Coastal megaprojects in the blue economy: Towards equity and transformation for the coastal poor – a case study from Bangladesh

Abstract

The rapid changing of coastal and marine systems is driven by underlying socio-economic factors, including privatization, industrialization, and conservation initiatives. These dynamics present significant equity and justice challenges for small-scale resource users. This research investigates the social impacts of coastal megaprojects development initiatives. Empirically, the case of Maheshkhali Island in the southeastern region of Bangladesh is examined, where a coal power plant and deep-sea port have recently been implemented within the wider context of blue economy agendas and debates. The thesis addresses the phenomena of displacement, dispossession, and marginalization experienced by coastal communities in the wake of substantial investments by the government and international stakeholders in alignment with national blue economy strategies. The thesis investigates how these developments exacerbate existing inequity, disrupt the livelihoods of those affected, and undermine resource access. In doing so, the thesis addresses wider concerns regarding blue economy governance, justice, and sustainability. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach within the marine social sciences, combining political ecology, coastal conflict studies, blue justice, and interactive governance frameworks to examine governance responses and identify pathways for equitable blue economy development. Methodologically, the study undertakes literature review on the blue economy and conducts qualitative data collection (interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation), social network analysis, and discourse analysis. The core of this research is presented in 6 articles. The study’s key findings, in Article 1, reveal discrepancies between global commitments to the blue economy and those in national policies. At the heart of these discrepancies is a lack of social equity and justice for marginalized resource users, identifying a need for scientific approaches to link to national policies to foster inclusive governance. Article 2 develops a conceptual framework for the creation of “safe spaces” with a focus on small-scale fisheries, offering equity-focused blue economy development for the implementation of equitable and sustainable practices that are grounded in international guidelines. Article 3 analyzes blue economy governance networks in Bangladesh, and reveals a concentration of power, the marginalization of local stakeholders, and a narrow focus on fisheries, tourism, and shipping in the blue economy governance perceptions of key national blue economy stakeholders. Article 4 offers empirical evidence of injustices and inequity in Maheshkhali Island and provides a critique of the development narratives along with geopolitics influences in Bangladesh. Article 5 explores the diversities and commonalities of the discourses that the blue economy stakeholders (i.e., local small-scale resource users) engage in and identifies the need for participatory processes to address environmental, health, and livelihood concerns. Article 6 uses “interactive governance” as a systemic framework to seek governance responses to injustice and inequity in blue economy initiatives in principles of justice, encompassing recognition, procedural fairness, and distributive equity, to foster sustainable and inclusive blue economy transformations. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on coastal and ocean conflicts within megaproject implementation, equity, and governance challenges in blue economy contexts of the Global South, and offers a basis for policymakers for informed policy-making. A policy brief with the most important findings and recommendations is under preparation.