Geospatial Technologies in Coastal Ecologies Monitoring and Management on the Bengal Coast: Case Studies and Best Practices
摘要
Coastal ecosystems are highly dynamic and vulnerable to both natural and anthropogenic pressures, necessitating advanced monitoring and management strategies. This chapter explores the socio-ecological dimensions of coastal ecologies on the Bengal coast in India, emphasizing the application of geospatial technologies for effective coastal monitoring and management. It highlights the integration of participatory approaches to foster sustainable coastal governance, ensuring that scientific assessments align with community-driven priorities. A comprehensive assessment of climate change consequences and adaptation strategies in coastal communities is undertaken through a collection of nine case studies. These case studies illustrate diverse methodologies for monitoring and managing coastal socio-ecological systems. They include a century-long climatic trend analysis (Casebook 1), monitoring and modelling shoreline dynamics (Casebook 2), and assessing mangrove greenness in response to climate change (Casebook 3). Additional case studies explore land use/land cover changes and ecological degradation (Casebook 4), coastal land surface temperature variations (Casebook 5), and mangrove-human conflicts (Casebook 6). The chapter further examines climate adaptation strategies among traditional fishermen (Casebook 7), gaps in climate resilience among displaced populations (Casebook 8), and the spatial dimensions of coastal zone management (Casebook 9). By integrating diverse geospatial methodologies with participatory governance approaches, this chapter presents best practices and innovative insights for enhancing resilience, adaptive capacity, and sustainability in coastal ecosystem management. The findings contribute to informed decision-making for researchers and policymakers, supporting more effective socio-ecological governance in coastal regions.