Upama Talukder
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh

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Wetland Landscape Planning for Socio-Ecological Resilience and Sustainable Tourism: Evidence from Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh Upama Talukder
Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs
Publisher : Alanya Üniversitesi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25034/ijcua.2026.v10n1-10

Abstract

Wetland landscapes are exposed to ecological degradation, flood vulnerability, and tourism pressure, yet planning approaches treat conservation, livelihoods, and visitor management as separate concerns. This study addresses this gap by examining how integrated landscape planning can strengthen socio-ecological resilience and sustainable tourism in Tanguar Haor, a Ramsar-designated wetland in northeastern Bangladesh. Using a qualitative mixed method design, the research combined seasonal field investigations after the 2023 flash flood, during the 2024 post-monsoon period, and in winter 2025, with questionnaire responses from 50 residents, interviews, tourism observations, and thematic analysis. The findings show that seasonal inundation, settlement edge erosion, declining native vegetation, unmanaged houseboat tourism, and limited sanitation infrastructure intensify livelihood vulnerability and habitat disturbance. 5,089 hectares, representing 44% of the area, remain under permanent water and support fisheries, biodiversity, and seasonal economic activity. The study proposes an elevation-based landscape framework integrating native vegetation restoration, reed belts, ecological zoning, community stewardship, and regulated tourism infrastructure. These strategies can improve erosion control, public service efficiency, employment opportunities, tourism revenue, resource allocation, and urban regional economic resilience while advancing context-sensitive wetland governance for landscape planning and urban management.