Conservation Challenges in the Sundarbans
Lying in the low coastal zone makes the Sundarbans more vulnerable to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, sea-level rise and coastline erosion.
Studies suggest that climate change is leading to increased salinity and higher tidal surges, and permanent submergence of land mass. It has been found that the relative mean sea level in Sagar Island (in the Sundarbans) and adjoining areas of the Bay of Bengal is rising at the rate of 3.14 mm per year (Hazra et al. 2002), as compared to the global average of 2 mm per year. The projected loss of area for 12 of the most vulnerable sea-facing islands by 2020 is between three percent and 32 per cent.
Moreover, the Sundarbans is also home to a large and burgeoning human population (estimated at 4.5 million in 2001), which is riddled with poverty and poor infrastructure. Due to inadequate health care, education and transportation, coupled with restricted livelihood options, communities have to struggle to cope. Further, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources is taking its toll on the environment of the region. With many wildlife species already extinct in these areas and the others battling to survive, the Sundarbans is an example of an endangered ecology, both fragile and economically valuable.
Moreover, the Sundarbans is also home to a large and burgeoning human population (estimated at 4.5 million in 2001), which is riddled with poverty and poor infrastructure. Due to inadequate health care, education and transportation, coupled with restricted livelihood options, communities have to struggle to cope. Further, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources is taking its toll on the environment of the region. With many wildlife species already extinct in these areas and the others battling to survive, the Sundarbans is an example of an endangered ecology, both fragile and economically valuable.
Inflow of tidal waters, Mousuni island, Sunderbans
