Assessment of the climate change impacts on world heritage structures: A case study on Khalifatabad city in Bagerhat.

In recent decades, Bangladesh has experienced numerous extreme natural hazards and its intensity and frequency is increasing. From various research works it has been revealed that the increasing trend of natural disasters is mostly due to the effect of climate change. Various national bodies proposed comprehensive plans to adapt and mitigate these calamities where logically people and their well-being come at the first priority. The cultural heritage of the affected areas is not focused sufficiently though it demands more attention as the climate change impact may cause irreversible damage and losses due to its age and fragility.  The 15th century architecture of Khalifatabad is situated in the southern coastal region in Bagerhat, Khulna which has been enlisted as the UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The Khalifatabad architecture is chosen as a case study which is also an international concern. Both physical and social surveys have been conducted along with the relevant laboratory tests. The outcome of the study will be disseminated to the government, non-government, and private organizations as well as the local stakeholders. The research explored the vulnerability of the Khalifatabad structures and suitable strategies have been suggested to promote self-motivated enterprises of surrounding community for the sustainability of the heritage structures against climate change effect.

• Research Project