STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology Case Study

Conflict Resolution and Long-term Planning: A Case Study of Bangladesh’s Marine Areas

  1. Mohammad Saydul Islam Sarkar Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
  2. Mritunjoy Mojumder Department of Geography, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has a significant maritime area (118,813 km2 ), about equal to its land area. As a result, this vast marine area has prompted Bangladesh to exploit its maritime resources in a sustainable manner, which has been dubbed the “Blue Economy.” Bangladesh's maritime region is used for a number of activities, including fishing, shipbuilding, shipping, oil and gas exploration, tourism, energy, and military exercises. User-user conflict and user-environment conflict are the two main kinds of conflict in Bangladesh's marine areas. This study is based on a survey of several published research papers, articles, and reports, among other things, and is used to identify roughly various aspects of the marine region. This study reveals that Bangladesh's maritime region offers huge strength and opportunity. However, the strength is not exploited, and the opportunity is not utilized. The paper identifies potential challenges, opportunities, and offers some strategic ways for implementing a longterm management plan in Bangladesh's marine sector. This study discusses potential challenges and opportunities in identifying major conflicts among maritime activities, as well as the role of compatibility matrix analysis in resolving those conflicts. Based on the authors’ fieldwork, ground observation, book studies, and other research, they selected and conducted a compatibility matrix analysis of the existing operations in Bangladesh's marine areas. The compatibility of each use was also taken into account with conflicts between marine operations and biodiversity conservation emerging as the main concerns. A maritime court should be established to ensure the peace and protection of the maritime border; modern technology can be used for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of maritime resources; and all stakeholders, whether individuals or groups, should work together to achieve a balanced ecosystem. The purpose of the study is to apply compatibility matrix analysis to resolve maritime region conflicts, which will be useful in determining strategic maritime spatial planning implementation strategies.

Keywords

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