Communities mark Sundarbans Day urging stronger conservation and sustainable livelihoods as climate change, salinity and illegal activities threaten the world’s largest mangrove forest and coastal resilience.
While much of the world marked Valentine’s Day on February 14 communities along Bangladesh’s southwest coast observed the day as Sundarbans Day renewing calls for stronger conservation efforts and sustainable livelihood support for forest dependent populations.
For more than two decades civil society organisations and environmental groups in coastal districts including Khulna have marked the day through awareness campaigns rallies and discussions highlighting the ecological and socio economic significance of the Sundarbans the world’s largest mangrove forest.
A globally significant ecosystem
Located along the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal the Sundarbans is widely recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity and unique saline coastal environment. The forest was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1992. Later on December 6 1997 it was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
According to Bangladesh’s Forest Department approximately 31.15 percent of the forest area consists of wetlands making it critical for ecological balance climate resilience and coastal protection.
The forest hosts 334 plant species including the iconic Sundari tree along with 165 species of algae and 13 species of orchids. It supports 375 species of wildlife such as Bengal tigers spotted deer saltwater crocodiles and king cobras. It also provides habitat for six species of dolphins including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and sustains over 210 species of fish.
Climate change and human pressures intensify threats
Despite its global ecological importance experts warn that the forest faces mounting threats from climate change environmental degradation and illegal exploitation of natural resources.
Forest Department data show a sharp decline in bird species which has dropped from around 400 to nearly 270 species over recent decades.
Rising sea levels and increasing salinity both linked to climate change are damaging less salt tolerant vegetation including the Sundari tree while shrinking natural habitats for wildlife. Seasonal tidal surges during full and new moon periods submerge elevated forest areas destroying wildlife eggs and disrupting breeding cycles.
Reduced freshwater flow from upstream rivers has intensified salinity intrusion further destabilising the ecosystem.
Illegal activities also remain a serious concern. Reports indicate that some fishers use poison in rivers and canals to catch fish severely threatening aquatic biodiversity. Poaching of wildlife such as deer and wild boar and occasional tiger killings have further strained the fragile ecosystem.
Conservation policies and livelihood challenges
Government conservation measures including annual fishing bans between June and August to allow fish populations to recover have helped protect biodiversity. However these restrictions have also created economic hardships for coastal communities.
According to recent reports nearly 50,000 people in Satkhira district alone depend on fishing honey collection and forest resource harvesting for survival. During fishing bans many struggle to maintain their livelihoods.
Although authorities provide food assistance including 56 kilograms of rice to registered fishers access to this support often requires a Fishermen Card which involves registration costs that many low income fishers cannot afford. As a result numerous families remain excluded from government assistance.
Facing financial hardship some fishers turn to environmentally harmful practices such as illegal shrimp and crab minnow harvesting which offers short term income but damages aquatic ecosystems. Others migrate to urban centres for labour work leading to the gradual loss of traditional fishing knowledge and skills.
Communities call for balanced solutions
Local residents and environmental activists emphasise that the forest serves as a natural shield protecting coastal communities from cyclones storm surges and climate related disasters. They warn that the degradation of the forest could significantly increase vulnerability across Bangladesh’s coastal belt.
Experts and community leaders are urging policymakers to adopt integrated approaches that balance conservation with livelihood security. Proposed solutions include developing climate resilient alternative income opportunities expanding social protection for forest dependent communities and strengthening inclusive conservation policies.
Environmental advocates say that protecting the forest is essential not only for biodiversity but also for safeguarding millions of coastal residents and preserving one of the world’s most critical natural ecosystems for future generations.
Sohanur Rahman Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global said protecting the Sundarbans requires people centred conservation strategies.
“The Sundarbans is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a lifeline for millions of coastal residents. Conservation efforts must go hand in hand with sustainable livelihood opportunities climate justice and community participation. Without ensuring economic security for forest dependent communities long term protection of the forest will remain difficult,” he said.
Meanwhile Md Rezaul Karim Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans East Division said the overall condition of the forest has improved due to ongoing conservation efforts.
“The Sundarbans was created by nature and nature itself protects it. However alongside natural protection various initiatives and projects are being implemented to conserve the forest’s biodiversity. Overall the Sundarbans is now in a better condition than before,” he said.
