What happens when a land that thrives on water starts drowning in mismanagement? How can a country, built on the blessings of rivers, fail to protect them? The Bengal Delta, recognised as one of the most dynamic and complex landscapes in the world, has been shaped over thousands of years by the convergence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna and other rivers. This intricate network of rivers, wetlands, and floodplains is fundamental for Bangladesh, whose geography and development are closely linked to its deltaic origins.

Despite its significant natural resources and ecological importance, the Bengal Delta is highly vulnerable. It faces the impacts of unsustainable urbanisation, inappropriate water management, and a lack of a comprehensive knowledge system regarding the landscape. It is ironic that a riverine delta, with its geographical and climatic advantages, faces a water crisis and biodiversity loss. The solution lies in efficient management and a shift of mindset from land-based development to landscape-based development for inclusive habitat co-creation—in our context, with and by our people. Is this ever-shifting and ever-increasing delta "lands in waters" or "waters in lands?" Shouldn't we let the waters flow and the lands grow here? The challenge lies in the disconnect between landscape management and the perception of development. There is a pressing need for a shift in educational priorities and governance structures to promote a resilient and sustainable future.

The Bengal Delta is not just a geographical area; it is a living system that sustains the livelihoods of millions. The seasonal rise and fall of water shape the landscape, influencing agricultural cycles, fisheries, and settlements. People in this region have historically adapted to the delta's rhythms, developing indigenous knowledge systems that work in harmony with nature. The traditional dig-and-mound process, stilt houses, floating agriculture, and water-centric urban designs are evidence of an intrinsic understanding of the relationship between land and water. However, modern development trends often overlook this deep-rooted connection, favouring rigid infrastructure that disrupts natural processes, instead of complementing them.

Bangladesh has experienced rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. However, this growth often lacks sensitivity to the landscape. Cities like Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna are expanding without a cohesive plan to integrate the natural water network into the urban environment. Rivers are being encroached, wetlands are being filled, and green spaces are being diminished, all of which exacerbate flooding and environmental degradation. The lack of landscape-based urban planning has resulted in a decline in ecological resilience, leading to urban areas struggling with waterlogging, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Without adopting a landscape-oriented approach, the country risks losing the very environmental assets that have historically sustained it.

It is time for Bangladesh to learn from the traditional good practices adopted in this deltaic land. We have borrowed knowledge and technologies from other countries regarding water management, agriculture, and urbanisation, which are not appropriate for our land and have created long-term problems both for the landscape and the psyche of the people. Building embankments in a top-down process has had disastrous consequences in the southern part of Bangladesh, so have "green revolution" and the underground water extraction in a top-down process in the northwestern region. Road development has led to the death of waterscapes, especially rivers and ponds.

However, we should still be open to exchanges of appropriate knowledge and experience. Bangladesh should draw inspiration from appropriate global examples for integrating water-sensitive urban development. The Netherlands, for instance, has implemented measures such as floating neighbourhoods, stormwater retention parks, and an extensive network of dikes and canals. Their "Room for the River" programme, which allows floodplains to absorb excess water instead of obstructing it, serves as an excellent model for Bangladesh's flood-prone cities.

One of the most pressing needs is the incorporation of landscape-oriented urban and town planning. The existing planning frameworks must be revised to include nature-based solutions, flood-adaptive designs, and green infrastructure. Riverbanks should be protected as public spaces rather than being commercialised, wetlands must be preserved for their ecological functions, and green corridors should be integrated into cityscapes to enhance resilience. Local governments and planning bodies should collaborate closely with landscape architects and urban planners to develop master plans that prioritise environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Turag River. File photo: Palash Khan

In Bangladesh, while disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and urban planning receive institutional support, landscape architecture has not yet gained full recognition. There is no widespread integration of landscape knowledge in primary or secondary education, leaving young people unaware of the essential relationship among land, water, and human settlements. How will we build our country without this knowledge?

To address this issue, Bangladesh must incorporate landscape-based education at all levels, starting from early childhood through higher education. The curricula for primary and secondary schools should include modules on landscape ecology, hydrology, and sustainable land-use practices. Early exposure to this knowledge will help foster a sense of environmental stewardship, creating a generation that understands the importance of preserving and adapting to the deltaic environment. This foundational education will serve as a stepping stone for more specialised studies at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Urban planners and architects are striving to improve the conditions in Bangladesh in the face of ongoing urbanisation and the climate crisis. While there is a movement towards ecological thinking, architects encounter challenges in large-scale landscape design. Landscape architects can help fill these gaps within the design community.

It is very important to understand that the problem is too big and complex to be solved only by professionals and relevant research expertise. People are designing and building their habitats in a co-creation process. The experts' role would be to understand people's processes and engage with them by exchanging visions, knowledge, and experiences to co-create better habitats for human and non-human communities. People's engagement is crucial to addressing these issues efficiently and scaling up this landscape-mindset nationwide.

A strong academic framework focused on sustainable land management, ecological restoration, and climate-responsive design will equip graduates to implement landscape-based solutions in both urban and rural settings. Bangladesh needs a new generation of architects, landscape architects, planners, and policymakers who can integrate natural processes into development strategies rather than working against them.

A robust institutional framework is essential for successfully implementing landscape-based planning and policies. The formation of a ministry for landscape would establish a dedicated governmental body responsible for overseeing sustainable land and water management initiatives. This ministry could coordinate efforts among urban planning authorities, environmental agencies, and local governments to promote a comprehensive approach to development. Furthermore, an institute for landscape architects in Bangladesh could regulate the field, set industry standards, and encourage research in landscape architecture.

By adopting comparable landscape strategies, Bangladesh can develop flood-resilient, ecologically sustainable, and socially vibrant cities. Many challenges faced by the Bengal Delta arise from the neglect of its landscape and the knowledge of its people. It is time to re-evaluate development through the lens of landscape architecture, integrating education, policy, and planning into a cohesive vision. Doing so will help mitigate environmental degradation and improve the quality of life for millions, ensuring that the Bengal Delta continues to thrive as a resilient homeland for our future generations.

Md Mustiafiz Al Mamun is associate professor in the Department of Architecture at the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), and pursuing PhD in landscape architecture at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Khondaker Hasibul Kabir is a landscape architect and co-founder of Co.Creation.Architects. He is also assistant professor in the Department of Architecture at BRAC University.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own.

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