Problem causation and solutions in watershed management from stakeholder perspectives: a case study in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Watershed degradation exerts intricate social, economic, and environmental consequences. For instance, Bangladesh has been facing significant watershed deterioration in Cox's Bazar. This research assessed the current biophysical status of major watersheds and the socioeconomic status of major water users to recommend a comprehensive watershed management plan. Firstly, watersheds were delineated from a 5-m resolution digital terrain model from 2016 to 2019. Next, a preliminary inventory is prepared by biophysical field surveys that state stream characteristics. Six focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with representatives from 21 water user groups, and five KIIs with government and non-government officials. Land use and land cover classification predicted for 2027 from PlanetLab images between 2017 and 2022 reveals a gradual increase in the built-up area by 7.8% and settlement areas by 47.25%, while other land cover types, such as vegetation and waterbodies, show a progressive decrease to 39.9 and 6%, respectively. Local stakeholders blamed the decline of vegetation, forest degradation, reduced stream flow, and groundwater depletion as the main causes of watershed degradation. Now, co-creation with local stakeholders focusing on watershed conservation through stream restoration, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, and training on conservation agricultural practices is essential for protecting vital water resources.