There can be great value in learning from other countries’ experiences. Learning from others saves time and resources–if others have already tried and tested methods, it can be much faster for a region in need to simply look at what others have done and use it as a starting point for their own solutions. Solutions to climate change issues, for example, are often applicable across regional boundaries. International organizations like the World Bank and the U.N. can be great for seeing parallels between two countries’ situations and suggesting solutions, but this process has its drawbacks. Attempting to enact plans in another country without a full understanding of the country’s culture and traditions often leads to incorrect assumptions and misunderstandings.
Historically, foreign environmental intervention has not been beneficial to Bangladesh’s habitat. In 1947, the area of present-day Bangladesh was designated as East Pakistan, under the Dominion of Pakistan[1]. As part of Pakistan, the region then fell under the domain of the United Nations. In 1957, after observing conditions in Bangladesh, the U.N. recommended the creation of the East Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (EPWAPDA), which was based on the Tennessee Valley Authority in the U.S. and would theoretically work to improve conditions relating to water and power.[1]
The U.S. engineering firm International Engineering Corporation Inc. created the EPWAPDA Master Plan, laying out steps for engineering works they believed should be carried out in Bangladesh. After reviewing this American-made plan, the World Bank chose to fund specific projects in Bangladesh based on the Master Plan, including the creation of polders, earthen embankments delineating between land and water.[1]
Figure 1: Polder in Bangladesh
Source: World Food Programme[2]
While the goal was to improve farming conditions in Bangladesh, the projects did not work out as planned. Since they were developed by the U.S. and Europe, they did not take into account any insight locals might have had about the landscape and culture. The polder system in Bangladesh is now seen to have many problems leading to decreased soil quality, greater risks due to flooding, and lack of options in city planning. They were constructed with good intentions, but without enough care.[1]
Bangladesh’s landscape and local practices are unique, and therefore plans made by organizations that have no direct knowledge of Bangladesh might have unintended consequences. In the past, the intervention of outsiders ultimately exacerbated many environmental issues. We, as foreigners writing a proposal for Bangladesh, must therefore exercise caution. We must carefully analyze the intricate differences between the geography, culture, politics, etc. of the source country in comparison to Bangladesh before suggesting that certain solutions be implemented–proceeding with the utmost care and humility. If any of these policies were to be implemented, they ought then to be reviewed on a community level–by prominent local scientists, researchers, and regulators–before any implementation begins. While we have done our best to research thoroughly, we are very aware of our positions as outsiders. We do not pretend to know everything about the region, its culture, and its situation, and therefore we will readily admit the likelihood of occasional errors or incorrect assumptions in our work.
By: Caroline Boone
References
- Lamb, Zach. (2017, October 5). Personal Interview.
- Paetz, Cornelia (2013). Embankment in Bangladesh. https://www.wfp.org/photos/gallery/rising-waters-%E2%80%93-helping-communities-cope-disaster-bangladesh