Attended FARU 2025 organized by The Faculty of Architecture Research Unit (FARU) of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka to present research paper titled SEASONAL ADAPTATION THROUGH VERNACULAR STRATEGY IN VULNERABLE WATER NOMAD COMMUNITY IN BANGLADESH . 

Abstract

Bangladesh’s extensive riverine landscape hosts communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to water channels. Among them are the Water nomads or Bede (in Bangla) constitute a distinct socio-cultural group. Historically originating from the Arakan empires’ ethnic lineage, they travelled river channels, temporarily settling near village market or urban peripheries. Traditionally engaged in fishing, trading and culturally embedded practices such as unconventional medicine, snake charming and performative arts, they have faced social marginalization for long in Bangladesh . Economic shifts and the decline of their traditional occupations have gradually compelled them to rely on conventional jobs, i.e.- fishing, irregular wage labour etc. Seasonal flooding, especially during monsoon, submerges their surroundings, disrupts regular livelihoods and limits access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). While isolated initiatives have addressed either safe WASH or additional income generation, no integrated and sustainable strategy has addressed year-round accessibility alongside the community’s multifaceted vulnerabilities. The study aims to understand the current socio-economic and spatial vulnerabilities faced by the community and propose a contextually grounded strategic framework that adapts vernacular approaches to enhance physical accessibility during water level fluctuations, resulting improved quality of life, safeguarding livelihoods and enhancing socio–economic resilience across the seasonal cycle.

Keywords

WATER-NOMAD, BEDE, DELTA, RESILIENCE

URI

https://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/24989

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31705/FARU.2025.26

Authors -  Mahia Mustary Nushin, Aqib Mohammad Nibir 

Our conceptual proposal titled "SHAKO – COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RESILIENT LIVING" is published under SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals chapter in the UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda (2026 Edition) has been published featuring among 68 selected projects worldwide under 17 SDG

" A successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society. These inclusive partnerships built upon principles and values, a shared vision, and shared goals that place people and the planet at the centre, are needed at the global, regional, national and local level.

Urgent action is needed to mobilise, redirect and unlock the transformative power of trillions of dollars of private resources to deliver on sustainable development objectives. Long-term investments, including foreign direct investment, are needed in critical sectors, especially in developing countries." -  UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda (2026 Edition)

Authors - Mahia Mustary Nushin, Aqib Mohammad Nibir

Undergraduate Thesis titled "Repurposing the Barishal Riverport - For Socially Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Life" is published under SDG 08 - DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH chapter in the UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda (2026 Edition) has been published featuring among 68 selected projects worldwide under 17 SDG

"Today, roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day with global unemployment rates of 5.7%, and having a job doesn't guarantee the ability to escape from poverty in many places. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.'

Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population." - UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda (2026 Edition)

Author - Aqib Mohammad Nibir

spanning across 6 months of extensive research, industry expert one to one feedback sessions and 3 elimination rounds Team Terraqueous stood among top 11 finalists. Received Partners Prize Award for for our proposal at grand finale. 

See publication magazine at Nature-based Future Challenge

A terraqueous vision

In our vision for 2121, Bangladesh will emerge as the world's first developed terraqueous nation, where all residents thrive, and wa- ter and local knowledge drive climate resilience and sustainability, health, and economic prosperity for all. Settlements will integrate adaptive architecture and clean energy, while sustainable agriculture enhances production and food security. Mangroves will span the horizon, shielding shores from storms, as wetlands absorb flooding and protect against sea-level rise. Bangladesh's rich biodiversity will be preserved and celebrated, with people appreciating nature's gifts and driving equitable development.

In the BDC Triangle

The BDC Triangle, spanning the Barisal, Dhaka, and Chattogram Divisions, was selected for its unique combination of vulnerability and potential. Six High Leverage Points (HLPs) with 18 corresponding projects across micro, meso, and macro scales have been proposed to enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth in the BDC Triangle through nature-based solutions. The success of these projects will serve as a model for the entire nation, propelling Bangladesh towards its terraqueous future.

Team Terraqueous -  Mohammad Arfar Razi, Nazmul Hoque Nayeem, Mahia Mustary Noushin, Aqib Mohammad Nibir, Ignacio Andueza, Arefien Razi Yaad, and Vickie Belcher