Mohammad Saydul Islam Sarkar,
Mritunjoy Mojumder,
- Assistant Professor Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
- Student 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: Bangladesh’s maritime regions, opportunities and challenges, compatibility matrix analysis, conflict resolution
[This article belongs to Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology(joost)]
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Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 02 |
| Received | June 10, 2024 |
| Accepted | July 25, 2024 |
| Published | July 29, 2024 |