to delve into how land tenure systems, customary practices, and climate risks intersect to shape individuals’ decisions to remain rooted despite escalating environmental challenges. Central to the research is documenting women’s lived experiences and advocating for inclusive and sustainable approaches to climate adaptation, land governance, and cultural preservation. By integrating art and science, the study bridges the gap between global climate policy narratives and localized adaptation strategies, offering a deeply humanized perspective on climate resilience. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, encompassing visual media analysis to examine depictions of community resilience, qualitative interviews with women in vulnerable deltaic communities to understand their challenges and strategies, and documentary research to contextualize findings within broader governance frameworks. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the research highlights the critical influence of land tenure systems on community resilience, the interplay of state policies, international agreements, and customary practices in shaping governance, and the invaluable contributions of women in preserving cultural heritage while navigating climate challenges. The accompanying documentary vividly portrays these dynamics, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of individuals in delta regions. Aligned with the EGU 2025 theme of climate adaptation and sustainable development, this presentation contributes a unique perspective that merges visual storytelling with empirical research, emphasizing the socio-cultural dimensions of climate resilience. It underscores the importance of integrating local narratives into global climate adaptation strategies and advocates for equitable, sustainable approaches that empower marginalized groups while addressing climate risks. By documenting and visually representing these stories, the study not only contributes to the discourse on climate resilience but also emphasizes the transformative potential of integrating artistic expression with research to foster understanding and inspire action.