Staff Reporter :
Recent studies showed a decline in forest density and an increase in poisonous substances in water bodies in the Sundarbans due to Climate Change.
It has caused habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Bangladesh must take immediate steps for conservation of the ecosystem, through national and international efforts; this must include joint management of protected areas, and actions against those contributing to degradation of the ecosystem.
February 14 was declared as “The Sundarbans Day” in 2001 to support the conservation of the important ecosystem.
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, located in the delta region of the Bay of Bengal. Its intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and diverse flora and fauna play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems and play a significant role in the Ecosystem of Bangladesh.
According to Change Initiative’s study in 2024, titled “Rising Tides, Roaring Futures: The Sundarbans’ Quest for Survival,” the changes in land cover of the Sundarbans from 1973 to 2024, show a loss of dense forest and an increase of water bodies, indicating habitat loss and fragmentation.
According to the analysis, from constituting forest cover of 94.2pc of the area, there was a decline to 91.5pc. This indicates that there is a considerable decrease in critical ecological strongholds that provide vital natural services, ranging from carbon sequestration to coastal protection and biodiversity sustenance.
Researchers estimate that there has been a loss of USD 3.3 billion in ecosystem services of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve during the last 30 years, over 80pc of which is provided by mangroves.
Collected data further shows an increase in water body coverage from 4.8pc to 7.6pc, causing environmental concerns due to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss.
The less dense forest shows a slight decrease from 1.0pc to 0.9pc, indicating declining forest robustness and potential degradation due to anthropogenic pressures or natural forest dynamics. Despite the increasing waterbody coverage, the 210 species of fish, shrimp, crabs, Mollusca, and lobster, native to the region; is facing depletion due to the widespread use of poisonous substances for fish baits.
According to the study, the current threats and challenges faced by the Sundarbans must also be considered, such as tiger population decline, Sundari tree disappearance, Geographical Indication (GI) rights for ‘Sundarbans honey’, and establishment of thermal coal plant and risky infrastructure.
M Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative and International Climate and Environmental Policy Expert; emphasizes that, “Conservation of the Sundarbans is crucial and requires a multifaceted approach. This issue must be included in Loss and Damage Funding, as it is a transboundary concern.”
Additionally, to locally address issues of pollution, alternative sources of income must be offered to local businesses and plants that damage the local ecosystem. Expanding protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries is crucial.
Historical administrative models should be revived, and regional and international agreements should be promoted to protect 30pc of land and sea by 2030.