2.4.1 The Sundarbans

Question 1

Where is the Sundarbans?

Answer 1

A region in southwest Bangladesh and east India on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal.

Question 2

Topography of the sundarbans

Answer 2

The land is very flat and low-lying.

It is intersected by thousands of channels, many containing small sandy or silty islands.

Question 3

Opportunities in the Sundarbans region

Answer 3

The area provides a range of natural products, which can be used by the people who occupy the area or sold to bring economic benefits to the region:
- The flat, fertile land of the river deltas is ideal for growing crops, particularly rice.
- The mangrove forests provides the local population with fish, crabs and honey.
- The mangrove forests provide timber for construction, firewood and furniture.

There are also opportunities for development, to increase the wealth of Bangladesh as a whole:
- There are opportunities for tourism – visitors are attracted by the mangrove and wildlife.
- Since 2011, cargo ships transporting goods such as oil and food inland have been allowed to use waterways. Some channels have been dredged to make passage easier for the ships.
- A power plant has been proposed just north of the national park, providing energy for people in the region.

Question 4

Benefits of mangrove forests for protecting the coast

Answer 4

• The mangrove forest provides a natural defence against flooding – it acts as a barrier against rough seas and absorbs excess water in the rainy (monsoon) season. This makes it easier to live and grow crops.
• The mangroves also protect the area against coastal erosion – their roots bind the soil together.

Question 5

Risks of occupation in the Sundarbans

Answer 5

The location and nature of the Sundarbans create numerous risks for occupation and development:

1) There is a lack of fresh water for drinking and irrigation in much of the area. This is because fresh water is diverted from the rivers for irrigation of agricultural land further upstream.

2) The growing population has led to a need for more fuel and more agricultural land, so the mangrove forests are being removed. This increases the risk of flooding (e.g. during tropical cyclones) and coastal erosion.

3) Flooding can lead to salinisation (increased saltiness) of soil, making it hard to grow crops.

4) There is a lack of employment and income opportunities.

5) The low-lying land is at risk from rising sea levels due to global warming.

6) It is a relatively poor region, and only one-fifth of households have access to mains electricity. This makes communication by e.g. television and radio difficult, meaning that residents often don’t receive flood warnings.

7) Access is difficult — there are few roads, and those that exist are of poor quality. This limits opportunities for development, and makes it harder for residents to receive goods, healthcare and education.

Question 6

Resilience

Answer 6

Being able to cope with the challenges the environment presents.

Question 7

Resilience strategies to reduce risks in the Sundarbans

Answer 7

There are attempts to increase the population’s resilience, including:

• The Public Health Engineering Department is increasing access to clean water and sanitation. This will improve health and quality of life.
• Better roads and bridges are being built in the region, improving access for reisdents and visitors. However, this can lead to deforestation and other environmental damage.
• Some NGOs are offering training in sustainable methods of fishing and farming.
• There are efforts to decrease poverty and increase food security in the region. For example, by providing farming subsidies.

Question 8

Mitigation

Answer 8

Mitigation means reducing the severity of hazards or other problems.

Question 9

Adaptation

Answer 9

Adaptation means adjusting behaviour to fit the environment.

As the environment in the Sundarbans changes (due to e.g. climate change and sea level rise), people will need to adapt to it to reduce risks and increase benefits.

Question 10

Mitigation strategies to reduce risks in the Sundarbans

Answer 10

• There are attempts to mitigate the impacts of extreme events, e.g. cyclones. For example, the government and NGOs have provided funding for cyclone shelters and early warning systems, which should help people shelter or evacuate.
• Coastal management projects aim to protect existing mangrove forests and replant areas that have been removed, to protect against flooding and erosion. However, it is difficult to prevent illegal forest clearance throughout the whole region, and it is unclear whether the mangroves will withstand sea level rise.

Question 11

Adaptation strategies to reduce risks in the Sundarbans

Answer 11

• Projects are underway to increase tourism to the area, providing jobs and income. For example, lodges have been built and tour operators run boat trips on the rivers. However, if not properly managed, tourism can cause environmental damage.
• People can adapt to sea level rise or flooding, e.g. by building houses on stilts. However, infrastructure such as roads cannot be protected as easily.
• Sustainable adaptations (e.g. using non-intensive farming practices and promoting ecotourism) will help ensure that the fragile environment remains relatively undamaged and usable for future generations.