Article of the Month - September 2025 |
This article in .pdf-format (28 pages)
Climate change and disaster risks pose an increasing threat to the livelihoods and land rights of vulnerable communities across Asia. Effective land governance systems that are responsive to climate challenges are critical for safeguarding land rights, building resilience, and fostering sustainable development. This paper explores the intersection of climate-responsive land governance, disaster resilience, and land rights in Asia. It provides insights into regional challenges and highlights the importance of inclusive, adaptive governance mechanisms that integrate climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and land tenure security. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing to address these challenges.
This study outlines the importance of effective land governance in mitigating climate change and disaster risks for sustainable development. Advanced technologies like LiDAR enable precise inundation mapping, which supports accurate flood risk assessments, strategic land-use planning, and the protection of vulnerable communities. Hazard mapping, which covers both natural and man-made risks, is vital for disaster management and depends on reliable data collection, risk assessment, and GIS-based visualization.
Modernizing land records through CORS, drones, and GIS improves transparency in land ownership, reduces disputes, and enhances governance. Developing frameworks that are responsive to climate change and disaster resilience is crucial for safeguarding at-risk communities. Utilizing geospatial technologies further bolsters land-use planning and disaster risk management.
Beside of above the paper also emphasizes the need for establishing local land use monitoring groups is key for implementing climate-adaptive practices on the ground. Collaboration among multiple stakeholders promotes knowledge sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability in land governance.
Climate change is one of the most significant global challenges, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable regions, particularly in Asia, where rapid urbanization, population growth, and environmental degradation exacerbate the effects of climate-related disasters. The region faces a variety of climate risks, including floods, cyclones, droughts, and sea-level rise, all of which threaten land security, especially for marginalized and low-income communities. Safeguarding land rights and promoting disaster resilience through climate-responsive land governance are essential to ensuring sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and the well-being of affected populations.
This paper focuses on:
Asia is one of the most disaster-prone regions globally, with natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and typhoons occurring frequently. Climate change is intensifying these disasters, leading to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased competition for land. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable, as rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten the land and homes of millions.
The most affected populations are often those with insecure land tenure, including smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and informal settlers. Inadequate land governance systems leave these communities without the protection needed to withstand climate shocks. As land becomes increasingly scarce, disputes and conflicts over ownership and usage rights are likely to increase.
| 1 | Land Loss Due to Environmental Degradation | Rising Sea Levels: | Coastal communities face the loss of land as sea levels rise, leading to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and the displacement of people from their homes and farmlands. Small island nations and low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable. The gradual loss of land due to submergence undermines land tenure security for these communities |
| Desertification | In arid and semi-arid regions, climate change exacerbates desertification, leading to the degradation of productive agricultural land. As land becomes barren and unproductive, farmers lose their rights to fertile land and may be forced to migrate in search of better opportunities. | ||
| Deforestation | Forest-dependent communities, such as indigenous groups, face loss of access to forests due to climate-induced deforestation, including wildfires and shifts in forest ecosystems. Their traditional rights to use and manage forest resources are compromised when forests deteriorate or are converted to other uses. | ||
| 2 | Increased Land Conflicts | Competition for Resources | As climate change reduces the availability of arable land, water, and grazing areas, competition for remaining resources intensifies. This leads to land conflicts between different communities, such as pastoralists and farmers, or between local populations Impact on Vulnerable Communities and Land Rights at Risk and government authorities seeking to use land for development projects or conservation. |
| Forced Displacement and Migration | Climate-related disasters like floods, droughts, and storms can force people to leave their land, leading to displacement and migration. When communities are displaced, they may lose their land rights or face challenges in securing new land in their destination areas. This often creates conflicts over land ownership in places where migrants settle. | ||
| Land Grabs and Exploitation | Vulnerable communities are often at risk of **land grabbing by powerful actors, including corporations or government entities, especially when environmental degradation reduces the value of their land. Weak land tenure systems, coupled with the increasing value of land for agricultural or industrial purposes, make vulnerable communities more susceptible to exploitation and displacement. | ||
| 3 | Disruption of Traditional Land Use and Tenure Systems | Indigenous Land Rights | Indigenous peoples often have traditional land tenure systems based on communal ownership and sustainable land use practices. Climate change, through extreme weather patterns and shifts in ecosystems, disrupts these practices. For instance, changing rainfall patterns or temperature shifts affect their ability to manage forests, practice shifting cultivation, or rely on wildlife. This undermines their cultural connection to the land and the recognition of their land rights. |
| Pastoralist Communities | Pastoralists rely on seasonal migration to graze livestock. Climate change disrupts grazing patterns and water availability, forcing pastoralists to encroach on lands traditionally used by other communities, leading to conflict. Government policies may restrict their mobility or fail to protect their traditional rights to land and resources | ||
| 4 | Insecure Land Tenure | Lack of Legal Recognition | Many vulnerable communities, such as indigenous peoples or informal settlers, do not have formal legal recognition of their land rights. Climate change can exacerbate this vulnerability as governments and private actors seek to acquire land for climate adaptation or mitigation projects, such as forest conservation, renewable energy installations, or infrastructure projects. Without secure tenure, these communities can be displaced or denied access to their ancestral lands. |
| Erosion of Customary Land Rights | Customary land rights, particularly in rural areas, are often based on unwritten traditions and communal ownership. Climate change-related pressures, such as land degradation and migration, strain these systems. In the absence of legal documentation, community members may face challenges in defending their land from external claims or government appropriation. | ||
| 5 | Impact on Livelihoods | Agricultural Productivity | Small-scale farmers and agricultural communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as changing precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and heatwaves. Reduced agricultural productivity diminishes their ability to maintain their land, often leading to loss of land through debt or forced migration. This loss of productive land can undermine their rights to access and use land for agricultural purposes. |
| Livelihood Shifts | As traditional livelihoods become less viable due to climate impacts, vulnerable communities may need to shift to alternative livelihoods. However, access to land for new forms of income, such as tourism, aquaculture, or renewable energy, may be restricted. This can further marginalize vulnerable groups and limit their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions | ||
| 6 | Displacement and Resettlement | Climate-Induced Displacement | Natural disasters such as floods, storms, and landslides can displace entire communities. Displacement often results in the permanent loss of land, as returning to homes or farms may be impossible due to environmental degradation or new land use policies. Displaced individuals may have no legal claims to new land or find themselves in precarious informal settlements with limited rights. |
| Inadequate Resettlement Programs | When governments implement resettlement programs for communities displaced by climate change or development projects, these programs often fail to provide secure tenure in new locations. Communities may be resettled in areas with poor infrastructure, inadequate land for farming, or without legal titles to the land, leading to long-term insecurity. | ||
| 7 | Government Policies and Adaptation Projects | Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Projects | Government policies aimed at mitigating climate change, such as forest conservation, reforestation, or the creation of protected areas, can undermine the land rights of vulnerable communities. For example, communities living in forested areas may lose access to forest land when it is designated for carbon sequestration or conservation projects. Similarly, large-scale infrastructure projects related to climate adaptation, such as dams or flood barriers, may displace communities without adequate compensation or relocation plans. |
| Land Use Changes | Governments may prioritize land use changes for climate adaptation (e.g., creating buffer zones along coasts or floodplains) that restrict access to land traditionally used by vulnerable communities. Without proper consultation and compensation, these communities may lose their land rights in the name of climate action. | ||
| 8 | Gender-Specific Impacts | Women’s Land Rights | |
| 9 | Legal and Policy Gaps | Lack of Climate-Responsive Land Laws: Many countries lack land laws that account for the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Governments may prioritize economic growth over social equity, resulting in policies that favor land acquisition for development or conservation at the expense of vulnerable groups. Legal frameworks may not recognize or protect the land rights of informal settlers, indigenous peoples, or other marginalized groups affected by climate change. |
Climate-responsive land governance is essential for reducing vulnerability to climate-related risks and ensuring that land rights are preserved even in the face of disasters. A proactive approach to land governance integrates climate change adaptation strategies and disaster risk management into land-use planning, tenure security, and policy development.
Land governance systems must be flexible enough to adapt to changing environmental conditions and disaster risks. This requires updating land policies, zoning regulations, and land-use plans to incorporate climate projections and disaster risk assessments.
Effective land governance must be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, especially marginalized groups, in decision-making processes. Women's land rights and the land tenure of indigenous and local communities are particularly important.
Equitable access to land and resources is vital in times of climate
stress.
Land governance should prioritize the protection of vulnerable
communities, ensuring that their land rights are recognized and secured.
Transparent
Transparent land administration systems are crucial for reducing corruption and ensuring fair distribution of land resources in the aftermath of disasters.
Building disaster resilience requires integrating land governance with broader disaster risk reduction strategies. Strengthening land tenure systems and improving land use planning are central to reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing recovery efforts.
Land governance plays a crucial role in disaster management by ensuring that land is used, planned, and managed in ways that reduce vulnerability to natural disasters. Here’s a brief list of its key roles: Equity Transparency and Accountability
Best Practices for Land Governance in Disaster Contexts focus on creating resilient, inclusive, and adaptive land use policies that reduce disaster risk, enhance recovery, and safeguard the land rights of vulnerable populations. Here are some key best practices:
Several countries in Asia have made progress in integrating climate resilience into land governance systems. This section presents brief case studies that highlight the success and challenges of such efforts.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its low-lying geography, population density, and reliance on agriculture. It faces increasing risks from floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels, which have prompted the government to integrate climate resilience into its land use and governance systems.
Nepal’s National Land Use Policy (2015) is a critical framework for integrating climate resilience into land governance. The policy aims to regulate land use based on its capability, risk levels, and the need to protect vulnerable areas. It emphasizes the importance of climate-adaptive land use practices, risk-informed zoning, and sustainable natural resource management.
Nepal has made efforts to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into land governance policies.
With the growing threat of GLOFs due to climate change, Nepal has implemented targeted measures to reduce risks from glacial lakes.
Nepal’s climate resilience efforts also focus on ensuring land tenure security, particularly for vulnerable groups like indigenous communities, women, and smallholder farmers. Secure land tenure is essential for climate adaptation, as it empowers communities to invest in long-term land management practices.
Legal Recognition of Customary Land Rights: Nepal’s land governance
framework acknowledges customary land rights, particularly for
indigenous communities living in forests and high-risk areas. This
recognition allows these communities to engage in sustainable resource
management practices that enhance climate resilience.
- Gender-Inclusive Land Governance: Land governance reforms in Nepal aim
to improve land rights for women, who are often disproportionately
affected by climate change. Providing women with secure land tenure
enables them to implement climate-resilient agricultural practices and
strengthens community resilience.
Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in Nepal, and integrating climate resilience into farming practices is critical to protecting food security and rural livelihoods.
Effective land governance requires strong institutions and local capacity. Nepal has invested in strengthening institutions to implement climate-resilient land governance.
India faces growing climate risks due to rising temperatures, erratic
monsoons, and increased intensity of extreme weather events. Vulnerable
regions like coastal areas, river basins, and semi-arid lands are
home to millions of people who depend heavily on agriculture, fisheries,
and natural resources for their livelihoods.
India’s NAPCC, launched in 2008, is the cornerstone of its climate policy. It comprises eight national missions, several of which focus on integrating climate resilience into land governance:
This act institutionalizes disaster risk reduction (DRR) as part of land governance in India. It mandates disaster risk assessments and hazard mapping, ensuring that land use planning considers disaster risks. For example, regions prone to floods or landslides have special zoning regulations to restrict development in high-risk areas.
This policy addresses the resettlement of communities displaced by natural disasters or climate change impacts, ensuring that their land rights and livelihoods are protected during relocation.
conducted ICZM project for Provision of Ground Controls and Digital Photogrammetric Work of approximately 7 km. wide coastal belt of Indian mainland including major deltaic areas and back waters, for delineation of hazard line.
Since India has about 7500 Km coastal line (5400Km on mainland) and 250 million people are living with in 50 Km distance from Sea shore.The coastal area of India accommodates 130 cities and large number of villages.
In view of above. Swami Nathan committee recommended to number of reforms to facilitate conservation of eco system in coastal zone to promote economic development and poverty reduction in the costal areas. The MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS had take up this work with collaboration with Survey of India ,Ministry of Science & Technology
Main technical factor for hazard lime mapping under ICZM was as under:
Key Initiatives Integrating Climate Resilience and Land Governance
Maharashtra, a state prone to severe droughts, has implemented climate-resilient agricultural practices through the Maharashtra Climate Resilient Agriculture Project (MCRAP). The initiative integrates land governance with climate adaptation strategies by:
In India, Odisha is widely acknowledged as a leading state in implementing disaster resilience, particularly in terms of preparedness and response to coastal disasters like cyclones, using maps developed under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project. Odisha's approach to building disaster resilience is often regarded as a model for other states and countries, especially in the context of cyclone management. Through ICZM projects, the following types of maps were prepared to support disaster resilience efforts.
| Name of Map | Purpose | Uses | Example | Remarks |
| Hazard Mapping | To identify areas at risk from natural hazards like cyclones, tsunamis, coastal flooding, and erosion. | Hazard maps show which parts of the coastal zone are most vulnerable to natural disasters, allowing authorities to prioritize risk reduction | In Odisha, hazard maps are used to highlight cyclone-prone zones and areas at risk of flooding from storm surges. This helps in planning evacuation routes and determining where to | |
| Vulnerability Mapping | To assess the vulnerability of coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. | Vulnerability maps combine information on social, economic, and physical vulnerabilities, such as population density, poverty levels, and weak infrastructure. | Vulnerability maps of coastal regions in West Bengal help determine which areas need more robust evacuation plans and where infrastructure needs to be fortified to withstand storms. | |
| Risk Mapping | To integrate hazard and vulnerability data to create risk maps. | These maps help planners assess the overall risk in a coastal area by factoring in both the likelihood of hazards and the community's capacity to cope with them. | Risk maps are used in Gujarat to prioritize investments in protective infrastructure like seawalls and mangrove restoration, aimed at reducing the overall risk of coastal erosion and flooding. | |
| Ecosystem and Land Use Mapping | To track changes in coastal ecosystems and land use, helping in ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction. | Land use maps show areas where human activities, such as construction or agriculture, are impacting coastal ecosystems. This helps in planning interventions like mangrove reforestation to enhance natural barriers. | In Odisha, mangrove mapping is used to identify areas where mangroves have degraded and need restoration. Mangroves act as natural buffers against storm surges, reducing the impact of cyclones. | |
| Real-Time Mapping and Early Warning Systems | To provide real-time data on approaching hazards, allowing for timely evacuations and disaster response. | Satellite-based maps, along with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, can provide real-time updates on weather patterns, water levels, and storm surges. | Real-time flood maps are used in Tamil Nadu to track rising water levels during monsoons and cyclones, helping authorities coordinate evacuations in low-lying areas. | |
| Shoreline Change Mapping: | To monitor coastal erosion and accretion (land buildup), which is vital for planning long-term coastal resilience. | Shoreline change maps show how the coastline is shifting due to natural processes and human activities. These maps help in planning protective measures like beach nourishment or constructing embankments. | In Gujarat, shoreline change mapping is used to predict areas at risk of erosion and determine where to build coastal protection structures. | |
| Infrastructure Mapping | To map critical infrastructure (e.g., roads, hospitals, schools, and shelters) that needs to be protected or upgraded to withstand disaster | Odisha, frequently hit by cyclones, has developed a comprehensive land use planning strategy to protect coastal communities: | ||
| Coastal Zone Management Plans | Odisha’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project focuses on sustainable land use practices, including mangrove restoration, which acts as a natural buffer against storm surges. | |||
| Resilient Housing and Infrastructure | In cyclone-prone regions, land governance policies require the construction of cyclone-resistant housing and infrastructure, reducing vulnerability during extreme weather events |
Based on the above maps, the state of Odisha implemented measures and developed infrastructure accordingly. The results of these efforts have been observed in a decreasing trend, as outlined below.
Rajasthan, one of the driest states in India, has integrated climate resilience into its land governance system to address recurring droughts:
The Philippines is frequently affected by typhoons, floods, and
landslides. As a response, the government has adopted a multi-faceted
approach to integrate climate resilience into its land governance system
through legislation, land use planning, and hazard mapping.
Key Initiatives:
Vietnam is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries due to its long coastline and dependence on agriculture. Rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events, such as typhoons and floods, threaten its coastal and delta regions.
Addressing the complex challenges of climate-responsive land governance and disaster resilience requires collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. This paper calls for a multi-stakeholder approach that fosters knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer.
Capacity Building:
Building the capacity of national and regional institutions is crucial for implementing climate-responsive land governance policies. This includes training policymakers, land administrators, and community leaders in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive land governance.
Technology Transfer and Innovation:
Innovative technologies, such as GIS, drones, and remote sensing, offer new opportunities for improving land governance and disaster resilience. Collaborative efforts between governments and technology providers can enhance the ability to monitor land use, assess climate risks, and respond to disasters effectively.
Safeguarding land rights in the face of climate change and disaster risks is a critical challenge for Asia. Climate-responsive land governance offers a pathway to protecting vulnerable communities, reducing disaster risks, and promoting sustainable development. The integration of adaptive land governance policies, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive participation can help build resilient systems that ensure land rights for all, even in the face of climate-induced challenges. Through capacity-building, technology transfer, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the region can develop solutions that safeguard land rights and foster long-term resilience.
A-Conduct Inundation mapping using advance Tecchnlogy :-Inundation maps are critical tools for flood risk assessment and disaster management, especially in flood-prone areas along rivers. These maps help identify areas that are likely to be flooded during heavy rainfall or high river discharge, enabling effective land use planning and, if necessary, the relocation of inhabitants from high-risk zones. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology plays a key role in creating large-scale inundation maps with high accuracy and precision, especially in regions with complex terrain or dense vegetation.
B-Conduct Hazard mapping :-This is an indispensable tool for disaster management and land use planning. By identifying high-risk areas, these maps enable governments, organizations, and communities to mitigate risks, design resilient infrastructure, and improve emergency preparedness. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of many natural hazards, the importance of accurate, up-to-date hazard mapping continues to grow. Through ongoing advancements in remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and GIS, hazard maps are becoming more precise, allowing for better decision-making and enhanced resilience to future disasters.
Mathematical models and simulations are used to forecast the potential impact of future hazards. For example, flood models simulate how water would flow across different terrains, while seismic models predict the spread of earthquake waves. These models help refine hazard maps, making them more precise and reliable.
1. Earthquake Hazard Maps: Earthquake hazard maps show regions susceptible to seismic activity based on tectonic plates and fault lines. These maps are used to guide building codes, ensuring that structures are designed to withstand potential earthquake forces, especially in high-risk zones.
2. Landslide Hazard Maps: Landslide hazard maps are developed for mountainous or hilly areas where soil erosion, rainfall, and steep slopes can lead to landslides. These maps aid in infrastructure development and prevent construction in areas where the risk of landslides is high.
3. Cyclone/Storm Surge Maps: These maps show coastal areas at risk from cyclones, high winds, and storm surges. They are crucial for early warning systems and emergency evacuation planning, helping to protect coastal populations and infrastructure.
4. Drought Hazard Maps: Drought maps identify areas vulnerable to prolonged water shortages, particularly in semi-arid or arid regions. They support water resource management, agricultural planning, and drought resilience strategies.
5. Volcanic Hazard Maps: Volcanic maps highlight zones around active volcanoes that could be affected by lava flows, ashfall, or pyroclastic surges. These maps help authorities issue evacuation orders and implement hazard mitigation measures.
The preparation of digital land records using modern technologies such as CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations), drone technology, and GIS (Geographic Information System) is revolutionizing land governance. This approach ensures accurate land ownership details, efficient land use planning, and reduces disputes over land boundaries by providing precise and up-to-date land records. Here’s an in-depth look at how these technologies work together to create digital land records.
Since Traditional land records often suffer from inaccuracies due to outdated or poorly maintained data, leading to land disputes, inefficiencies in land transactions, and challenges in governance. Digital land records address these issues by providing accurate, real-time data that is easily accessible, transparent, and reliable. They allow governments, landowners, and other stakeholders to manage land ownership, transactions, and disputes more effectively.
D- Develop and implement national and regional land
governance frameworks that are climate-responsive and
disaster-resilient.
E Prioritize the protection of vulnerable
communities by recognizing and formalizing land rights, especially in
disaster-prone areas.
D Leverage geospatial technologies to improve
land-use planning and disaster risk management.
E Strengthen legal frameworks to ensure
transparent, equitable, and accountable land governance.
F Establishing a Local Land Use
Monitoring Group: Planning Land Use with Advanced Recommendations
The establishment of a Land Use Monitoring Group at the local level is essential for ensuring sustainable, equitable, and climate-responsive land use. This group would be responsible for implementing recommendations based on modern geospatial technologies like CORS, drone surveys, and GIS platforms, alongside promoting sustainable practices that address climate change, disaster resilience, and reducing land disputes.
G Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to enhance knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer at the regional level.