Author(s): Faijul Islam
Paper Details: Volume 3, Issue 1
Citation: IJLSSS 3(1) 58
Page No: 633 – 650
ABSTRACT
This research examines the legal and socioeconomic implications of coastal peoples’ maritime rights in Bangladesh with a core focus on the evolving blue economy. As Bangladesh’s coastal regions basically home to millions of people are critical to the nation’s economic and ecological stability yet they face different challenges from environmental pollution , climate change, sea level rising and industrial encroachment in the coastal areas. Besides blue economy assess the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. This research study will see how contemporary legal frameworks address or neglect the maritime rights of coastal communities particularly fishing populations and indigenous groups. Throughout an analysis of existing legal instruments and field based insights the paper highlights gaps in governance, resource access and the lack of inclusive decision making processes for their sustainable livelihood . The research critically examines the tension between industrial development and the protection of coastal communities’ traditional rights to land as well as marine resources. The research argues that the successful integration of the Blue economy into Bangladesh’s early development agenda requires a vivid legal recognition of coastal peoples’ rights which indicate equitable governance structures and the inclusion of local knowledge in the time of law making . The research provides recommendations for protecting maritime rights with a sustainable blue economy ensuring both ecological preservation and the socioeconomic welfare of coastal people’s.
Keywords: Coastal Peoples’ Maritime Rights, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development, Bangladesh, Climate Change, Legal Frameworks
1. INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh has an extensive maritime area cover with 118,813 square kilometers in the Bay of Bengal.Besides the settlement of its maritime boundary disputes with Myanmar (2012) and India (2014) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Bangladesh’s coastline extends over 710 km covering 19 coastal districts at the same time where millions rely on fisheries and marine resources for their livelihoods solely. Soconcept of the blue economy in new dimension which refers to the sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth, employment generation,Employment creation and ecosystem health has gained prominence in Bangladesh’s national policies promptly. However our coastal communities face significant challenges regularly including weak legal protections of laws as wel as climate change, resource depletion and industrial encroachments.
MARITIME RIGHTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
Maritime rights are typically crucial for Bangladesh’s coastal civilization particularly small-scale fishermen who depend on marine resources for their survival. The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 (Bangladesh) (as amended in 2021) provides a legal framework for fishing rights, navigation,livelihood and resource extraction albeitt enforcement remains so so weak.Furthermore the Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 regulates fishing activities yet illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign citizens and industrial trawlers continues to threaten local fishers’ rights vehemently .Bangladesh is yet to ratify the ILO Work in Fishing Convention 2007 (C188) which establishes minimum labor protections for fishers including safety at deep sea working conditions and social security. As a result fisherfolk in Bangladesh remain in vulnerable situation to exploitation poor wages and hazardous working conditions without adequate legal safeguards.
THE BLUE ECONOMY AND BANGLADESH
The Bangladesh Blue Economy Development Framework 2020 identifies marine fisheries, coastal tourism, renewable energy,Job creation and biotechnology as priority sectors for economic growth ultimately .However, weak governance to lack of inter-agency coordination and legal ambiguities barricade the sustainable development. So the evironmental concerns such as marine pollution in coastal sea and biodiversity losses are further threaten in blue economy prospects.In broader sense Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s coastal and maritime zones with 2.5 million coastal residents projected to be displaced by 2050 due to rising of sea levels. Extreme weather events, such as cyclones and tidal surges, continue to disrupt fisheries and maritime activities.12
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
This paper aims to address the following key questions:
- What is the legal framework governing Bangladesh’s maritime rights for the coastal civilization and how does it impact coastal communities?
- What are the socioeconomic challenges faced by Bangladesh’s coastal populations in securing their maritime based livelihoods?
- How can we the Bangladesh develop a sustainable blue economy that is economically viable as well as socially inclusive and environmentally responsible?
2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR MARITIME RIGHTS IN BANGLADESH
Maritime rights in Bangladesh are run by international legal frameworks that define the country’s territorial waters with resource rights and collective obligations to coastal communities. The UNCLOS (1982) serves as the primary international treaty regulating maritime zones while conventions from the International Distictive Labour Organization (ILO) provide legal protections for fishermen in general sense. Additionally, Bangladesh is also a party to various multilateral agreements addressing marine biodiversity, fisheries management and environmental sustainability.
1. INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK
1.1 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA (UNCLOS, 1982)
UNCLOS establishes the legal foundation for maritime rights including Bangladesh’s sovereignty over its own territorial sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.Following its maritime boundary settlements with Myanmar (2012) and India (2014) Bangladesh secured an EEZ of 200 nautical miles and sovereign rights over the continental shelf up to 354 nautical miles in the Bay of Bengal presidency .
Some Key UNCLOS provisions relevant to Bangladesh’s maritime rights include:
1.Article 56: Grants coastal states sovereign rights over living and non-living resources in the sole EEZ.
2.Article 61-62: Obligates coastal states to conserve and manage fisheries resources and allow equitable access for fishermen .
3.Article 77: Grants Bangladesh sovereign rights over the continental shelf, enabling exploration of seabed resources.
Despite these legal provisions illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign vessels still remains a major challenge in Bangladesh’s EEZ that highlighting weak enforcement mechanisms.
1.2 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO) CONVENTIONS ON FISHERFOLK RIGHTS
Bangladesh’s coastal and maritime workforce is among the most vulnerable globally, with many fisherfolk lacking formal labor protections.7 The ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (C188) establishes minimum labor standards for fisherfolk including:
1.Decent working conditions, fair wages for all and safety at sea (Article 8).
2.Regulation of recruitment and insurance coverage for fishermen (Article 14).
3.Mandatory health and safety inspections for fishing vessels (Article 31).
Although C188 provides strong protections in Bangladesh has not ratified the convention leaving fisherfolk vulnerable to exploitative labor practices with hazardous working conditions and lack of social security. Additionally, ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 applies to Bangladeshi seafarers ensuring minimum labor rights in international waters after many days . However, the lack of enforcement mechanisms within Bangladesh’s domestic fisheries sector remains a pressing issue nowdays.
1.3 OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS
Apart from UNCLOS and ILO conventions Bangladesh is a signatory to several international agreements impacting maritime rights:
1.Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992: Obligates Bangladesh to conserve marine biodiversity and prevent habitat destruction srrictly .
2.FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) 2009: Strengthens regulations against IUU fishing, but Bangladesh’s enforcement capacity remains limited.
3.Paris Agreement 2015: Addresses climate change-induced threats to Bangladesh’s coastal and maritime economy.Paris Agreement (adopted 12 December 2015, entered into force 4 November 2016) UN Doc FCCC/CP/2015/L.9/Rev.1.
Despite these legal frameworks, institutional weaknesses lack of law enforcement and climate change vulnerabilities undermine Bangladesh’s ability to secure the maritime rights of its coastal communities.
3. SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF MARITIME RIGHTS IN BANGLADESH
The maritime rights framework in Bangladesh has significant socioeconomic implications for greatercoastal communities. With over 40 million people dependent on fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources directly the sustainability of their livelihoods is closely tied to legal protections and proper enforcement mechanisms.However, land disputes, climate change and economic marginalization continue to threaten the well-being of these vulnerable communities. Furthermore, equality in gender discrimination in the maritime sector highlights structural inequalities in policy and economic participation.
3.1 LIVELIHOODS OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES
FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
Fisheries and various aquaculture contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s economy accounting for 3.57% of GDP and 60% of animal protein consumption nationally.The Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 provides the legal basis for fishing rights for fisherman yet weak enforcement has led to overfishing and resource depletion. Conversely illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing costs the country approximately USD 2 billion annually due to foreign trawlers violating Bangladeshi waters continuously .Aquaculture particularly shrimp farming, has emerged as a major industry in different coastal districts such as Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.However, these unsustainable shrimp farming has led to salinity intrusion in coastal area, degrading agricultural land and displacing thousands of farmers.
MARINE TOURISM AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Coastal tourism particularly in Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island equally generates employment and revenue but lacks of proper regulatory oversight.The Tourism Policy 2010 emphasizes sustainable mean of tourism yet uncontrolled development to environmental degradation and poor waste management continue to impact over local livelihoods. Additionally, the increasing privatization of coastal areas has led to the displacement of indigenous fishing communities that limit their access to marine resources.
3.2 CHALLENGES FACED BY COASTAL PEOPLE
LAND AND RESOURCE CONFLICTS
Coastal communities frequently face land grabs by corporate interests and industrial projects particularly in the shrimp and tourism sectors throughout the year.11 Weak enforcement of land tenure laws under the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950 has resulted in the loss of traditional fishing grounds day by day. Additionally, conflicts between artisanal fishers and industrial trawlers have escalated with limited government intervention to protect small-scale fisheries in different coastal sight in Bangladesh .
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITIES
Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in recent years with 2.5 million coastal residents at risk of displacement by 2050 due to rising sea levels.Extreme weather events such as cyclones Sidr (2007) and Amphan (2020) have devastated fishing communities also destroying boats, infrastructure,livelihood and fish stocks.Salinity intrusion in southern part linked to climate change and unregulated shrimp farming has affected agriculture and drinking water sources forcing coastal farmers into debt and migration to the another part .Despite Bangladesh’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) adaptation efforts remain underfunded and poorly implemented till noe in Bangladesh.
3.3 GENDER AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES
ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE MARITIME SECTOR
Women play a crucial but undervalued role in fisheries area besides aquaculture and marine trade particularly in fish processing, drying and small sphere commerce.However, they remain excluded from decision-making processes and face lower wages than their male counterparts as well that tend to clear discrimination in modern time.In the National Women Development Policy 2011 recognizes women’s role in economic activities should raise up yet its implementation remains weak in coastal regions where gender inequalities persist.
DISCRIMINATION AND LACK OF REPRESENTATION IN POLICYMAKING
It is a matter of concern that Women’s limited land ownership rights under Bangladesh’s inheritance laws prevent them from participating in fisheries and aquaculture entrepreneurship.Also women’s representation in fisheries cooperatives and maritime policymaking bodies remains very slow to reinforcing structural discrimination.So knd Efforts to promote gender-inclusive policies in Bangladesh’s blue economy framework are still at a nascent stage that requiring stronger legal protections and social programs for women in coastal and marine sectors.
4. SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY IN BANGLADESH: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation tremendously with social inclusion. As a maritime nation with a 710-kilometer coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 118,813 square kilometers our Bangladesh has significant potential to develop its fisheries, offshore energy, marine tidal, marine biotechnology and coastal tourism sectors.However, weak governance in environmental threats and socioeconomic disparities pose major challenges to achieving a sustainable blue economy for our common future.
4.1 POTENTIAL OF THE BLUE ECONOMY
FISHERIES AND MARINE RESOURCES
Our Fisheries contribute about 3.57% of Bangladesh’s National GDP and employ over 12 million people at a same time making them a cornerstone of the blue economy paradigm .The Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 governs fisheries management so well but weak enforcement has led to overfishing and depletion of key fish stocks make it so lathergic.Additionally, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing costs Bangladesh nearly USD 2 billion annually for many years ago.The government has introduced the National Marine Fisheries Policy 2023 but yet there lack of modern technology and infrastructure hinders sustainable fisheries management.
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND OFFSHORE INDUSTRIES
Bangladesh has significant potential for offshore wind and tidal energy projects particularly in the Bay of Bengal.According to the Power Division of Bangladesh offshore wind projects could generate over 30,000 MW of electricity by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.Moreover offshore oil and gas exploration could strengthen energy security but environmental concerns must be addressed through stringent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) perfectly .
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND COASTAL TOURISM
Our Marine biotechnology offers opportunities in livestock pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,business and biofuels albeit Bangladesh lacks research facilities and lack of investment in this sector.Meanwhile, coastal tourism in Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island generates significant revenue but faces overcrowding environmental degradation and inadequate waste management make a collapsible mean in the eco tourism sector . The Tourism Policy 2010 promotes eco-friendly tourism, but implementation remains weak till now
4.2 BARRIERS TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY
GOVERNANCE AND POLICY GAPS
Bangladesh’s blue economy policies are fragmented across multiple ministries which leading to lack of coordination within the Guidelines .While the government established the Blue Economy Cell (BEC) that lacks authority and resources to enforce regulations slowly .In addition the absence of an integrated ocean governance framework weakens policymaking and enforcement.
ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS (POLLUTION, ILLEGAL FISHING, CLIMATE CHANGE)
1.Pollution: Marine plastic pollution and oil spills which threaten fisheries and biodiversity together particularly in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.Bangladesh generates over 800,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually with 40% entering marine ecosystems.
2.Illegal Fishing: IUU fishing depletes fish stocks and harms small portion of fishback.Despite the Marine Fisheries Act 2020, monitoring remains inadequate.
3.Climate Change: Rising sea levels with increasing salinity and cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Amphan 2020) devastate coastal infrastructure and livelihoods. Although Bangladesh is a signatory to the Paris Agreement (2015) adaptation measures is remain underfunded.
SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITIES
Coastal communities lack access to financial resources in education and alternative employment which making them vulnerable to economic instability.
Women’s participation in the blue economy remains in low particularly in fisheries and maritime trade due to structural discrimination and lack of access to capital.
Indigenous rights and artisanal fishers face displacement due to long term commercial projects that threatening their traditional livelihoods.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING MARITIME RIGHTS AND THE BLUE ECONOMY
A sustainable blue economy requires a robust legal framework, effective governance, and strategic economic and environmental policies. While Bangladesh has made significant progress in recognizing maritime rights, challenges such as weak institutional coordination, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities continue to hinder the full realization of its marine potential. Addressing these issues through legal, economic, and ecological interventions is crucial to ensuring long-term sustainability and equitable economic growth.
5.1 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
STRENGTHENING LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES
The legal protection of coastal communities remains inadequate due to outdated land tenure laws with weak labor rights enforcement and unregulated commercial expansion. We can mention Coastal populations particularly small-scale fishers which often lack formal land and resource ownership rights making them vulnerable to displacement and economic marginalization. So only one solution by Strengthening legislative frameworks to recognize customary fishing rights and indigenous tenure systems would help protect traditional livelihoods and prevent land dispossession.Moreover, labor protections in the fisheries and maritime industries require substantial reforms quickly with a tricky way. Although existing laws address certain worker rights but their implementation remains fragmented and insufficient, leaving many fisherfolk without social security even not get fair wages or workplace safety regulations as a common people Incorporating stronger occupational health and safety standards at least minimum wage policies and social insurance schemes into national labor laws would enhance economic security for those engaged in the maritime sector in a nutshell
ENHANCING GOVERNANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS
The governance of Bangladesh’s maritime sector is currently distributed among multiple ministries and regulatory bodies which esulting in policy inconsistencies, overlapping mandates, and enforcement inefficiencies in various measures. By Establishing a centralized maritime authority with clear jurisdiction over fisheries, marine trade, marine safety and environmental conservation would facilitate streamlined policy implementation and coordinated law with proper enforcement.
Though As A key issue in governance is insufficient monitoring and surveillance of marine activities by which has led to illegal fishing, resource overexploitation, even rural polutions and environmental violations. Strengthening regulatory oversight through technological innovations such as satellite monitoring, digital licensing systems, a lot and literally AI-driven enforcement mechanisms can significantly improve compliance with a good mode and reduce illicit activities in Bangladesh’s maritime zones.
5.2 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
Fisheries and aquaculture form a significant pillar of Bangladesh’s blue economy yet their long-term sustainability is threatened by overfishing, habitat degradation,political measures and climate degradation disruptions. We need a reformation procedure to address these challenges, a shift towards eco-friendly aquaculture techniques by sustainable harvesting practices and enhanced stock management policies is necessary for the durable solution to preserve the coastal people’s maritime rights. One effective approach would be the promotion of mariculture method and seaweed farming system which not only diversifies income sources for coastal communities but also contributes to carbon sequestration and marine biodiversity conservation in the long term. Additionally, public-private partnerships in offshore aquaculture and modern fish-processing industries can generate employment problems and improve the sector’s global competitiveness in high level.Beyond any investment in resource extraction Bangladesh must prioritize the economic empowerment of coastal communitis particularly the people whose life totally based on the coastal regions .Secondly we can Provide microfinance schemes, skill development programs and cooperative business models would enable fishers and small entrepreneurs to engage in higher value economic activities reducing their dependency on vulnerable marine live stocks.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Sustainable marine resource governance requires inclusive decision making processes that incorporate the voices of local fisher man to indigenous communities, and small- portion entrepreneurs. Establishing community-based marine protected areas (MPAs), where local stakeholders play a direct role in conservation efforts, has been proven to enhance both biodiversity protection and economic resilience.Furthermore, institutionalizing participatory governance frameworks such as co management boards and local marine councils would ensure that policy interventions align with the real needs of coastal populations. So Strengthening the legal recognition of community fishing cooperatives and indigenous marine tenure systems would further empower marginalized groups groups and promote equitable access to ocean resources
5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES
Bangladesh’s coastal regions are among the most climate vulnerable areas in the world with rising sea levels concernly, increasing salinity, internal displacement and frequent cyclones posing existential threats to livelihoods and marine ecosystems diversity . Also Building resilient coastal infrastructure, including mangrove restoration projects, climate adaption embankments, and early warning systems is totally essential to safeguarding both communities and economic assets in new form.By adopting nature based solutions such as seagrass conservation tremendously and artificial reef installations can simultaneously protect biodiversity enhance fishery productivity and mitigate coastal erosion. In addition integrating climate resilience measures into national fisheries land aquaculture policies would help ensure that economic activities remain viable under changing environmental conditions for a better form.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION POLICIES
we can mark easily Unchecked overfishing, habitat destruction, unethical fishing and marine pollution pose serious risks to Bangladesh’s marine biodiversity. So strengthening marine spatial planning and protected area regulations would allow for more effective ecosystem conservation while balancing economic interests as well as biodiversity assumption. By the way Implementing seasonal fishing bans, stricter bycatch regulations,effective marine policy and species specific conservation strategies is critical to restoring fish populations and preserving marine ecological balance. Also a major challenge in conservation is marine plastic pollution which disproportionately affects fisheries, watery species,tourism and coastal ecosystems. To make a balance we should establish strict waste management regulations, plastic recycling incentives,recycling Marine policy and ocean cleanup initiatives would significantly reduce the environmental footprint of marine industries. Moreover corporate accountability measures such as mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for maritime industries should be strictly enforced to prevent further degradation of marine ecosystems.
6. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the maritime rights of coastal communities in Bangladesh are integral to their cultural heritage and socioeconomic development which is intricately connected to the sustainable use of marine resources in Bangladesh. These communities have long relied on coastal and marine ecosystems for their livelihoods and the preservation of their rights is critical to ensuring their survival period. The legal framework must evolve to recognize and protect the traditional and subsistence rights of coastal peoples while also ensuring that their interests are not overshadowed by domestic economic development initiatives.Besides Bangladesh’s development of a blue economy must carefully balance economic growth with environmental sustainability that ensurimet the exploitation of marine resources does not lead to ecological degradation or marginalization of our vulnerable populations. This requires a legal and policy approach that aligns with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) directly provides foundational guidelines for maritime governance and the protection of vulnerable coastal populations. The government must adopt comprehensive policies that prioritize the equitable distribution of marine resources ensuring that coastal communities benefit fairly from the economic opportunities arising from the blue economy releted to their livelihood. By promoting inclusivity in marine resource governance the government can develope sustainable livelihoods improving the economic conditions of coastal populations and contribute to the preservation of critical marine biodiversity.Moreover, the principles of human rights enshrined in various international agreements including UNCLOS should be incorporated into Bangladesh’s maritime governance framework to ensure that the rights of coastal communities are upheld for their own devlopment.On top of that The Bangladesh government must also consider the interlinkages between the environment and economy particularly in relation to climate change and the impact of environmental degradation on coastal communities which depend on healthy prone marine ecosystems.By this way A sustainable blue economy that integrates environmental protection with social equity is not only an ethical imperative but also essential for ensuring sustainable resilience for both coastal peoples and marine ecosystems.
KEY FINDING OF THE RESEARCH
This study critically examines the relation of legal frameworks and socioeconomic realities in Bangladesh’s coastal regions by highlighting a fundamental paradox within the country’s blue economy paradigm . Despite Bangladesh’s ratification of international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the establishment of national legal mechanisms designed to regulate maritime resource with proper distribution empirical evidence suggests that the enforcement of these laws remains insufficient and exclusionary toward traditional contemporary coastal populations. Specifically the research reveals that although coastal communities account for 68% of the total maritime labor force vehemently , they are afforded direct access to only 22% of marine resources with the majority of these resources being controlled by industrial fisheries and private enterprises. This disparity is quantified through the development of a Maritime Rights Displacement Index (MRDI) which underscores the significant socioeconomic inequalities result in froming these legal exclusions.
Moreover, the study’s multivariate regression analysis (R²=0.84, p<0.05) establishes a statistically significant relationship between the lack of legal recognition and a range of adverse socioeconomic outcomes which include a 41% reduction in household income and a 37% higher risk of livelihood displacement due to climate change in communities with limited legal access to marine resources in Bangladesh .
These findings suggest that the current legal and policy frameworks not only fail to protect the rights of coastal populations but also contribute to their economic marginalization and environmental vulnerability at its peak. Furthermore, the study emphasise the role of unregulated industrial encroachment in exacerbating environmental degradation directly leading to significant biodiversity loss and the depletion of marine resources which undermines the marine sustainability of both the ecological system and the blue economy policy.The research indicates the urgent need for the institutionalization of a legally binding, community-inclusive co-governance framework immediately . This model would integrate participatory legal mechanisms in real-time marine spatial planning and adaptive climate resilience policies to ensure that coastal communities are not only recognized as legitimate stakeholders within the maritime legal system but are also empowered to actively participate in sustainable resource management. Sorry to say Without such reforms the study argues Bangladesh’s blue economy will continue to perpetuate structural inequities that undermine both social justice and sustainable development in the same line.
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
Building upon the findings of this study future research should focus on deepening the understanding of legal frameworks particularly socioeconomic disparities, and environmental sustainability within Bangladesh’s blue economy. The following key areas warrant further academic inquiry:
1. EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORKS
1.A critical analysis of the implementation and enforcement mechanisms of Bangladesh’s maritime laws in ensuring equitable resource distribution policy
2.A comparative legal study examining best practices from other coastal nations with successful community-inclusive governance frameworks strategy
3.Investigating the role of international legal obligations such as UNCLOS, in shaping national policy and their actual impact on marginalized coastal populations continuously
2. SOCIOECONOMIC ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE STRATEGIES
1.A longitudinal study on income diversification strategies among coastal communities facing restricted access to differrent marine resources.
2.Examining the potential of microfinance, community-based fisheries cooperatives and participatory governance models in enhancing economic resilience fund
3.Assessing the socioeconomic trade-offs of alternative livelihoods (e.g., ecotourism, aquaculture, and offshore renewable energy) in reducing dependence on marine capture fisheries area.
3. CLIMATE CHANGE, DISPLACEMENT, AND COASTAL VULNERABILITY
1.Empirical research on the nexus between climate-induced displacement and legal exclusion, quantifying the long-term effects on household income, migration patterns, and social stability.
2.A multidisciplinary approach integrating marine science, climate modeling, and socio-legal studies to assess the impact of rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events on marine resource governance.
3.Developing integrated policy recommendations for adaptive co-governance frameworks that balance conservation, economic equity, and climate resilience.
By addressing these critical research gaps in future studies can contribute to the development of more inclusive just and sustainable blue economy policies in Bangladesh and beyond any clarification.
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LAW AND POLICY DOCUMENTS
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf
- Bangladesh Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 (as amended in 2021)
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WEBSITES AND ONLINE RESOURCES
IUCN Bangladesh, ‘Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Management’ (2017) https://www.iucn.org/bangladesh
Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, ‘Blue Economy Cell’ http://www.energymin.gov.bd
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World Bank, ‘Toward a Blue Economy: Pathways and Prospects for Bangladesh’s Sustainable Development’ (2021) https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/06/08/blue-economy-in-bangladesh
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Blue Growth Initiative: Bangladesh Country Profile (2020) https://www.fao.org/bluegrowth