A global perspective on a bioengineering approach to landslide mitigation using bamboo diversity

Abstract

Landslide mitigation is one of the major challenges occurring in hilly and mountainous regions worldwide. Various civil construction-based options, such as constructing walls and making fences using wires and metallic mesh, are regularly employed in attempts to reduce the hazard, but these measures are temporary solutions to stop the movement of unstable soil. The problem of unstable soils could be solved by increasing the vegetation on the hilltops and mountains where soil erosion and mass movements are predominant. A bioengineering approach could resolve this problem in a sustainable way and without damaging the environment. Various methods and approaches have been adopted worldwide for landslide mitigation and are discussed and critically analyzed in this article. The effectiveness of bamboo plantations on the hilltops and the use of specific species as determined by the soil characteristics are discussed and elaborated. Some research gaps in the existing bioengineering aspects and scope of research are highlighted for further improvement and refinement.