case study- coast beyond the UK Flashcards
Where are the Sundarbans located?
- delta region of the Ganges
- spanning southern Bangladesh and eastern India.
What natural resources do the Sundarbans provide?
- Mangrove wood
- fertile soil for rice farming
- fish, crabs
How do mangroves act as natural coastal defences?
- large roots reduce wave energy
- roots trap sediment building up the coastline
- The canopy reduces wind speed during tropical storms.
How can tourism benefit the Sundarbans?
Ecotourism based on biodiversity (e.g. Bengal tigers) can generate income.
What natural hazards affect the Sundarbans?
Tropical cyclones causing storm surges and flooding.
How is climate change affecting the Sundarbans?
Rising sea levels increase salinity and flood risk.
What human challenges do people face in the Sundarbans?
- Poverty
- limited healthcare
- poor infrastructure
What is a wildlife-related risk for local people?
Human-tiger conflict when entering forests.
How have human activities damaged the Sundarbans?
Deforestation for shrimp farming and settlement reduces mangrove cover.
How does mangrove replanting help manage coastal risk in the Sundarbans?
- restores natural barriers that absorb wave energy
- reduce coastal erosion and trap sediment.
- supports biodiversity.
Who supports mangrove conservation efforts in the Sundarbans?
- local NGOs
- the Bangladeshi government
- international organisations like UNESCO
What are community based adaptation strategies in the Sundarbans?
- education programs on sustainable resource use
- training in disaster preparedness
- cyclone shelters
How do cyclone shelters and raised homes help reduce risk?
- Cyclone shelters provide safe refuge during storms
- homes raised on stilts reduce damage from flooding and storm surges.
What appropriate technologies are being used in the Sundarbans?
- Salt-resistant rice varieties to cope with soil salinisation.
- Solar panels to provide electricity in off-grid areas.
- Rainwater harvesting systems for clean water supply.
How has the Bangladeshi government responded to coastal challenges?
projects like the CEIP to strengthen flood defences
What is Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Sundarbans?
- aims to coordinate efforts between government, NGOs, and local communities to manage development while protecting the environment
What are the benefits of ICZM?
It promotes a sustainable balance between economic development (e.g. farming, fishing) and ecosystem conservation, and improves disaster response capacity.
How large is the Sundarbans region?
Around 10,000 km².
How many people depend on the Sundarbans for livelihoods?
Over 600,000 people.
How fast is sea level rising in the Sundarbans?
3–8 mm per year, faster than the global average.
What were the effects of Cyclone Sidr (2007)?
- Winds over 223 km/h
- 3,500 deaths
- $1.7 billion in damage
How many cyclone shelters exist in Bangladesh?
Over 2,000.
How much land has been targeted for mangrove planting?
Over 5,000 hectares.
