Roles and nature of public participation in climate change adaptation in coastal South Asia

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of the roles and nature of public participation in climate change adaptation in coastal South Asia. In this region, coastal communities face significant climate-related risks due to their inherent vulnerability from population density, rapid changes in landuse, and extensive shoreline. They are particularly vulnerable to hazards such as sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, and storm surges. Governments in the region have initiated adaptation strategies, emphasizing the inclusion of local stakeholders. However, the extent and impact of public participation in these strategies vary across case studies. Drawing on 42 published peer review articles, this review synthesizes participatory approaches in coastal adaptation strategies. We found that public participation strengthens community cohesion, improves adaptation outcomes, and is a mandatory tool for identifying local vulnerabilities and capacities. Participation through grassroots organizations may result in wider sustainability for the vulnerable coastal communities. Additionally, the review identifies several barriers, including the prevalence of elite capture and token participation, externally driven participation processes, and unclear task definitions. We also found that to enhance the effectiveness of public participation in climate change adaptation, it is crucial to adopt inclusive, bottom-up approaches, empower marginalized groups, and ensure that participation is contextually grounded and representative. This study’s insights are applicable not only to South Asia but also to other vulnerable coastal regions in the Global South.